Manure systems have certainly evolved over time – from pitching stalls to extracting dischargeable water. They vary depending on bedding type, performance and desired end products.

Producers choosing to use sand for bedding have seen a variety of options to reclaim the sand. One of the most popular systems Bob Komro with Komro Sales & Service, Inc. has been building thus far is the flush flume, closed-loop system.

Imagine what our landscape must have looked like, not really all that long ago. Tens of millions of bison roamed the American plains in clusters so large one could have seen them from space.

These immense, grand herds would devastate each valley they came through. A flowering meadow would turn into a moonscape overnight. If a valley was lucky, it would see a full year or more before the bison returned, so it could attempt to recover from such an onslaught.

Question: What is the purpose of freestall bedding? Answer: To provide a cow a clean, dry resting surface.

Especially, this means creating an environment where exposure of teat ends to attack from mastitis-causing pathogens is minimized. Veterinarians and your family doctor alike will tell you: Minimize exposure to minimize infection rates.

Our progressive panel is back this issue to discuss manure handling on their respective operations. These producers have previously discussed calf and heifer raising and A.I. and breeding in Progressive Dairyman. New to this issue’s panel is Eric Risser, representing Meadow Vista Farms. Eric oversees nutrient management on the 750-cow operation.

The choice of freestall base and bedding is a critical decision and should reflect management style and goals. Sand is the gold standard for a freestall base and bedding. Maintaining a bed of loose sand, six inches minimum in depth, enhances cow comfort, improves lying time, contributes to good udder health/ clean cows and improves cow footing.