Barn design specialists to share expertise

To house cows, or not to house cows is today a big question.

With the days of abundant water and predominately pasture-based farming fast vanishing in various inland Australian areas, there are now many ways to farm — and no one way is necessarily right nor wrong.

Perhaps, the most important question is: “What is right for you?”

A workshop in Echuca on March 26 will bring together a talented group of Australian and international barn design specialists to address key barn design challenges, and their solutions.

Keynote speakers will include international agricultural engineer Joseph “Jake” Martin III, who has worked in the United States, Europe and Asia.

He specialises in barn design, effluent management and cow comfort.

Sue Hagenson is Artex Barn Solutions’ senior dairy specialist. Born in New Zealand and now living in Canada her extensive resumé includes working and living in Uruguay and China.

Ms Hagenson’s understanding of the Australian landscape, coupled with her knowledge of ventilation and cooling cows adds vital intel to the conversation.

Daviesway’s project specialist Nico Polato has 25 years’ experience in the industry, including work in North America. His practical background includes electrical refrigeration mechanical engineering, and he has seen it all at the practical ground level.

All three speakers stress that failing to plan, is planning to fail when it comes to housing cows in hot climates.

The group will be joined by Australian dairyman Colin Thompson who, together with his wife, Erina, milks 320 cows at Silvermere Holsteins in the Lachlan Valley, NSW. Colin will share his thoughts on the impact of their decision to house their herd.

To attend the event, RSVP Daviesway by March 20 by phoning 1800 666 260.