Our Cluster Exchange Scheme (CEXS) has now been available via FM Direct for around eighteen months. Over recent weeks we have done a survey of members who have signed to the scheme to gauge feedback.
The output from these discussions was very clear – as a system to manage the changing of liners it delivers in a multitude of ways and members would not consider changing liners conventionally once signed to CEXS.
The main benefits from a member point of view are : • Clusters arrive clean, re-furbished, and ready to be installed at the correct time • Liners are always changed when necessary and not left in the packet for weeks and months • Liner scoring ensures liners are always clean – this is the best possible risk management against mastitis due to dirty liners • Increased regularity of changes and cost benefit despite this • Improved milking performance with triangular liners • Increased cow comfort and reduced teat-end damage with triangular liners • Cell count reduction
CEXS with the triangular liner is exclusive to FM Direct and there are differing options to suit the requirements of the majority of milking systems. Of the members surveyed here are a selection of quotes:
‘the fact the cluster is delivered to my farm in perfect condition and ready to use is a huge benefit from a management point of view. It is hassle free’ – FM member Cumbria
‘ since moving to the cluster scheme my cell-count which had always been a problem is no longer a problem’ – FM member Wales
‘I had one cow who simply would not milk with my old clusters, from the first ever time of milking on cluster exchange she milked perfectly.’
– FM member Dumfries & Galloway
To discuss the benefits of CEXS and find how the system can be of benefit exclusively as a member please contact Fiona Fraser on 0141 847 6817.
