A family-run Pennsylvania dairy farm is sharing its operation with the world, thanks to its Cow Cam located in the barn. The Kreider Dairy Farm near Manheim, Penn., is working with the Lancaster Farming Web site to help urban residents better understand dairy farming.
The Kreider operation includes an 850-foot long free-stall barn with more than two acres under roof that allows fresh air to reach the cows at all times. The Cow Cam provides live shots of the barn’s interior throughout the day.
Visitors to the Web site can also learn more about the Kreiders’ 54-stall rotary milking parlor. The parlor helps keep the cows comfortable by reducing the time they spend waiting to be milked. The Kreiders report that 315 cows can be milked per hour, while the carousel completes one revolution every eight to 10 minutes.
Kreider family members sell their dairy products, including milk and premium ice cream, through their four family restaurants in Pennsylvania and their farm dairy store.
In addition to providing an on-line view of the farm, the Kreiders also offer regular farm tours and host thousands of rural and urban visitors each year.
To check out the Cow Cam, go to www.lancasterfarming.com
