Today's Dairy
The Dairy Operation of the 21st Century
Our Rotary Parlor
Completed in early spring 2022, the rotary parlor is the heart of daily life at Van Der Geest Dairy. With room for 90 cows at a time, the system can milk a full rotation in just nine minutes—about 600 cows per hour. Milking runs 24 hours a day in three shifts, with a two-hour pause between each cycle for thorough washing and sanitation of the equipment and facility.
Milk Storage & Quality
Milk flows quickly from cow to cooling. Within three minutes, the temperature drops from 101.5° to 34° as it’s pumped into massive silos. Each silo holds 330,000 pounds (40,000 gallons) of milk, and it takes about 24 hours to fill one. On average, 5–6 tanker loads leave the farm each day, with each truck carrying 67,000 pounds of fresh milk.
Cow Care & Tracking
Every cow at Van Der Geest Dairy is carefully identified with three tags: a visible ID tag, an electronic RFID chip, and a SCR tag. These tools allow us to track her milking time, milk yield, and daily activity. All of that data is sent directly to our office computers, giving us real-time insights into each animal’s health and productivity.
By monitoring every cow individually, we can make smart management decisions that support her well-being and keep the herd healthy and efficient.
OUR DAIRY
Staying Happy
Each day, our Holstein cows follow a familiar path from the barn to the rotary parlor. This consistent rhythm keeps the herd relaxed, ensures steady milk flow, and supports their overall well-being.
Daily Milk Pickups
Milk is collected from our on-site silos 5–6 times each day, creating a steady flow from the farm to processors across Wisconsin. This rapid turnaround ensures every load leaves Van Der Geest Dairy as fresh, cold, and high-quality as when it entered the silo.
Automated Feeding
Our cows are fed using a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) system, which blends forages, grains, minerals, and vitamins into a balanced diet. This technology ensures every cow receives the same consistent, nutrient-rich feed—promoting strong health, steady milk flow, and overall herd efficiency.
Milk Storage & Transport
Each silo on the farm can hold up to 330,000 pounds of milk—that’s about 40,000 gallons. With 5–6 tanker loads leaving daily, we keep milk moving quickly from cow to customer, ensuring freshness and top quality in every load.
Feed Storage & Quality
Silage, grains, and other feed ingredients are carefully stored and protected year-round. This ensures our herd receives consistent, high-quality nutrition in every season—supporting healthy cows and steady milk production.