Low Cost Modernization Low 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 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: , , 1,000+  Manure Storage Permit Needed If:  5,000+ Cu.Ft. or 30+ Days Storage

Functional Design of Building  Location  Layout  Space  Cow Flow  Ventilation  Manure  Feeding

Transitioning 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?  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 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