Low-Cost, Hand-Pumped Milker

Low-Cost, Hand-Pumped Milker LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats 31-5-17 When Maggie Leman and Dan Dawson went looking for a portable milker for their miniature goats, they couldn't find one they liked so Dan designed his own. "I saw a hand-powered portable milker on the internet that was designed for milking horses," recalls Leman. "I didn't think it would fit goats easily, and it cost more than I wanted to spend." He put together his own milker using materials lying around the house. It worked well enough that they tested it with more durable components. After showing it to others, they began to offer it for sale early this year for use on miniatures or full size goats. It can also be used on sheep, llamas, horses, and other animals. "We've sold more than we ever thought we would," recalls Leman. "Within two weeks of our first sales, we had customers telling us how much they loved the milker. It even works when the animal is lying down. One customer used it to collect colostrum from a doe that couldn't get up." Leman and Dawson advertise in dairy goat trade journals and promote the milker on their website. It sells for $45. A larger teat cup for full size goats sells for an additional $2. They also offer closed system receptacles in pint, half gallon and gallon sizes, with vented lids and a hose that connects to the milker. An in-line milk filter also can be installed. "We offer a 30-day warranty, but with any milking system you should replace hoses and teat cups at least once a year," says Leman. "Dish soap and a weak bleach solution is all that's needed to clean it. We provide a formula with the milker." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Maggidans, 1205 Olive Branch Rd., Durham, N.C. 27703 (ph 919 596-0984; maggidans @ msn.com; www. maggidans. com).

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