Dave Styer

A farm committed to innovation

Located near Menomonie, Wisconsin, Alfalawn Farm is home to over 2,200 milking cows. Farm owner Dave Styer understands that in the ever-evolving dairy industry, staying ahead of the curve is critical. “If we’re not constantly looking at new technology, new ways to keep up with the industry, pretty soon you’re behind,” says Styer. This forward-thinking approach led them to adopt the Nedap-powered Alta Cow Watch system, including the SmartSort gate, to streamline their sorting process, improve efficiency, and ensure better outcomes for their herd.

Enhanced Accuracy with SmartSort

Before integrating the SmartSort system, Alfalawn Farm was facing challenges with their older sort gate. “Our other sort gate wasn’t to our satisfaction,” recalls Styer. The need for improved sorting accuracy was paramount, which is why the farm decided to make the switch to the Alta Cow Watch system powered by Nedap technology. The results were immediate and impressive.

“With the SmartSort gate system, we’ve been able to achieve much higher accuracy as far as sorting the cows,” Styer notes, adding, “We get about a 99% sort rate now, which is a huge improvement.” This accuracy allows Alfalawn to easily manage important tasks such as breeding, pregnancy checks, and dry-off routines with minimal error. Cows are swiftly and accurately sorted into the right areas, reducing stress for both the animals and the team.

Improved Cow Comfort and Efficiency

One of the standout features of the SmartSort gate is its ability to allow continuous cow flow. “The neat thing about the SmartSort gate is the ability for cows to go through it continuously. It doesn’t stop the cows like our previous one did, so our throughput has been very good,” says Styer. This continuous flow means less time spent in sorting areas, allowing cows to return to their normal routines quickly, which in turn contributes to improved cow comfort and productivity.

The seamless sorting also helps Alfalawn Farm reduce the amount of time their cows are confined in headlocks. “We took out about 80% of our headlocks after we put Nedap in,” shares Styer. The reduction in headlock usage not only allows for better airflow in the cross-ventilated barn but also promotes a calmer environment for the cows. This enhancement to cow welfare has translated into noticeable results: “We’ve seen results in milk production and overall comfort of the cows,” he adds.

Labor Savings and Streamlined Operations

In addition to the benefits of improved accuracy and cow comfort, the SmartSort system has made a significant impact on labor efficiency at Alfalawn Farm. “It has allowed us to cut back our labor significantly in the dairies,” Styer explains. The ease of use and reliable performance of the system means that fewer hands are needed to manage the daily sorting tasks, freeing up staff for other essential duties on the farm.

“The system has been working very nicely,” Styer says. With SmartSort, the farm has not only reduced the labor required for sorting but also improved the precision and speed of sorting activities, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently.

A Game-Changer for Alfalawn Farm

The decision to implement the Nedap-powered Alta Cow Watch system and SmartSort gate has proven to be a game-changer for Alfalawn Farm. With increased sorting accuracy, enhanced cow comfort, reduced labor costs, and overall improvements in farm efficiency, Styer couldn’t be happier with the results. “We’re very happy with how the system is working for us,” he concludes. This advanced technology has truly helped Alfalawn Farm stay at the forefront of the dairy industry, allowing them to operate smarter and more effectively than ever before.