As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s no better feeling than knowing your herd’s somatic cell count (SCC) is under control and milk quality premiums are rolling in. To help you head into 2026 strong, here’s a 31-day countdown of practical tips and management reminders to produce the highest quality milk possible and keep those bulk tank checks looking even better.
1. California Mastitis Test (CMT) fresh cows early.
CMT cows three to five days post-calving before adding their milk to the bulk tank. Early detection can save headaches later.
2. Review your quality results and really look at them.
Trends tell a story before problems appear.
3. Keep bedding areas clean, dry and refreshed.
A dry cow is a happy cow.
4. Walk through your facilities and evaluate from a cow’s perspective.
Return alleys, holding areas, cross overs and pasture areas are just as important to keep clean as the freestalls and main cow alleys.
5. Select for immunity in your breeding program.
A cow’s immune system is complex and influenced by her genetics as well as environment.
6. Review udder infusion procedures.
Ensure bacteria are not being introduced into teat ends during treatment procedures.
7. Invest in routine DHIA testing.
It costs upfront, but the SCC premiums more than pay it back.
8. Improve heat abatement.
Fans, sprinklers and proper ventilation reduce summer stress and mastitis risk.
9. Ventilate barns year-round.
Even in winter, good airflow keeps bacteria and humidity down.
10. Brighten the workspace.
Good lighting in parlors and barns helps workers spot cleanliness issues before they spread.
11. Stick to a parlor maintenance schedule. Replace inflations, gaskets and seals on time. Clean and rebuild pulsators annually, or as your dealer recommends.
12. Milk infected cows last or with separate milking equipment. Protect uninfected cows from exposure to bacteria present on milking equipment.
13. Brush up on milking prep techniques. Use MMPA milker training schools to reinforce proper udder preparation prior to milking unit attachment. Or in the case of AMS (Automatic Milking Systems) and udder prep wands, evaluate equipment to ensure all tasks are being performed as expected.
14. Match teat dips to the season.
Use a product that works for your herd and the weather. Need a recommendation? Contact the MMPA Farm Supply Store for product options that fit your farm.
15. Test feed for quality.
Mycotoxins and poor feed reduce a cow’s ability to fight infection. Consult with your nutritionist if testing is needed.
16. Maintain freestall neck rails and loops.
Ensure cows can lie straight, keeping stalls and udders clean.
17. Train and re-train employees.
Use MMPA’s online Dairy Care Academy to prevent procedural drift by revisiting milking protocols often.
18. Ask your MMPA member representative about system testing.
Routine pulsator and system vacuum checks can catch small issues before they grow.
19. Be proactive.
You can’t control the weather, but you can control most mastitis risks. Stay ahead of them!
20. Monitor cow cleanliness.
What’s on their legs and udders ends up in your milk filter and milk.
21. Keep maternity areas comfortable and clean.
Overcrowding and wet bedding increases infection risk when cows are most vulnerable.
22. Don’t forget your heifers.
Clean, healthy replacements grow into your future low-SCC cows.
23. Work closely with your veterinarian.
Preventive herd health plans often cost less than chronic mastitis cases.
24. Request monthly bulk tank specials.
Mastitis cultures are free for MMPA members.
25. Feed for udder health.
Balanced nutrition strengthens immunity and improves milk quality from the inside out.
26. Ensure complete teat dip coverage.
Every teat, every time, with no shortcuts.
27. Receive quality notifications.
Sign up on Milk Moovement to receive notifications and use them to stay ahead of problems.
28. Use a CMT paddle during milking.
Spot-check cows showing lower output or abnormal forestrips.
29. Follow through on herd test results.
Develop an action plan for individual cows.
30. Set SCC goals for your team.
Friendly competition builds consistency, so recognize and reward progress.
31. Consider coliform vaccination programs.
Vaccines don’t replace prevention, but they can help cows survive severe infections.
As we count down to the New Year, these small steps can make a big difference in your milk quality and your peace of mind. And remember, if milk quality issues do pop up, your MMPA member representative is just a call away and ready to troubleshoot alongside you.
This article was originally published in the November/December 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »