Story & Photos by Darren Olsen

Progressive Dairyman teamed up with Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin to bring the 2008 Nutrient Innovation & Technology Tours. Dairymen and industry representatives spent three days driving throughout Wisconsin looking at the latest innovations and solutions to manure management systems.

Nine stops, including So-Fine Bovines, Central Sands Dairy, Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Five-Star Dairy, Emerald Dairy, Jon-De Farm, Crave Brothers Farm, Larson Acres and Blue Star Dairy, showcased a different approach to dealing with the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with animal husbandry. Highlights included a look at the first system where sand bedding is removed before entering a digester unit and a waste-heat system that is growing algae for biofuels and warming water for hydroponics.

The evenings were filled with panels discussing the latest in dairy production and a closer look at the impacts and developments surrounding the EPA and their ongoing study of air emissions and quality at large production facilities throughout the U.S. PD

ABOVE: Attendees visit a freestall barn to look at manure and sand removal systems using Loewen Honey-Vac equipment. Photo by Darren Olsen.

ABOVE: An overhead view of cows entering the parlor from the unique catwalk system at Van Der Geest Dairy. Photo by Darren Olsen.

ABOVE: From top to bottom, attendees tour the parlor and milking equipment at Van Der Geest Dairy. Photo by Darren Olsen.