New Dairy Farm Construction Plan Review Checklist

PLAN REVIEW FOR NEW FARMS

Application to Install or Modify a Milking System  

When a producer has applied for a permit to milk, construction and equipment plans must be submitted BEFORE construction begins. Completion of "Application to Install or Modify a Milk System" must also be completed. Approval of all plans and applications must be received before construction may begin. Plans should include the following:

1. Blueprints should include:

   • milk house and barn dimensions & layout

   • location of windows and doors

   • restroom or utility room if applicable (restrooms must have self-closing doors)

   • finish on walls, ceilings and floors

   • drain locations & type (trapped)

   • location of light fixtures

   • cow yard location and size

   • cattle housing location, size and type

   • location and type of water supply

2. Milk house requirements and locations:

   • wash vats and hand wash sink

   • light fixtures

   • bulk tank

   • hose port

   • location of tube or plate coolers, if used

   • milk receiver group

   • water heater (adequate size and temperature)

   • heating and ventilation system (vent locations and exhaust fans)

3. Water supply:

   • Type of well or supply

   • Type of stock water tanks or fountains

   • Use of vacuum breakers

   • Use of high pressure washers

4. Waste Disposal

   • drain outlets (discharge to septic system?)

   • septic system (separate from barn system)

   • manure storage and handling (storage tanks, pits, lagoons, push-off area)

   • must meet all state and local health & plumbing codes

5. Milking area:

   • Size and type of milk operation (barn, parlor)

   • Milking equipment used (design, materials, and layout-3A and PMO requirements)

   • Location of calf pens, maternity pens, horse stalls, etc. (if applicable)