Tallgrass Dairy
Challenge – Starting a goat dairy
Solution – Hercules Truss Arch building
Size – 65′ wide x 90′ long
Application – Goat housing
Before he could put the plan into action, Mike needed to find a cost-effective structure to house the dairy. Already familiar with the ClearSpan manufacturing facility housed in a Hercules Truss Arch Building at ClearSpan’s Dyersville, IA location, Mike chose a 65’ wide by 90’ long Hercules Truss Arch Building with end panels. After installing the structure, Mike and Karen are not disappointed. Mike says, “We expected good light and air quality, but it is even better than expected. Visitors always comment on how fresh the air is in the building, even with over 100 animals in it. Our two-stage sidewall curtains have allowed consistent fresh air without drafts hitting the animals or anyone who is working in the barn.”
Joe and David start milking the goats at 6 am and then again at 5:30 in the evening, with Mark’s help. “Even in weather extremes, the building is still great to work in,” Mike explains, “making it easier to face chores when weather conditions are unfavorable. The animals always appear comfortable.”
He continues, “The ClearSpan building is our first hoop structure so we had a lot of questions. The ClearSpan staff was very good about addressing them. Our biggest question now is when we should build the next one for the young stock.”
For more information on Tallgrass Dairy and their ClearSpan building, contact Mike Gregoricka at mgregordvm@aol.com.
