The Dairyland Initiative, developed by Drs. Nigel Cook and Ken Nordlund at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, combines dairy animal health, production and behavior research with years of field experience in housing design into an information center and building plan assessment program to help create that environment.
Dr. Nigel Cook was in Fond du Lac recently to talk about some of the research findings that went into this program and additions coming to the program in the near future.
This web-based comprehensive resource begins with what researchers term, “The Wisconsin Blueprint.” This utilizes up-to-date design standards and collects research-supported biological ideas and standards used to produce an economically viable and competitive dairy industry, with optimal animal well-being as the No. 1 goal.
Cook pointed out that animal well-being is being folded together with milk safety; health and nutrition; and other consumer concerns.
Recognizing that each dairy has specific needs, the program offers over 20 virtual tours covering facilities for transition cows, milking herds, nursing and growing calves and breeding-age heifers, as well as small freestall, remodeled and tie-stall barns. The virtual tours provide interactive guides of new facilities, including floor plans, stall dimensions, photos, key performance measures and streaming video.
The website brings together producers, consultants, lenders and builders and is useful as a guide when planning modernization or expansion projects on the farm, Cook said.
It offers engineering, construction, supplier and financing information, helping producers find professionals to complete building projects. For builders, it is helpful because it gives them access to the latest design standards, allowing them to compete on a more level playing field for bids as design standards will become more uniform.
In the near future, Cook expects the site to also include a network of trained, certified consultants who demonstrate skill in the application of the Wisconsin Blueprint’s building design and facility management standards and will be able to advice producers looking for assistance with their remodeling or building process through consultations, building plan risk assessments and positive pressure tube ventilation design.
The Dairyland Initiative website, is continually updated. All U.S. dairy farmers, thanks to a grant from the Dean Foods Foundation, may register for a free login ID to the website.
Extension and education personnel; construction-related businesses; and lenders can register online for free access as well. Veterinarians around the world can also register for a free subscription, thanks to Zoetis, and nutritionists can access the site thanks to Zinpro. Others may purchase a two-year web access.
The Fond du Lac modernization workshop cited information gathered as a result of this initiative and focused on some areas where Wisconsin farms can still make improvements as they strive for healthier cows and more milk production.
Source: Wisconsin State Farmer