Model 2400 Twin Screw TMR Vertical Feed Mixer Success Story
Impressive Shaker Box Test Results:
Gold Dust Dairy Purchases Two Twin Screw Mixers!
The Thompson family from left to right: James, Rosie, Judith, Jim, Alexandra, Alison. (Anna and Jenny not available for photo.)
Jim and Alison Thompson had been involved in dairy farming in their native Ireland for over 35 years before searching out new opportunities in the U.S. dairy industry. In November of 2002, the Thompsons purchased Thistle Dairy in Van Dyne, Wisconsin, and have grown their operation from 300 to 900 dairy cows within the last two years.
On January 1, 2005, Jim and Alison purchased another farm, Gold Dust Dairy, a 1500 cow dairy in De Pere, Wisconsin. The Thompsons needed to purchase a new mixer for Gold Dust Dairy, and requested an on-farm demonstration of the Patz Model 2400 Twin Screw Vertical Mixer. A shaker box test, conducted by Colin Robertson who manages Thistle Dairy for the Thompsons, showed a very consistent TMR - noticeably better than the mix they were getting with their former mixer. They were so impressed with the results and mixing demonstration that they bought two of the 950 cubic foot mixers - one for each dairy - from their local Patz dealer, Schmidt Buildings & Equipment, Inc., in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
What goes in, must come out and nobody understands that better than a dairy farmer. TMR (Total Mixed Ration) offers many benefits to farming operations including increased milk yield, reduced feed costs, less frequent feeding and improved overall herd health. Jim, a dairy farmer with over 40 years of experience, has seen positive changes in his cows since he began using the Patz Model 2400. He likes the consistent mix and the way it has improved the health of his herd. Since purchasing the dairy and implementing several management changes, production for the Gold Dust herd has increased by over 17 lbs/cow/day!
Colin notes that the cows are eating better and showing improvement since they began feeding with the Model 2400. Colin mixes four full loads per day for the 900 milking cows and also several small loads for specialty groups. Without a good TMR, individual cows may sort out feeds that are more desirable, resulting in waste and a poor diet. A well-blended ration of all feedstuffs is more palatable to cows.
"Refusal is less than 1% with the Patz," Colin says. "We clean up the feed bunks every second day."
Colin Robertson, manager for Thistle Dairy, was impressed with the shaker box test results showing a consistent TMR from the Model 2400 Twin Screw Vertical Mixer.
Herd health is a top priority on these dairies, and mix quality plays an important role in this area. With the Model 2400 the mix is consistent throughout - the last 100 lbs. is the same as the first 100 lbs - with no "hot spots". And it cleans out completely, which is critical when tracking feed intakes for the herd, as well as when switching to the next ration.
Jim and Colin are not only pleased with the cleanout and consistent mix they get from the Model 2400, but also the low horsepower requirement to run the mixer. Colin uses a low horsepower tractor and says it handles the mixer well.
"There's good balance on the mixer," Jim adds, "…low tongue weight, low height and I don't need a hi-lift bucket to fill it." The Model 2400 is only 106-3/4" high.
Jim also knows that he can count on his local Patz dealer, Schmidt Buildings & Equipment, Inc., for excellent service and maintenance on his Patz equipment.
"They are very helpful and are there when you need them," states Jim.
With the proven performance of the Patz Model 2400 Twin Screw Vertical Mixer ensuring the overall health and production of their animals, the Thompsons are able to focus on the process of remodeling the barns to increase overall cow comfort for their 1500 dairy cows at Gold Dust Dairy.