AgrAbility of Wisconsin staff participated in the UW Extension exhibit at the 2017 Wisconsin State Fair. Staff played a fun game with children in attendance at the fair and discussed safety on farms. AgrAbility of Wisconsin talked with more than 600 children and their families throughout the event.
AgrAbility of Wisconsin staff would like to thank all of those who came out to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor meetings this year held in Independence, Milladore, and Bangor, Wisconsin. Staff had a great time connecting with FFA members, new farmers, and farmers who have been supporting the program for many years. It's always fun to hear new ideas, what is happening on the farm, and talk with incoming farmers about what to expect with the program.
A new program from DeLaval and AgrAbility of Wisconsin gives dairy farmers easier access to technology for stanchion and tie stall milking. The DeLaval and AgrAbility of Wisconsin Assistance Program connects AgrAbility clients with DeLaval dealers and offers a discount on solutions that make milking in stanchion and tie stall barns more accessible for those with injuries and disabilities.
"AgrAbility has made a huge impact in Wisconsin already," says Pat Wiltzius, DeLaval Solution Manager. "We're glad we can enhance their services and help develop relationships with our extensive Wisconsin dealer network."
Solutions included in the program are any of the DeLaval milking units (MU Blue, MU480/486) with multi-point attachment and the DeLaval carrier rail. Among other benefits, the DeLaval milking units feature automatic cluster removal, reducing the number of times a milker has to bend down to reach under the cow. The carrier rail allows many milking units to be moved around the barn at once, decreasing the amount of lifting during milking and increasing efficiency. The amount discounted is based on the combination of solutions ordered - up to 20 percent off.
Of the 500-plus farmers that AgrAbility of Wisconsin serves annually, at least half are dairy farmers, and the majority of them are milking in stanchions or tie stalls. "This program is sure to bring great benefits to our farmers," says Dr. Richard Straub, AgrAbility of Wisconsin Director. "In many cases, our farmers face obstacles in securing the funds for the technology we recommend, but this discount and the relationship with DeLaval will be extremely valuable in seeing those solutions through."
Current AgrAbility of Wisconsin clients interested in the assistance program should contact AgrAbility for an assessment to gain authorization for the discount. Those Wisconsin dairy farmers suffering from an injury or disability who would benefit from this program can enroll for AgrAbility services by calling the office at 608-262-9336.
Submitted by Abi Jensen