POd is proving to be a gamechanger for producers, enabling them to reduce costs. Calvin Otto is amongst them.
“POd is enabling us to cut our chemical usage in the dairy by 80% and make significant electricity savings, while it’s helping us to maintain milk quality – average SCC 105 and Bactoscan 26,” says Calvin farm manager to a 410 cow Holstein | crossbred herd based near Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
“Pulse oxidated water has replaced chlorohexidine in the pre-milking spray – that’s the biggest winner, we’re saving up to £8,000 a year. Teat condition is being maintained, while POd has replaced peracetic acid in the ADF cluster flush system. Without a doubt, POd is proving to be much kinder to the staff,” he explains.
“We also use POd for parlour wash after seven milkings, followed by one hot wash. Another bonus – we’ve noticed the difference in the number of blue barrels coming on to the unit and we’re aware the system is in general helping towards reducing our Carbon footprint. To the future, we consider the system has the potential to clean the bulk tank and even disinfect the calf pens.”
He adds: “We’re open minded. We believe in innovation and we’re frequently exploring new technologies. We were seeking to minimise chemical usage, enquired about POd whilst visiting Dairy-Tech, and all credit to the unit’s owner, Mark Burgess for taking a punt on it. While there is a cost to maintaining the system, so far it’s meeting with our expectations.”
• All dairy farmers in England can apply for FETF’s 40% grant towards POd – for both conventional and automated milking systems. Applications close mid-day 10 July 2025. Check out https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-2025 and look out for listing FETF84 – Chemical free disinfection system for dairy farms.
