Background
The feed center on this northeastern Wisconsin dairy supplies feed to three different sites; one with approximately 5,000 milking cows, another with approximately 1,500 milking cows, and a third with 1,500-2,000 beef and heifers. Their feeding center consists of a 120’ x 150’ (36.6 m x 45.7 m) enclosed commodity shed. Ensiled forages are stored on-site in drive-over piles on an asphalt base.
General Layout
Commodity Shed
The 120’ x 150’ (36.6 m x 45.7 m) structure has 29’ (8.8 m) deep bays on the west side and 25’ (7.6 m) deep bays on the east side. Corn silage is staged outside the shed with smaller inclusion forages staged against the back wall. All commodities are kept in the bays and the 14’ (4.3 m) tall concrete walls make storing large quantities very easy. The corner bays are used for straw. The widths of the bays vary and can also be extended with lego blocks.
Aerial view of commodity shed with bay depths
Aerial view of commodity shed with building
dimensions
Aerial view of commodity shed with bay widths
Photos of commodity shed entrance and commodity bays:
Loading Area
The loading area has a unique staircase, double loading area so two mixers can be loaded without moving the other. The loading platform is 4.5’ (1.4 m) deep and the farm has a cable wrapped around the loading area for safety. The tube for whey permeate has 5 nozzles, which allows a more even delivery over the mixer. The farm is currently using a 1215 cu ft (34.4 cu m) Meyer TMR mixer as well as various Patz mixers.
View from entrance of staircased, double loading area
Another view from outside commodity shed of mixer wagon backed into loading area
Backside view of loading area
Straight on view of loading area and mixer wagon receiving liquid ingredients
Meyer Reloader
The farm also utilizes a Meyer Reloader, which allows them to feed the two sites more efficiently, considering one site is located a significant distance away from the feeding center. The TMR can be mixed normally and then unloaded into the delivery truck using the Meyer Reloader. The delivery truck is suited better for road travel and will have less wear and tear compared to a mixer wagon with a tractor. This farm utilizes a Roto-mix commercial feeder box – truck mounted. These trailers range in size from 30-40’ (9.1-12.2 m) and 1425-1900 cu ft (40.4-53.8 cu m) in capacity.
Close up of Meyer Reloader and Roto-Mix Commercial Feeder Box – truck mounted
Leachate Collection
The farm utilizes a deep, wide concrete ditch on the south side of the forage piles to collect all leachate coming off the forages. This concrete ditch directs the leachate to a collection area. There is a bridge built through the middle to allow traffic to flow through without having to travel all the way around the system. This ditch is also wide enough to clean out mechanically as needed.
Close-up of leachate collection ditch as well as aerial view of the system which shows bridge built into system to allow for traffic flow