And so it begins

We're breaking ground!  Today they're starting to construct the manure storage facility, also known as a lagoon.   

Equipment on the horizon

They brought in the excavator and bulldozer and other heavy machinery today.  Kris is excited to get the building started.  He's glad we get to begin it this year ... it'll go all winter long, weather-permitting. 

It is exciting.  Something new - literally - on the horizon!  We'll build the manure lagoon, the new free stall barn, and milk more cows. 

This article yesterday - America's Milk Business In a 'Crisis' - gives various reasons why milk consumption has gone down.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, "Per-capita U.S. milk consumption, which peaked around World War II, has fallen almost 30% since 1975, even as sales of yogurt, cheese and other dairy products have risen."

Yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products ... all still take milk, thankfully!  Which means more cows and bigger barns.  Which means more manure storage.  Which means dirt being pushed around.  Here we go!