Facility Focus: Is a Separating System Right for You?

If you have an interest in adding a separating system to your dairy, there are several steps you’ll need to take before making any decisions.
If you have an interest in adding a separating system to your dairy, there are several steps you’ll need to take before making any decisions.
(Courtesy of GEA)

Have you ever looked at your manure management program and thought, ”I wish we could add in a separating system.” You’re probably not alone. Manure and sand separating systems have become increasingly popular over the years, and it doesn’t look like they’re going out of fashion anytime soon.

“There are a lot of different benefits to having a separating system,” says Jeramy Sanford, Head of Product Management in Manure Equipment at GEA. “First off, you’re able to recycle out and reuse some of the bedding you currently have on the farm. You’re also able to add some flexibility to when you haul or pump manure and strategically place those nutrients on fields. And there are a variety of designs available to fit all different sizes of operations.”

If you have an interest in adding a separating system to your dairy, there are several steps you’ll need to take before making any decisions.

Sand

Steps to Follow

“One of the first things you’ll want to do is involve your herdsman, veterinarian and other stakeholders in this conversation. Even down to the guy who runs the skid loader every day,” Sanford says. “These guys can offer valuable input and maybe see some of the different challenges you don’t necessarily see day to day.”

Next on the list is taking the time to see a separator in action. “It’s important to go to a facility and see what these systems are like,” Sanford explains. “A manure separator requires a different set up than a sand separator, so it’s a good idea to go and tour a dairy facility that has the specific separator you are looking to implement. It’s also a good idea to talk with other producers and gather their thoughts on using these systems. Ask them what their challenges are, what they like and what they’d change.”

As you begin to get more serious about purchasing one of these systems, another crucial step is getting references from credited building contractors. “Choose a designer and make sure that you choose one based on reviews from your equipment dealer as well as from farmers A good install job is going to make all the difference when it comes down to performance,” Sanford says.

If you’ve decided to install a separating system, there’s another step you need to follow during the building process. “Listen!” Sanford jokes. “Once producers decide to go with a system, they sometimes forget to listen during the install process. It’s important to listen to your dealer and pay attention to their recommendations. Every facility is different, so each system needs a bit of fine tuning to work correctly.”

Adding a separating system to your facility is a great way to strategically manage your manure system in a way that allows you to recycle bedding, better regulate nutrients and implement methods of manure transfer that are more economical for your farm.

 

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