The Illinois Milk Producers Association and the University of Illinois Extension will highlihgt innovative dairy technology and management practices during their annual Dairy Tech Tour.  This year’s tour is taking participants to Wilra Farms in Nashville, Illinois.  The guided tour will be led by farmer Clint Harre and Doctors Phil Cardoso and Derek Nolan from the University of Illinois. Attendees will hear about the latest technology and management when it comes to dairy and hear from dairy farmers who have implemented new systems.

Tasha Bunting, IMPA executive director, says that tech tours are an excellent opportunity for Illinois dairy farmers and industry reps. Dairy farmers are encouraged to connect with attendees and see some of the systems they have implemented to learn from one another during tours. 

WIlra Farms was established 40 years ago in 1982 where the Harre partners, Clint and Nick Harre, their father Doug, Uncle Curt, and cousins Lucas and Matt have built a farm and spent most of their time. The farm’s parlor system wasn’t keeping up with demand, and the family needed to think of a new solution.   

In 2022, after upgrading their technology and investing in a Waikato rotary milking parlor and the enhancement allowed the family to expand their milking herd to 500 cows.  The dairy also became more efficient and created a better environment for both the cows and those milking the cows. 

On the farm, you will meet calves, tour the Waikato rotary milking parlor, and a state-of-the-art ventilation system.  From 10 AM until Noon there will be a guided farm tour. From 12:15-1 PM, there will be lunch and U of I dairy updates, and from 1-2 PM there will be a self-guided farm visit. The Dairy Tech Tour will go from 10 AM until 2 PM on July 17th at Wilra Farms, at 6071 Vanburen Rd., Nashville IL, 62263.  The farm tour will include discussions on management practices led by the Harre family, as well as a research update session led by Dr. Phil Cardoso.  Lunch will be provided.

The event is free to attend and pre-registration is not required.  Visit www.illinoismilk.org for more information on the tour or stay connected at @Ilmilkproducers.  Contact the IMPA at 309-557-3703.