AtAt Prairieland Dairy in Firth, Nebraska, Dan Rice and his partners have achieved remarkable success in cow productivity and milk quality. They implemented a closed-loop composting system using a Brown Bear machine.The dairy milks around 700 cows three times daily. Previously, they relied on green sawdust for bedding. However, this method was costly and difficult to source. Surprisingly, it also carried more bacteria than their initial composting attempts.Recognizing the importance of a sanitary environment for their cows, the owners decided to invest in a Brown Bear machine. This investment improved their composting process significantly.
Key Benefits of the Brown Bear Machine
Sterilization
The Brown Bear heats the compost windrows to 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit for three weeks. This process eliminates 95% of harmful bacteria, ensuring a sterile bedding environment. Consequently, it minimizes the risk of infections and diseases.
Dryness
The aeration and turning process reduces the moisture content of the compost to about 30%. As a result, it creates dry bedding that absorbs moisture in the stalls. Dry bedding is crucial for cow comfort and hoof health. It also reduces the risk of slips and injuries.
Weed Seed Elimination
Additionally, the high temperatures during composting kill weed seeds. This prevents their spread in barns and pastures.
Additional Benefits
The advantages of using the Brown Bear composting system extend beyond bedding:
- Reduced Somatic Cell Count (SCC): Prairieland Dairy saw a significant drop in SCC from 400,000-500,000 to 200,000 after implementing the Brown Bear system. A lower SCC indicates improved milk quality and udder health.
- Cost Savings: The composting system saves the dairy $1,000 per month compared to green sawdust costs.
- Additional Revenue: Prairieland Dairy generates extra income by selling excess compost for $22 per yard wholesale and $25 per yard retail.
- Environmental Sustainability: Composting manure reduces its volume and associated land application costs. This makes the dairy more environmentally friendly.
Overall, the Brown Bear machine has streamlined the composting process. It produces a consistent, sanitary, and cost-effective bedding solution for Prairieland Dairy. This investment has led to significant improvements in cow health, milk quality, and overall farm profitability. This revision shortens sentences and incorporates more transition words to enhance flow and clarity.
- Nebraska Dairy Industry Overview: This resource provides insights into the dairy industry in Nebraska, including practices that improve cow health and productivity, relevant to the context of Prairieland Dairy. Nebraska Dairy Industry .
- Composting Manure for Dairy Farms: The Penn State Extension offers guidance on composting manure effectively, including methods and benefits that align with the practices used at Prairieland Dairy. Penn State Extension – Composting Manure .
- Brown Bear Equipment Overview: Various models of Brown Bear equipment.
- Benefits of Composting for Dairy Farms: Advantages of composting specifically for dairy operations.
- Innovative Manure Management: Innovative manure management systems.
