Farmer to milk 4000 cows in 12 hours
A Manawatu farmer will attempt to milk more than 4000 cows in 12 hours to set a world record.
Isaac Cook is hoping to set the first world mark by milking from 3am to 3pm on March 17.
The 37-year-old has been farming in Bulls for four years and jumped at the chance to have a go when asked by the Fit4Farming programme.
‘‘When I got asked I just said yeah straight away. I thought it was a good challenge.’’
Cook said he decided to take up the opportunity because it was a rare one.
So far, the most cows he has milked in one day was 2000, but that was with a break.
On a standard day, he might milk 500 cows.
Cook said he was looking forward to the attempt and backed his chances.
‘‘I reckon I’ll go all right. It’s definitely achievable. It’s just the pressure of the day now because every cow has got to count.’’
He has been training for six weeks with the help of a personal trainer at Studio Rubix, Palmerston North.
In addition to going to the gym and trying to keep active, Cook said the key was to ‘‘just milk as many cows as you can at any opportunity’’.
There were no tricks to it.
‘‘The key on the day will be everyone helping me.
‘‘I’ve got the easy job, just cupping the cows. Everyone else has just got to keep the cow flow going.’’
He would be milking cows at three nearby farms, all with rotary sheds.
His attempt will be shown at the Central Districts Field Days via live feeds.
To prepare for the attempt, Cook has been involved with the Fit4Farming programme, which included learning about his health and nutrition.
Cook has lost 7 kilograms and said he was feeling better as a result.