Patz Equipment Success Story
Zero Acre Dairy cleans up with Patz pumps and more!
Growing up on a dairy farm, Matthew Phillips knew that he would someday have his own farm. About five years ago, Matt started his dairy operation on a rented farm with 65 cows. In 2005, he bought his own farm in Brussels, WI, and named it Zero Acre Dairy. Matt chose that name because he planned on purchasing most of his feed and wasn't interested in owning any more land than he needed for his facilities.
He has a total herd of 110, including youngstock and milks his 65 cows in a 5-stall Surge Auto Flow parlor. Eventually, Matt may increase to 90 milk cows. Heifers are raised on his father's farm. A new heifer building is scheduled for construction this fall and Matt will bring all the animals onto the home farm once the building is completed.
Zero Acre Dairy already had one Patz Model 400 Barn Cleaner in the barn when Matt purchased the property. Soon after, he installed another Patz Model 400 Barn Cleaner and four Patz pumps. According to Matt, his local Patz dealer was very helpful with making layout decisions.
"My Patz dealer provided after-hours service," said Matt, which made working with them more convenient. They were also knowledgeable in helping Matt choose the right manure handling equipment for his operation.
"The main reason for purchasing the Patz manure equipment is for the labor savings," stated Matt.
Manure doesn't have to be hauled daily, but it can be moved to storage with the Patz equipment. All runoff from the cattle lots is contained and pumped with a Patz Model 3333 Manure Pump to long-term storage.
A second Patz Model 3333 Pump handles milkhouse and parlor waste, pumping it to a Patz Model 1512 Manure Pump where it can be mixed with the manure from the freestall barn. Manure from the freestall barn is scraped into a Patz Model 400 Barn Cleaner. This cleaner also extends outside the freestall barn to allow scraping manure from the outside lots into the system. The barn cleaner moves the manure into the Patz Model 1512 piston pump, which then pumps it to the long-term storage pit.
The Patz manure system is two years old and Matt estimated that he pumps about one million gallons per year.
"The equipment runs every day," he said, adding, "It's reliable."
Zero Acre Dairy also relies on Patz to help feed the cows a healthy ration. Matt had been purchasing a TMR that was delivered every third day, but bunk life was a problem. He uses 1,700 lb baleage bales so he knew he needed to purchase a vertical mixer that could handle big bales. In 2006, Matt purchased a 500 cubic foot Patz Model 1100 Vertical Mixer to ensure that his cows receive a thoroughly blended TMR every time. He had considered other brands of mixers, but chose Patz because he has a good local Patz dealer and trusts the proven performance of Patz products.
He really appreciates the way the Model 1100 handles his baleage bales and the way it cleans out. He currently mixes only one batch per day and doesn't want any feed left in the mixer to spoil. According to Matt, he has seen improved herd health, lower vet bills and production is increasing. His herd is averaging 20,000 lbs per year.
"As herd health has improved, cows beginning their second lactation with the Patz mixer are milking more," stated Matt.
The three-year-old Zero Acre Dairy is off to a great start with clean and healthy cows. And, the added time savings provided by his proven, reliable Patz equipment will give Matt more time to spend with his son, Trenton, and time to plan for his upcoming wedding to fiancée, Natasha.
What goes in, must come out - Patz handles it all! Contact your local Patz dealer for more information.