Milking machine guidelines must be used - IMQCS

Members of the FTMTA Milking Machine Division have had significant input into the content and design of the new recommendations for the installation and testing of milking machines. These recommendations have been published in a booklet, which has been produced by the Irish Milk Quality Co-Operative Society (IMQCS).

The new IMQCS booklet, which forms part of a voluntary standards scheme operated by those in the milking machine industry, has been distributed to installers and testers who have taken part in IMQCS refresher and training courses in recent years.

The publication of the booklet will help to raise the standard of installation of milking machines. This, in turn, will help to ensure optimum machine performance and to safeguard animal health across the national herd.

There are however, some indications that the booklet is not being used by some personnel when preparing plans for new installations, according to reports from FTMTA members.

The association is adamant that the new booklet should serve as a reference guide for all, as it combines existing recommendations and standards approved by IMQCS and in accordance with ISO 5707 (1996), ISO 6690 (1996) and ISO 3918 (1996).

The booklet replaces the existing 1989 edition.

"This booklet has been produced by a high-calibre team of experts in the field of milking technology; people with international credibility who have in the past ensured that Irish installations are of a high standard,'' said FTMTA chief executive Michael Moroney.

"Farmers need to be sure that the milking machines that they are being quoted for, when they upgrade their installations, adhere to the standards set down by these guidelines. Copies of the booklet are available from IMQCS, which is based at the ICOS office in Dublin.

"IMQCS however, is not in a position to police adherence to these recommendations. All involved should read the guidelines carefully, as IMQCS cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of any nature, which might be incurred by non-compliance,'' he added.

February tractor sales are down

Registrations of new tractors stood at 261 units for the month of February, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures released last week.

The figures show a decline compared with February 2003 and 2002. The CSO figures also show that 532 new tractors were registered in Ireland since the start of 2004.

Registrations of second-hand tractors were also lower, down to just 215 tractors compared with 247 for February 2003.

Sparex offers Farmline paint

Sparex of Waterford has been appointed as the Irish distributor for Farmline tractor, plant and machinery paint. The Farmline brand is well known across the farm machinery industry and offers a comprehensive line of colours to suit modern tractors and farm equipment. The paints will be sold through farm machinery dealers across the country.