FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

Maintaining your equipment is key to maximizing its longevity. More often than not, maintenance of milking parlour stalls and gates is forgotten until something breaks down.

Bedded pack barns – either deep-bedded or compost bedded – allow cows to freely roam and lie down in any configuration they prefer.

Whether you are building a new barn or retrofitting an existing structure, deciding on the proper robot layout is a critical yet enjoyable process.

Ventilation systems are divided into two main types: natural and mechanical ventilation systems. These are then subdivided into four types: natural, tunnel (where the air flows parallel to feedlane), hybrid (typically a tunnel-barn design with the option to naturally ventilate in the winter) and cross-ventilation (where the air flows perpendicular to the feedlane).

While the heat stress season is behind us, now is the time to evaluate current heat abatement efforts and look into improvements for the coming year, particularly regarding circulation fans.

Often when we think about putting time into proper operation, maintenance and tool safety, our thoughts turn to the expensive power tools at our disposal. While it certainly makes sense to take care of and take care with our powered friends, our hand tools need the same respect and care for optimal performance.