Historical information

The Uebergang family came from Silesia to Australia in 1848 and were early settlers in the Allansford area. The sons and other descendants also purchased farms in the area.
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992 after which the property was sold. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community.
The collection of items from their property was put into store for a number of years before being given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. The family often re-used, recycled and repaired items and examples can be seen in the museum.
This Babcock tester is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum.
The Babcock tester was used to determine the butter fat content in milk. Prior to the use of the Babcock test farmers were paid on volume and milk was sometimes watered down to increase the supply to the factory. Once the Babcock test was introduced it provided a consistent means of paying farmers for milk supplied to the factory.

Significance

The Babcock tester is significant as a scientific means of testing fat content of milk and the subsequent consistent payment mechanism to farmers. This test also provided a means for farmers to identify poor performing cows and upgrade the quality of their herd and subsequent milk supply to the factory.

Physical description

Four tipping metal testing tubes which revolve on a brass base. A winding handle has a wooden grip. The base and arms holding the metal tubes is painted red.

Inscriptions & markings

OFFICIAL BABCOCK TESTER