Drying Off the Cows – Time for a Reset
There’s something about drying off the cows that always feels like a bit of a turning point on the farm.
The mornings are darker, the pace shifts a little, and you finally get that sense that one season is closing and another’s about to begin.
It’s a job that takes a bit of time and care — and a fair bit of waterproof gear too! But when it’s done right, it really sets the herd up well for the months ahead.
Slowing Down the Routine
By the time drying off comes around, the cows have earned their rest.
They’ve worked hard all year, and now it’s our turn to make sure they get a proper break before calving.
We start by checking each cow’s condition, making sure she’s healthy and ready for the dry period. It’s not just about stopping milking — it’s about helping them reset.
It’s also a time when you find yourself slowing down a little too. After months of full-on milking, there’s something nice about moving into a steadier rhythm.
A Clean Job (Well, As Clean As It Can Be!)
Anyone who’s done it knows drying off days can be messy — sealants, sprays, splashes, and all sorts.
Good hygiene is everything though. Fresh gloves, clean teats, and taking your time with each cow.
It’s the kind of job where being covered head to toe makes all the difference.
That’s usually when I’m most grateful for my Wawets gown or milking top — no soggy sleeves, no damp chill creeping in halfway through the row. You can get stuck into the work and stay dry, which makes the whole job that bit easier.
Fresh Bedding, Fresh Start
Once the cows are treated and settled, there’s something really satisfying about seeing them lying in clean beds, chewing away contentedly.
It’s like the calm before the storm of calving season — a little pocket of quiet before everything ramps up again.
We usually take the chance to give the sheds a proper clean, freshen up cubicles, and tick off those little maintenance jobs that never seem to get done during milking season.
Time for a Breather
With the cows dried off, there’s often a bit more breathing room in the day — a rare thing on a busy farm!
It’s a good time to get organised, maybe sort out the calving gear, or even take an evening off (if you’re lucky).
And if your Agriwear is looking worse for wear, now’s the time to replace it before the madness of spring hits. The Wawets Agriwear range is built for this kind of weather — waterproof, hard-wearing, and designed to keep you comfortable no matter what the job throws your way.
A Season to Reset
Drying off isn’t just about the cows — it’s about giving the whole farm a breather.
A chance to reset, tidy up, and get ready for what’s next.
When the cows are rested, the gear’s in good nick, and you can stand back knowing the job’s done right — that’s a good feeling.
Here’s to dry cows, dry sleeves, and a dry pair of socks at the end of the day.
Wawets —No.1 Irish Agriwear Brand for Irish weather, keeping you dry for every job, every season & everyday.