Interview with dairy farmer Michelsen

Dairy farmer Michelsen from Alphen (Holland) has seen his business grow significantly in recent years. This growth not only created the need for more space, but also sparked the ambition to prepare the farm for the future.

In this interview, Michelsen shares how he worked with Royal de Boer to build a modern new barn, with cow comfort, barn tranquillity and sustainability at its core.

First, a brief introduction

We started out as a fairly average Dutch dairy farm. Over the years, we gradually grew into a larger operation. Together with our family and staff, we are fully focused on caring for and managing our dairy cows.

What are your plans for the future of the farm?
In the coming period, we mainly want to fine-tune things. That means improving efficiency, extending the lifespan of our cows and perhaps slightly increasing milk production.

What prompted you to build a new barn?
With our herd expanding, our two existing barns became overcrowded. In addition, the walkways and crossings were rather narrow by today’s standards. We started to run into practical limitations.

What were your key wishes for the new barn?
More space for the dairy cows was the main goal, with cow comfort as our central priority. This step fits our philosophy of continuous improvement.

ECV and box fans

What were your expectations for the new ventilation system?
In our previous barns, we used mechanical cross ventilation, but we had the feeling that things could be improved with longitudinal ventilation and an open front façade. Our goal was to minimise heat stress, so we deliberately chose a system with high ventilation capacity, including ECV fans.

What effect do you notice in the barn now?
We clearly notice that the barn climate remains pleasant even during extreme heat. As a result, feed intake and milk production stay more consistent.

What effect does it have on the animals?
The cows are barely affected by the heat. You can see that they remain evenly spread out in the barn, and that says a lot. Milk production stays stable, and in the long term I also expect positive effects on animal health.

What makes this system a good fit for your situation?
In our case, longitudinal ventilation works well because the barn is fully open on all sides. That amplifies the effect of the fans and ensures constant air renewal.

Would you recommend this ventilation system to other farmers?
If the construction allows, I would definitely recommend this type of ventilation. For us, it has clearly added value, especially on hot days.

Twist & Lock feed fence

Why did you choose the Twist & Lock feed fence?
We had already installed this system during a renovation and had a very positive experience with it. Due to its robustness, safety and ease of use, it was an obvious choice to use it again.

What do you notice in daily use?
The system is easy to use and fits well into the daily routine. We know what to expect from it and don’t have to worry about it – that brings peace of mind.

How do you rate the quality and what effect does it have on animal behaviour?
The feed fence is sturdy and stands up well to barn conditions. At the same time, it brings calm to the feeding area: the animals can eat safely and comfortably, which benefits their well-being.

B3130 cubicles

Why did you choose B3130 cubicles for the new barn?
When designing the new barn, our focus was on increasing cow comfort. Choosing the B3130 cubicles with deep bedding was a key part of that. We definitely didn’t want cubicles with a horizontal front bar anymore, because we saw that cows would sometimes bump into them when trying to stand up. That made rising more difficult.

What do you observe in practice regarding comfort and cow behaviour?
The difference is clear. The cows lie straight in the cubicles and don’t touch the structure. If they do, the flexible divider prevents injuries. Thanks to the movable brisket board and the smart design, injuries or cows getting stuck are a thing of the past.

How important are cow safety and comfort to you?
They are essential. A comfortable and safe resting space directly improves cow welfare and thus performance. The B3130 meets all our expectations in that respect – we wouldn’t want anything else now.

Easy Drink water troughs

What do you notice in practice with the Easy Drink troughs?
The biggest benefit is how easy they are to clean. Thanks to the sloped and tapered bottom, the troughs drain completely, which makes cleaning much simpler. We follow a fixed cleaning routine, and if needed we clean an extra one in between.

Have you noticed changes in the cows’ drinking behaviour since using this system?
Yes, in this barn we added more drinking length, which clearly contributes to improved water intake.

What would you say to fellow farmers who are unsure about this system?
I’d say focus on the ease of use and improved water uptake. For us, those two things make all the difference.

Soaker Line

How does the Soaker Line work on hot days?
When the indoor temperature reaches 25 degrees, the soaker line activates for one minute every 15 minutes. As the temperature rises, the frequency gradually increases to every 10 minutes at 30 degrees or higher. This is easy to adjust based on your own experience or preference.

What do you observe in cow behaviour during hot weather?
Especially the combination of strong ventilation and the soaker line ensures that cows barely suffer from heat stress, even in extreme heat. Combined with feeding twice a day – in the morning and evening – feed intake stays steady.

What was your experience with Royal de Boer?

How did you experience working with Royal de Boer on your new barn?
Very good. We’ve been working with Royal de Boer for many years and once again had a positive experience. Together with Fa. Nooren (Royal de Boer dealer), we developed a complete solution, allowing us to coordinate the entire project with just one party. That made things simple and clear.

Would you recommend Royal de Boer’s products and services to others?
Absolutely. What I especially appreciate is the complete package they offer: from barn equipment and ventilation to the soaker line and guidance. Everything fits together, and that makes the whole process much easier.

Ready for a new or renovation?

By choosing new construction, farmer Michelsen set up his business with the future in mind. Together with Royal de Boer, he built a barn full of tranquillity, balance and efficiency. From climate control to manure handling, everything is perfectly aligned to create a stable environment where cows perform at their best. For over 150 years, we have helped dairy farmers move forward with smart and solid solutions. We’re ready to help you too. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

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