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A22. FARMING '93, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1993.
Farmer incorporates many ideas into barn
Photos and story by Bonnie Gropp
Mass production
One of the innovative concepts incorporated into the VanNes dairy operation to improve
production is the new milking parlour, which is equipped to milk 40 cows at one time.
Snuggled into the countryside of
Conc. 7/8 in Grey Township is an
impressive new structure, which is
part of a massive family owned
dairy operation.
With the current facility suffering
from overcrowding, Bill and Mar-
garet VanNes realized that they
were going to have to expand.
Adding to this the fact that their
three sons were fmished school and
Feels good
This scratching brush is a
favourite spot for the cows in
the VanNes dairy bam
home to work on the farm, they
decided to build a completely new
structure.
Mrs. VanNes says they looked
around at various operations in the
United States, including New York
and California then spent a year
planning. What they were looking
for were newer methods of opera-
tion, which would increase effi-
ciency and new styles.
The barn is drive through for
feeding with the mixer wagon,
enabling the cattle to be fed com-
plete ration.
It is naturally ventilated and built
on an open concept with no ceiling.
Mrs. VanNes explains that turkey
curtain is used on the walls, so the
sides can come down in summer.
The plastic material is strong
enough to keep the wind out, yet,
allows for plenty of fresh air in the
wanner season.
There is a separate barn for milk-
ing parlour, milkhouse, utility
rooms and the calving area.
Construction, which began in
May took a little longer than origi-
nally intended, but by mid-Decem-
ber the cattle were moved into their
new home while the family took up
residence in the stately country
house built next door.
Queuing up for dinner
Dinner moves along smoothly at the VanNes dairy operation with the drive through feeding
incorporated into the spaciously innovative building.
Innovation
When Bill and Margaret VanNes decided to build a new dairy operation, they travelled
throughout the States to uncover new ideas which could be incorporated into their plans.