Compost bedded pack barn housing system for dairy manure storage/treatment

The purpose is to demonstrate a new BMP, compost bedded pack barns as a loose-housing and manure storage system for small dairy herds, on an operating farm to dairy producers, allied industry, non-agricultural groups, watershed residents, students and consumers. The demonstration will emphasize management strategies (building design, stocking rate, moisture, temperature, bedding material type and tillage methods) for successful performance. This will illustrate the potential of the BMP for reduced nutrient loading in an impaired watershed impacting water quality through export of the composted bedding as an organic fertilizer, reduced air emissions that improve quality of life of neighbors, and improved animal well-being, health, and longevity. Further, the herd health, performance and milk quality will be measured to assess the economic benefit to the dairy of the CBP barn.