[NIXI]

Hi All,

I currently do not own goats. I have been making cheese for a couple years and have always wanted to make cheese to sell. I have been offered land, and 2 barns if I want it for me to own my own goats and get into this. My question is - is it possible to convert a brick barn suitably for milking that is up to FSA standards? I would have a converted shipping container for milk storage, cheese production etc but its the barn and milking facilities that worry me. The requirements on FSA seem to lead towards investing in a purpose built building so am I dreaming to think I could get an old barn up to scratch?
Thank you 

[Scotsdumpy]

Hi nixi, I await any replies to your post with interest - would you still have to let environmental health know too? I think they can be fairly strict but can offer good advice. Hope someone comes along soon with a more helpful reply!

[cuckoo]

I suggest you contyact your EHO at the council.  It would be possible I am sure as for eg you could line the barns etc the issue as I see it wouild be cost

[fiestyredhead331]

I suppose more info is really required?
How many milking goats would you need to start with? Are you planning hand or machine milking? We milk in a normal shed but because we use a milking machine rather than hand milking there is less of an issue regarding our actual milking area, just keep it clean etc. We process our milk in a domestic kitchen but are registered with EHO and milk is pasteurised etc and have had no issues. EHO takes samples of our cheese and pops in for a check up when he's in the area.

The FSA guidelines seem to be more geared up for large commercial style dairies or is that what you are planning 

[clydesdaleclopper]

They are probably really pricey but I saw an advert for create a cabin which makes up panels that you put inside an existing building to create a room that would meet hygiene requirements. I think it is more of an issue with post milking handling than the milking itself though as you mill have muddy hooves walking into any building that you use. 


I milk one goat at a time and use an old caravan stripped out and painted inside with gloss paint and lino on the floor. My milking bench is in there and I can keep it clean, all my stuff stores in the cupboards and I can keep warm milking in the winter as I put one of those greenhouse heater tubes in there.