From Farm to Table, But First, into The Tanker
Last blog we highlighted the day-to-day life of a dairy farmer as we kicked off June dairy month. Continuing the celebration, we want to highlight the next piece of the dairy industry cycle which is the transportation of milk from farm to factory. Here at CSB, we have the privilege to know a milk hauler quite well. Leigh Ann Edwards, Universal Banker and Supervisor in our Lena branch location, is wife to William “Billy” Edwards who is a 3rd generation milk hauler. In April, Billy hit the milestone of 18 years hauling milk for farmers in our local region which is definitely something to celebrate!
Modern Day Milk Man
While we no longer receive bottled milk on our front porch like a time of the past, to be able to purchase our dairy products from the store, farmers are reliant upon milk haulers like Billy. Since the farmers must be completely done with milking by the time the milk is picked up, a typical day for the milk hauler starts between midnight and 1 AM. Before the semi leaves the driveway, each truck and tanker have a pre-check that is completed to ensure they are safe and able to operate efficiently. Each semi and driver have a designated pick-up route that could take them anywhere between 8-14 hours to complete depending on the challenges they may face throughout the day.
Upon arrival at each dairy farm, the milk hauler is solely responsible for temperature check of the milk in the bulk tank, reading the weight stick to determine the quantity of milk, as well as agitating the tank to take samples for milk quality. Their job is incredibly important to the success of a dairy farmer because they are paid based on these samples and measurements. A proper agitation to get a good sample reading ensures that the farmer is paid for their quality of milk, and the same goes for weight reading. An accurate measurement is critical to their paycheck.
After all samples and readings are completed, the milk is then pumped from the bulk tank and into the semi tank. The milk hauler then rinses out the bulk tank and gets the tank prepared for a wash and sanitize cycle. Again, this step is incredibly important for the farmer because a clean facility provides for better quality milk, which increases the milk check each month.
Once the bulk tank is prepped and the wash cycle starts, the milk hauler is off to their next farm for pick up. Depending on the size of the farms on their route, they may have anywhere from 3-10 farms per load to the factory.
Quality of the product is the focus for most farmers and the same goes for the milk hauler. The cleaner their processes, the higher the product quality, which in turn increases everyone’s paycheck and provides the best quality products for the consumer. When everyone is operating optimally, all parties involved win, even us as the consumer!
Off the Road Responsibilities
While the day-to-day route is the only thing many of the milk haulers you see on the road need to worry about, for Billy and Leigh Ann, there’s plenty of off-road responsibilities to keep them busy! Since they run the milk hauling company and hire drivers for different trucks and routes, items such as DOT paperwork, milk hauling certifications, truck maintenance and upkeep are always on the back of their minds.
Another factor and challenge that milk haulers face often is coordinating milk pick up schedules. If there is an issue during chores on the farm, bad road conditions due to weather or construction, or a truck that breaks down, Billy must help coordinate the logistics to ensure milk is still picked up without putting his drivers too far behind for the day. It is vital for the factories, the safety of the drivers, and the farmers.
A Family Business
Just like a family farm, the Edward milk hauling business takes all hands-on deck at times. Leigh Ann often makes a parts run on the way home from work, on lunch breaks, or on many weekends throughout the year. Their kids can also be seen changing tires or helping wrench on semis in the shop between milk routes when they are not found participating in a sporting event or school activity.
“Milk haulers are just as dedicated as the farmer is. This is what we do. We love the farmers, the interactions with the people, and knowing they depend on us just as much as we depend on them!”
-Billy Edwards
Billy currently has two additional drivers that both have 20 plus years of hauling milk on their resume. To hold a career for that long, you truly must love what you do and be good at it!
Cows don’t take days off, the farmer doesn’t either without proper staffing coverage, so the same goes for the milk haulers. All pieces of the dairy industry must work together to provide the best quality products to the consumer.
Don’t Forget to Stop In and Celebrate
June is Dairy Month and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all contributors to the industry, we will be handing out cheese curds in all branch locations on June 27th. Please stop in and grab a treat. Also be sure to thank a member of the dairy industry this month for all they do to contribute to the tasty treats and food on our tables!
