Overview of Volbeda Dairy’s Innovative Manure Management
Volbeda Dairy, a family-owned dairy farm in Albany, Oregon, has operated since 1972. As the dairy expanded and began milking 1,800 cows, effective manure management became critical to their operations. To address the increasing manure volume, the family built four lagoons. However, solids accumulated in these lagoons, limiting their capacity and complicating overall manure management. The transition to an Advanced Manure Management to tackle these challenges, the Volbeda family sought a new Biolynk Manure Management System. They evaluated various options and ultimately chose the Biolynk system developed by Daritech. They discovered this system at the Oregon Dairy Convention in 2003 and received a written guarantee from Daritech that it would capture at least 55% of solids from the manure.
How the Biolynk System Operates
The Biolynk system consists of several stages:
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Collection and Agitation: The dairy collects manure in a main reception pit. They agitate it and pump it to an Accent IFRS 36 separator.
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Separation of Solids: The separator uses a 3/16-inch screen to remove larger solids. The remaining liquid flows into a 220,000-gallon processing tank.
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Settling Process: In the processing tank, solids settle while clean water flows back into the dairy’s flush system. The team then transfers the settled solids to alternating thickening tanks.
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Final Solid Capture: Workers move the thickened solids to a 5,000-gallon concrete pit. They pump them to a Fan PS1 780 screw press, which captures additional solids through a 0.35 mm screen.
This innovative system exceeded expectations by capturing 62% of solids, leading to numerous operational benefits for Volbeda Dairy.
Benefits Realized from the Biolynk System
The implementation of the Biolynk system has resulted in several key advantages:
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Consistent Clean Flush Water Supply: The system ensures a reliable source of clean water for flushing barns. This eliminates dependence on lagoon water that is often unavailable for two months each year.
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Reduced Rodent Issues: Its closed-loop design minimizes hoses and cords that previously attracted invasive rodents like Nutria.
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Composting Opportunities: The separation process yields approximately 100,000 pounds of solids daily, which the family composts into a valuable product intended for sale.
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Bedding for Cows: Some separated solids serve as bedding for cows, enhancing sustainability.
To support their composting efforts further, the Volbedas invested in a Brown Bear paddle aerator, aiming for large-scale composting operations.
Overall, the Biolynk system has revolutionized manure management at Volbeda Dairy. It provides an efficient and environmentally friendly solution while generating valuable byproducts such as compost and bedding. Encouraged by these successes, the Volbedas are considering expanding their operations with confidence that the Biolynk system can effectively manage increased manure volumes.
Additional Resources
- Overview of Brown Bear Equipment: How Brown Bear equipment enhances manure management systems.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Reference on sustainable farming practices and the role of composting.
- Composting as a Natural Solution: Composting as a natural solution for soil health and fertility.
- Benefits of Composting for Agriculture: The benefits of composting specifically for agricultural operations.
- Case Study on Efficient Manure Management: Successful case studies in manure management.
- For more information on dairy farming practices in Oregon, visit Oregon Dairy Industries.
- Learn about sustainable manure management systems at Build A Biogas Plant.
- Explore educational resources on dairy farming through Oregon Dairy Women.
