Barns & Equipment

No one wants to spend more time than they have to cleaning fans in their barn. Yet, we all know that fans need to be cleaned. Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your fans and other ventilation equipment go as smoothly as possible.

Every dairy producer wonders how much they dare overcrowd the freestall barn. When asked that question, I usually respond that they can go 15 percent over for a two-row pen and 5 percent over for a three-row pen. However, I do realize that’s likely the wrong answer for almost everyone.

They called it the “turd hearse.” It was a Korean War-vintage 10-wheel former military truck with a liquid manure tank mounted on the frame.

Teat-cup liners are one of the most important pieces of the milking system; it’s the only component in direct contact with live tissue.

Choosing the right liner for your herd can be a difficult and confusing decision.

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, I saw my share of on-farm injuries. When I was in fifth grade, my foot was crushed between a loader bucket and a concrete wall. And I wasn’t the only one.

I really enjoy studying cars. Most cars that really appeal to me are way beyond my price range. Adding to this addiction is the fact we live in a time where I can actually buy any car I see … I just can’t afford to pay for it.