Low Cost ModernizationLow Cost Modernization“Efficiency without the big price tag”
Nolan Andersen
Mark Mayer
Dairy & Livestock Agents
There Is No Single Design That Works for Everyone
“Every Design Involves Trade-offs”
Building Design FeaturesBuilding Design Features
Stall Surfaces Cow Flow Gates Freestalls & Bedded
pens Feed & Water access Ventilation Lighting
Personnel Safety Passes
Manure Handling Local Ordinances Cow Restraint
County and State Ordinances
WI DNR Permit needed for 1,000+ A.U.’s Dane County
Storm Water Ordinance Green County
Building Permit Large Farm Permit: 300-499, 500-999,
1,000+ Manure Storage Permit Needed If:
5,000+ Cu.Ft. or 30+ Days Storage
Functional Design of BuildingFunctional Design of Building
Location Layout Space Cow Flow Ventilation Manure Feeding
Transitioning in Baby StepsTransitioning in Baby Steps
Identify & Prioritize Needs/Goals Develop a Farmstead Plan Phased Construction– Build Freestall to increase cow comfort• Biggest payback if stalls and ventilation is poor
– Build Milking Facility • Retrofit or new
Remodel Facilities or Build New?Remodel Facilities or Build New?
Will Remodeled buildings: provide animal comfort? allow for the implementing new practices? allow for a good animal environment? allow for expansion? provide good animal flow?
Cost of Remodeling Vs. New Construction
Ways to Keep Cost LowWays to Keep Cost Low Know what you want Visit farms for low cost ideas Find dealer willing to work with you Pay a fair price for services/expertise Function as the general contractor
you need time and interest
Provide labor Prepare for unknowns
Modernization Words of Wisdom Goal setting and communication is critical Plan, Plan, Plan
Location: Don’t be afraid to move & remember cows can walk! Cash Flow and Overruns Manure Removal and Storage Seek advice from Ag Professionals
Go slow and visit other farms Take a notepad, camera and tape measure Ask to milk in their facilities Ask what would you do differently
