Dairy Cow Handling SOP
A dairy cow handling SOP for farms covering calm, safe ways to move, restrain and work with cattle so both workers and cows stay uninjured.
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The steps on this page
- Plan the move before starting
- Use quiet voices and calm movement
- Know the flight zone and balance point
- Keep clear exit routes
- Use gates and alleys to guide cows
- Restrain cows using approved equipment
- Never stand in a blind spot
- Watch fresh and protective cows closely
- Report near misses
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and OSHA.
For more in this area, see the Dairy Herd Hub. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Nutrition Expert Gives Cow Personalized Diet; Farmer Eats Gas-Station Burrito, and dairy farm stories.