The objective of this research was to compare the effects of milking procedures and mastitis detection methods on SCC. Data were acquired for 34 Kentucky dairy herds participating in the Southeast Quality Milk Initiative project. Herds were grouped into SCC categories where low = 2013 mean bulk tank SCC ≤250,000 cells/mL (n = 16; L), and high ≥250,000 cells/mL (n = 18; H). Herd size ranged from 42 to 660 cows. Fifty 6 percent (n = 10) of H and 38% (n = 6) of L herds used the California Mastitis Test (CMT) to detect clinical mastitis. Similarly, 33% of H (n = 6) and 31% (n = 5) of L herds used CMT to detect subclinical mastitis. All herds pre- and post-dipped (n = 34). Pre-dip application methods included pre-dip with a non-return dip cup with commercial disinfectant (H = 94%, n = 17; L = 80%, n = 12), non-return dip cup with homemade disinfectant (H = 6%, n = 1), and applied by sprayer with commercial disinfectant (L = 20%, n = 3). Teat drying methods included multiple-use paper towels (H = 6%, n = 1; L = 13%, n = 2), single-use paper towels (H = 47%, n = 8; L = 27%, n = 4), multiple-use cloth towels (L = 20%, n = 3), and single-use cloth towels (H = 47%, n = 8; L = 40%, n = 6). Pre-stripping was used in 72% of H (n = 13) and 75% of L (n = 12) herds. Post-dip application methods included dip cups with commercial disinfectant (H = 94%, n = 17; L = 94%, n = 15) or homemade disinfectant (H = 6%, n = 1). Wearing latex or nitrile gloves “always” during milking was practiced in 33% of H (n = 6) and 81% of L (n = 13) herds. Producers were asked to estimate the cost of clinical mastitis and answers ranged from $0 to $250 (26%, n = 9), $251 to $500 (35%, n = 12), $501 to $750 (3%, n = 1), $751 or more (6%, n = 2), or unknown (24%, n = 8). When asked to rate the pain experienced in a mild case of clinical mastitis, responses ranged from 0 to 2 (24%, n = 8), 3 to 5 (62%, n = 21), and 6 to 8 (15%, n = 5), where 1 is no pain and 10 is severe pain. Responses for rating severe clinical mastitis pain included 5 to 8 (32%, n = 11) and 9 to 10 (68%, n = 23). Results of this survey may be used to improve mastitis management in dairy cattle herds in Kentucky.