Manure Handling Systems Success Story
Da-Ran Dairy counts on Patz for over 20,000,000 gallons per year!
Randy (left) and Dave Stahl operate Da-Ran Dairy with dad Gerald Stahl (right) in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.
Gerald Stahl and his sons Dave & Randy operate Da-Ran Dairy in Luxemburg, WI. It takes a lot of equipment to keep this 1800-cow dairy operation running, and if you take a look around, you'll see quite a bit of Patz equipment.
As a matter of fact, Da-Ran Dairy currently owns six Model 400 Barn Cleaners, four surface drive silo unloaders, two ring drive silo unloaders, one Model 400 Material Mover, six Model 8916 and Model 162A Conveyors, six Model 1500 Alley Scrapers, two Model 6000E Vertical Pit Pumps and one Model 4444 Vertical Pit Pump.
Gerald began dairying on his own in 1954 and purchased his first Patz Barn Cleaner in 1956 from his local Patz dealer Hank Vanden Plas. Even after 50 years, that original barn cleaner drive unit is still in operation today. "Jerry" chose Patz because of the simple hook and eye chain design. He purchased his first Patz silo unloader a few years later and many additional Patz units over the past 50 years.
Da-Ran Dairy depends on the performance of their Patz Model 6000E Vertical Pit Pump to handle in excess of 20,000,000 gallons of manure and wastewater per year!
In 1996, the Stahls purchased a 200 cow dairy. In 2001, Da-Ran Dairy was formed and the farm they purchased five years earlier was expanded with a new parlor and free stall barns, bringing cow numbers up to 1400. These barns became home to the first four Model 1500 alley scraper units and their first 6000E pump.
They recently installed a Model 4444 Vertical Pit Pump to replace another brand pump that had continuous failures. The 4444 is used to pump manure and wastewater from the milking parlor and holding area to the reception pit. The 6000E agitates and pumps all waste from the reception pit to storage. At Da-Ran Dairy, they depend on the performance of their 6000E pump to handle in excess of 20,000,000 gallons of manure and wastewater per year.
The Stahls say they continue to choose Patz equipment because it is durable and provides reliable performance, resulting in less downtime.
"The alley scrapers don't require much maintenance," says Dave, "and the cows are cleaner because of the cleaner alleys."
An additional benefit is less damage to the building structure, as skid steer use can sometimes result in damage to gates, doors, etc.
Jerry also comments that he has been very pleased with the good service from all of their Patz dealers over the past 50 years, including Hank Vanden Plas, Dorner Equipment in New Franken and Schmidt Buildings & Equipment Inc., Kaukauna, WI.
When Da-Ran Dairy expanded, Schmidt Buildings & Equipment Inc. worked with them on the construction of their new barn.
"We're happy with Dennis Welhouse and the Schmidt Buildings & Equipment, Inc. team because of their good and dependable service," states Jerry, adding "They're there when you need them." Recently when Da-Ran's self-loading mixer broke down, Schmidt provided a Patz vertical mixer to use - an invaluable service when you have approximately 3000 animals to feed!
Da-Ran Dairy currently owns 1,250 acres and rents 2,750 acres. They plant and harvest 2,000 acres of corn, 1,700 acres of alfalfa, 260 acres of winter wheat and 20 acres of soybeans. They have 18 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees.
The Stahls plan to grow cow numbers to 2000, add a new heifer facility and a manure processing system in the future. You can also be sure that the proven performance of their Patz equipment and excellent service from their Patz dealers will continue on at Da-Ran Dairy for years to come.
Expanding your operation soon? Your local Patz dealer can help you plan for your manure and feed handling needs and offer flexible financing options that fit your budget.