The Effect of Milking Technique Education on Milk Quality in Dairy Farmer Groups in Medowo Village, Kandangan District, Kediri Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Medowo Village, located in the Kandangan District of Kediri Regency, is a significant center for dairy milk production in East Java. However, the quality of milk produced by local farmers remains low, particularly following the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which adversely affected livestock health and milk quality. This community engagement program aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in hygienic milking techniques to enhance the quality of fresh milk. The methodology employed was Participatory Action Research (PAR), which actively involved farmers in every stage, from the initial survey and educational sessions to the final evaluation. The program was conducted in the Kertajaya Village Unit Cooperative area of Medowo Village, involving 31 farmers, lecturers, and master’s students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. The educational materials covered hygienic milking techniques, identification of adulterated milk, and post-milking handling procedures. Pre-test and post-test results showed a significant improvement in farmers’ understanding, particularly concerning the sensory quality of milk, storage practices, and milking hygiene. The most significant increases in comprehension were recorded for indicators on recognizing the sour odor of milk (from 29% to 97%) and conducting milk quality checks (from 26% to 98%). This educational intervention proved effective in fostering behavioral change among farmers and reducing the potential for milk contamination. Moving forward, continuous support and periodic inspection of milking equipment are necessary to ensure the consistency of hygienic practices. This program has had a tangible impact on improving local milk quality and supporting sustainable livestock farming in Medowo Village.