July 2007

The cows were officially moved into the free stall barn on June 21.
They seem to have adjusted quite well to their new home!

A wink from one of the Guernseys indicates that the new facilities meet the cows' approval.

The cows are enjoying the free stalls. It's a very comfy place for them to rest.
New sand is added every two weeks.

The cows are fed their TMR ration twice daily during milkings at 4:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The Guernseys go up the walkway from the free stall barn to the holding pen to wait for milking.

The cows are being milked in the new parlor. The parlor has automatic take-offs and
automatic milk recording because each cow wears an electronic transponder.

The cows are all lined up in the milking parlor, ready to be released back to the free stall barn.

This is what the parlor looks like when milking is in full swing.

With the new, automated system, fewer workers are required to help with the milking process.
Keith and Megan are working at this shift.

While the free stall barn was being built, large dirt piles were formed.
Now that the barn is completed, the dirt piles are being leveled off.

The outside of the new barn and farm welcome center. The brick exterior is now finished.
Some details are still being completed inside.