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