Massive Manure Spreader

I try to shy away from posting on manure. Its really just not my thing. I mean I love my cows, and I know how valuable it is as fertilizer and all, but geesh that stuff stinks. Luckily, we have a Manure Management team at the farm that is second to none- manure IS their thing.
However, when I saw this roll in the driveway...



I was AMAZED.
This. Thing. Is. MASSIVE!
Word is that this 'Meyer' spreader is 1 of only 12 of its kind in the country.
The main selling points for us were:
1. Quick- The girls make a lot of milk and a lot of manure too. When we get the chance we need to be able to get that stuff out fertilizing the soil ASAP to comply with our CNMP.
2. Efficient- It will save $$ in fuel and labor costs.
3. Versatility- This can also double as a Silage Truck during harvest- AMAZING!
I hope you are realizing how many times I have been insipired to use all caps in this post to convey just how EXCITED I have become over a piece of equipment- manure equipment no less. It truly is something you just need to see to believe!

Milk, Manure, and Maple Syrup in March

*Please note: This is a re-post from March 2009.

It is finally starting to feel like Spring at SwissLane!
Yesterday the guys got the Planter and Strip Tiller out to start getting ready to plant.
Jerry, Nate and Ryan have been spreading manure to fertilize the feilds and empty the pits.
At the Milk Improvement Meeting we talked about milk prices, quality and nutrition.
With milk prices about half of what they were at this time last year, things have been a little stressful around the farm. After some creative thinking we have been able to cut feed costs a little bit but this is always a risk. One little change can completely change the quality and amount of milk from the cow. Fortunately, we have an awesome team that knows their cows. This past month, even with the feed changes, quality and production have improved! The milk prices, not so much.
The most exciting thing about March at SwissLane is Maple Syrup! This is a family tradition that started with my great-great grandpa. I am not sure if the family obsession with Swiss Pancakes lead to the Maple Syrup making or the Maple Syrup making obsession lead to the Swiss Pancakes! Chicken and Egg kind of thing I guess!!