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Stonecrest Annual 2018
Planning
your Dairy
Project and
Things to
Consider
Stonecrest Engineering has been
assisting with dairy facility design
and engineering for over two
decades. In our years of experience,
as all engineer’s should do, we try
stay current on new innovative
technologies on the market,
whether it be equipment, systems,
materials or building practices, so
that this knowledge can be input
into our client’s project planning.
When designing a new facility,
factors such as the National Farm
Building Code of Canada, the Ontario
Building Code, Municipal by-laws
and requirements, as well as DFO
policy and requirements regarding
renovation or new construction,
all have an impact in the facility
design. Ensuring your engineer’s or
designer’s drawings reflect the most
detailed and accurate information
minimizes errors made onsite and
helps prevent unforeseen costs.
If you are planning a new dairy
facility or expansion, the following
are a few recommendations to
consider about the design process.
Visit as many farm open houses as
possible to expand your knowledge
of new technology and systems
available. Seeing what other new
dairy operations are incorporating in
the way of cow flow, building layout
and equipment, may help add ideas
into your design that you can see
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an example of first-hand. Don’t be the location of foot baths, hoof
afraid to visit dairy barns that are 2-5 trimming areas and boot wash
years old that have already worked stations. Regardless of the manure
out the “kinks”. Call the Farm Owner handling system you plan on
and arrange a tour. Most farmers are utilizing in your new barn, allow for
always more than happy to take you components such as alley scraper
for a tour around their facility, will be drive units or corner wheels.
able to talk with you on what worked
for them and didn’t, and how they We always recommend to
have adapted or made modifications. our clients that they do their
homework. Check references of
Always speak with your Vet, AI your contractors and suppliers.
Technicians, Milk Truck Drivers, DFO A knowledgeable designer will
Reps, contractors & various trades, not only help you sort through
and milking, feeding, stabling, the various aspects of facility/
ventilation and manure equipment operation design that may be
suppliers in your area to ensure you missed when planning a new
have all the knowledge you need facility or expansion, but will
to make informed decisions about provide recommendations for areas
your new facility. When talking to that may need a different design
these different contributors, take that you anticipated. Good design
into consideration the quality and results in an efficient operation
efficiency of the technology that and optimal conditions for your
you are incorporating, as well as the cows ultimately providing you with
service that the supplier is providing. improved production.
Keep in mind various areas such as
Kate Norman, our Dairy Project Designer, has been a Project Designer at Stonecrest
Engineering for over 12 years, specializing in dairy facilities. She has designed
over 250 new dairy facilities and expansions in Ontario alone. Kate enjoys working
with farmers and contractors to come up with practical solutions for agricultural
buildings. For assistance with planning your next dairy project, contact our office
for more information on how we can help.