Model 2400 Twin Screw TMR Vertical Feed Mixer Success Story
Big Changes for Shiloh Dairy
A BIG MOVE for Expansion
Shiloh Dairy in Brillion, Wisconsin, has made some big changes over the past two years. Their biggest change came in 2003 when Gordon and Cathy Speirs, along with their children Travis (19), Tyler (17), and Megan (15), moved their three-generation farming operation to Wisconsin from Olds, Alberta in Canada.
Their new $2 million-plus dairy facility includes two large freestall barns, 112 hutches for its heifer dairy calves, and the headquarters building. The large headquarters houses offices, the milking parlor, mechanical control center and 240 spaces for cows needing medical attention or those preparing to calve. A hay storage shed and a pad for high-moisture shelled corn were added this year to accommodate more feed storage.
Since 2003, Shiloh Dairy has increased their herd from 170 to 1200 head of cattle, 920 of them milk cows. Eventually, Gordon and Cathy plan to milk 1,050 cows. Milking is done three times each day with the help of their 16 employees including Tom Ware, senior herdsman, and Danielle Ware, milking parlor manager.
A BIG SAVINGS With Patz Mixer
A successful dairy operation depends in large part on proper nutrition. Feeding a consistent ration to a herd this big requires a large capacity TMR mixer. Shiloh Dairy was the first to buy the biggest vertical mixer from Patz when the Model 2400 Twin Screw TMR Vertical Feed Mixer hit the market in September 2004.
The Model 2400 has a mixing capacity of 950 to 1100 cubic feet with optional side extensions. Gordon added side extensions and a rear commodity door when he purchased his mixer from Schmidt Buildings & Equipment Inc., in Kaukauna, WI. The commodity door allows Shiloh to pre-mix ingredients, eliminating multiple trips to various commodity bins at each feeding.
"The larger mixer saves us time because we're mixing less batches per day," says Gordon, "and the mix is consistent."
Another time saver is the fact that the Model 2400 can handle all types of feedstuff, including wet or dry, round and square bales. Shiloh had to process long hay before putting it into their previous mixer. Since purchasing the Patz, Gordon put his hay processor up for sale because he had no need for it.
The low height is another feature that attracted Shiloh Dairy to the Model 2400. At only 106-3/4" high, this big mixer is easy to load. "I like the low height on the Model 2400," states Gordon, "I can load it with a payloader instead of a hi-lift."
Shiloh Dairy has been very pleased with their Patz vertical mixer and dealer Schmidt Buildings and Equipment, Inc. Gordon says that Schmidt provides quick service, gets the job done right, and has been very responsive to their needs, even providing a loaner mixer to use when Shiloh's old mixer broke down.
A BIG SUNDAE Gathering With Neighbors
Less than two years since moving to the U.S., Gordon and Cathy made plans to get to know their neighbors...in a big way. Shiloh Dairy hosted the 20th Annual "Sundae" on a Dairy Farm this past June in cooperation with the Wisconsin Dairy Producers. Friends, neighbors and families from all over came to enjoy ice cream sundaes, bratwurst and hamburgers, cheese tasting, farm tours, a kiddie tractor pull, petting zoo and a variety of entertainment and information booths.
These good neighbors are open to being ambassadors for the dairy industry, stated Cathy in a recent article in the Wisconsin State Farmer newspaper. "We emphasize excellent care of the animals with a facility designed and a staff that cares for the well-being of the cattle," she said. "They are clean, well-fed and treated with respect, care and attention."
A BIG FUTURE Ahead
Shiloh Dairy has come a long way since settling in Brillion two years ago and it's apparent the Speirs family has mapped out a great plan for success!
* Photos by Ray Mueller