News Release

SUSSEX (CNB) – Daryl and Eric Walker, owners of Lonsview Farm, will showcase an innovative gravity discharge manure system for sand bedding on Tuesday, April 26.

The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lonsview Farm, 6762, Route 111, New Line Road, Sussex.
 
"Our goal is to help producers such as dairy farmers embrace innovation," said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "This open house gives other farmers the opportunity to view the manure discharge system and adapt the idea to fit their needs."

The use of sand bedding maximizes cow comfort, and this increases milk production and the longevity of dairy animals.

"The use of sand is widely accepted as the gold standard in bedding, but this has traditionally been a challenge for dairy farmers," said Olscamp. "This unique system makes it possible to deal effectively with the storage and handling aspect of the sand."

The system designed and installed at Lonsview uses specialized slats over a sand pit. Gravity separates the manure and liquids from the sand. This eliminates the need for augers and machinery, where in the past sand has damaged the moving parts. The design means a new way of managing the sand that will increase profitability and reduce maintenance.

"In our search to find the best solution for Lonsview farm, we travelled throughout Canada and the United States to find an application using sand storage," said Daryl Walker. "It was extremely helpful for us to see what others were doing, and we are pleased to open our doors to our neighbours and colleagues in the industry so we can pass on the knowledge."

The use of sand in bedding will be evaluated within a multi-year complementary study being undertaking by the provincial government in collaboration with Milk 2020.

Olscamp said that supporting innovative projects is one way to support profitability and sustainability in the dairy sector.