With severe frost promised this weekend, freezing weather conditions can affect farming in several ways.

The problem of freezing of milking machines and other equipment in milking parlours can be two of the problems dairy farmers face.

The Departement of Defence’s ‘Be Winter Ready’ booklet has some good advice on how to reduce the risk of ice forming in milking machines.

Make sure that all doors into the parlour are kept closed during times of freezing weather.

It advises to close off the entrance to the parlour with plastic sheeting or insulating blanket to reduce the amount of freezing air getting in and to keep as much heat as possible inside.

Milking cows must have access to drinking water at all times. A cow producing 30L of milk and being fed a silage- based diet requires 75-90L of water per day.

The booklet has the following tips on preventing milking equipment freezing over the winter months: