Dairy Technology Field Day to be held August 16

Two northeast Iowa dairy farms will be featured on tours

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team is hosting a field day focused on dairy technology on the farm. The Aug. 16 field day will feature two farm visits where attendees can see heifer facilities utilizing activity monitoring systems and the use of a sand separating system.

The first farm visit will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Foresight Farms heifer facility, located at 1574 Big Canoe Road, Decorah. From Big Canoe Road go south on Sattre Ridge Road (gravel). The facility is on the east side of the gravel road. The dairy recently constructed the steel frame monoslope heifer facility and utilize an activity monitoring system on cows and heifers. Owner Dave Wise will be on hand to answer questions about the facilities and equipment.

The second farm visit will be from 1:15-2:45 p.m. at Full Bohr Dairy located at 3251 275th St., Ridgeway. Owner Nic Bohr recently constructed a mechanical sand separation into the existing manure handling system. Bohr is also in the process of constructing a 200-cow tunnel ventilated barn as part of herd expansion from 700 cows to 900 cows. Bohr will be available to answer questions about the facility.

“This field day is a great opportunity for producers to see new technologies and facilities in person and have their questions answered” said Brian Dougherty, agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “New technology is allowing dairy producers to improve labor efficiency and flexibility, boost production, and enhance overall health and management of cows and calves.”

Lunch will be on your own between the two farm visits. There is no fee for the field day, but RSVPs are appreciated. If you have questions or would like to RSVP, contact Brian Dougherty at brian1@iastate.edu or 563-239-7070.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.