In 1987, Ale and Hilly Riedstra and their family purchased a 30-cow dairy operation with their sights set on expansion.
Now 22 years later, Riedbow Dairy has become a state-of-the-art operation with 1,300 acres and 650 cows milking.
They have incorporated technology into their Canadian farming operation in a continual process to improve all aspects of their dairy on a daily basis.
What has made all this expansion possible at this Elm Creek, Manitoba dairy is the foresight to invest in technology.
Instead of incurring more operating expenses, the family has reduced costs for labor, energy, feed and fertilizer with additions such as a computerized feeding system, the fast unloading Harvestores and a mammoth Slurrystore for manure management.
The Riedstras worked with Gordon Ross from United Livestock Systems to put together the technologically advanced operation. Riedbow Dairy was part of a “Farm of the Future Dairy Tour” held this summer.
“The farm has embraced modern feeding and waste management,” says Ross. “The Riedstras knew what they wanted and we were able to provide it to them from design through construction with their ongoing consultation.”
The 243’x19’ Slurrystore, equipped with two agitation systems, is the largest ever constructed and gives the Riedstras plenty of room to expand. It was added in 2008.
“I did not want to go with concrete or a lagoon,” Ale explains. “The Slurrystore is much more advanced. The bank just wanted to know if it was big enough for expansion, so I decided to get the biggest one I could get. And we don’t have to worry about mixing the slurry tank.”
Being chosen to be a “Farm of the Future” is an honor, Ale says.
“The farm of the future is available now,” Ale says. With a new feeding system and fully equipped manure management system, Riedbow Dairy is a shining example of dairy technology at work. ANM
—From Engineered Storage Products news release
