28 Fraser Edge nfrom page 27
from Faromor. With the changes to the main barn, the family was able to convert the former milking barn into a calving barn. “We could fit quite a few more cows in here,” notes Driessen. “It’s a very nice open barn; it’s all up to date.”
Spreading out at Fraser Edge
The ability to expand the herd into the new space is a similar theme at Fraser Edge Farms, owned by Sid Stoker and his family. Stoker has maintained his previous farm on the bank of the Fraser River for heifers and moved milking and calves to the new location a short distance up the road. Stoker’s niece, Jodie, notes the new farm has been in place less than a year and was the ideal option for her uncle. “He couldn’t build on the river,” she says. “My dad
took over the family farm [from his and Sid’s father], then Uncle Sid got [a farm] on the other side of the dyke.” “I’m pretty happy with it now,” Stoker says.
“Flooding was always a concern [on his other farm]. We were way over-crowded. This place came up for sale … I decided to buy it.” The new property is 105 acres, adding to the 72
acres on the river’s edge. Stoker has 140 animals at the new location and 180 on the other. He hasn’t purchased any new cows but has increased the herd incrementally with calves born. The new barn is 280x133 feet complete with 176 sand-bedded freestalls (Superior sand-saver mats) and three Lely A4 robots with MQC-II milk control. “Cow comfort was probably number one on the
list,” he says of his requirements. “It needed to be a barn that covered all the cows’ needs. Sand bedding gives better mastitis control plus better traction.” Cow comfort was also the reason Stoker went
with robotic milkers. “Every barn I went into with robots, the cows were relaxed,” he notes. “We’re more consistent. A
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Sid Stoker and niece Jodie in his new 280x133 foot dairy barn in Deroche. RONDA PAYNE PHOTO
slight increase in milk volume – probably about 5%.” The use of robotic milkers has also helped with
labour, which at times could be challenging. In addition to providing more comfort for the
milking cows, those in maternity or special care are on sawdust pack with room for 24. “We wanted to have a place for the animal if it was not able to walk around comfortably,” Stoker explains. “We’re seeing less lameness.” The barn’s Secco curtains and chimneys are
adjusted with Maximus controls but this isn’t the only automation Stoker appreciates. He can monitor barn systems and review information from his phone using long-distance monitoring equipment. “We just took the time to figure out what we wanted for cow comfort,” he says, then adds advice to those considering their own build. “When you think you’re big enough, you’re probably a little bit short.”
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