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Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA) and University of Illinois Extension to Showcase Innovative Dairy Technology and Management Practices
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA) and the University of Illinois Extension are set to highlight the latest innovations in dairy technology and management during the annual Dairy Tech Tour. This year’s tour will take participants to Wilra Farms in Nashville, Illinois.
Wilra Farms: A Hub of Innovation
Wilra Farms, established in 1982, is where the Harre family, including Clint and Nick Harre, their father Doug, their uncle Curt, and cousins Lucas and Matt, spend most of their time. Recognizing the need for technological advancements, the family recently upgraded their dairy systems.
The farm’s parlor system, which had been in place for more than 40 years, was no longer meeting the demand. In 2022, the family made significant investments in a Waikato rotary milking parlor, resulting in various benefits. The upgrade allowed the Harre family to expand their milking herd to 500 cows, improving efficiency and creating a better environment for both the cows and milkers.
Discovering Innovative Dairy Practices
The Dairy Tech Tour, scheduled for July 17, will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from the Harre family as well as experts in the field, including Dr. Phil Cardoso from the University of Illinois. The tour, led by farmer Clint Harre, will provide insights into the farm’s management practices and the implemented dairy technology.
The tour agenda for the event is as follows:
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Guided farm tour
- 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch and U of I dairy updates
- 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Self-guided farm visit
The on-farm tour highlights will include a visit to meet the calves, a tour through the state-of-the-art Waikato rotary milking parlor, and a demonstration of the farm’s advanced ventilation system.
A Platform for Learning and Collaboation
Tasha Bunting, the executive director of IMPA, emphasized the importance of tech tours for fostering connections and knowledge exchange among dairy farmers and industry representatives. These tours provide a unique opportunity for farmers to showcase the systems they have implemented while learning from their peers.
Event Details and Registration
The Dairy Tech Tour will be held at Wilra Farms, located at 6071 Vanburen Rd., Nashville, Ill. 62263. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 17. Lunch will be provided.
Attendance to the event is free, and pre-registration is not required. For more information on the tour, interested individuals can visit the Illinois Milk Producers Association’s website at https://www.illinoismilk.org. To stay connected with the Illinois Milk Producers Association, follow them on Twitter at @ILMilkProducers.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Dairy Tech Tour can be explored by contacting the IMPA via phone at 309-557-3703 or emailing contact@illinoismilk.org.
— Illinois Milk Producers Association
