Parlor Design, Construction & Remodeling Category Guide

What Are Parlor Design, Construction & Remodeling Services?

Parlor design, construction, and remodeling services help dairy farms plan and build milking facilities optimized for their specific needs. This includes design consultation, engineering, construction, equipment installation, and renovation of existing facilities.

Why Parlor Design Matters

Your milking facility is where you harvest your crop—multiple times daily for decades. Good design affects labor efficiency, cow comfort, milk quality, and operator satisfaction. Poor design creates ongoing frustration and costs that persist for the life of the building.

Key Design Goals

• Efficiency: Maximum throughput with minimum labor
• Cow comfort: Easy flow and low-stress environment
• Operator ergonomics: Comfortable, safe work positions
• Flexibility: Ability to expand or adapt over time
• Durability: Materials and construction that last

Parlor Types

Parallel Parlors

Cows stand side-by-side perpendicular to the pit. Rapid exit, good for large herds. Most common type in new construction.

Herringbone Parlors

Cows stand at an angle to the pit. Good visibility, economical construction. Still common in smaller to mid-size operations.

Rotary Parlors

Cows ride a rotating platform. High throughput, reduced steps for operators. Best for large herds with high cow turnover.

Swing Parlors

Milking units swing between cow rows. Fewer units needed but require more sophisticated management.

Design Considerations

• Herd size: Current and projected future size
• Milking frequency: 2x, 3x, or more times daily
• Labor availability: Operators per shift
• Expansion plans: Room to grow
• Existing facilities: Integration with current buildings
• Regulatory requirements: Building codes, milk codes

Do You Need Parlor Work?

Consider building or remodeling if:

• Current capacity limits herd growth
• Efficiency is poor compared to industry standards
• Equipment is obsolete or unrepairable
• Operator comfort and safety need improvement
• Major equipment replacement is needed anyway

Cost Considerations

New parlor construction costs vary widely—from $1,500 to $5,000+ per cow capacity depending on type, automation level, and facilities. Remodeling may be 30-50% of new construction cost but has limitations. Consider long-term efficiency gains, labor savings, and expansion potential when evaluating investment.