Explore Cutting-Edge Dairy Tech in Wisconsin Tours

By Blake Jackson

Dairy producers interested in adopting innovative nutrient management strategies can get a firsthand look at the latest technologies during the 2025 Wisconsin Farm Technology Tours, hosted by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP).

Scheduled for August 19, 20, and 21, these tours will take place in Casco, Waunakee, and Markesan, Wisconsin, offering attendees practical insights into systems that conserve water, enhance nutrient use, and reduce operational costs.

These tours showcase how new approaches can improve efficiency for farms of all sizes. Attendees will hear directly from producers using the technology, providing a valuable opportunity to ask questions and understand real-world applications.

“PDP’s Farm Technology Tours are a great way to learn about some of the newest options to up their game in nutrient management,” said Cassandra Strupp, PDP program manager and dairy producer from Richfield, Wisconsin. “Not only will attendees see these technologies in action, they can ask questions of the farm hosts and their fellow dairy producers.”

• The first tour on Tuesday, August 19, will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Dairy Dreams, located at E3576 Cardinal Road, Casco. Operated by the Pagel family, this site features the Aqua Innovations system, which separates phosphorus and nitrogen into distinct storage pits, enabling targeted nutrient application. The system also recycles water for flush tanks and sprinklers, reducing hauling expenses and truck traffic.
• The Wednesday, August 20 tour will be hosted from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Endres Berryridge Farms, 6953 Hyer Road, Waunakee. Owned by Steve, Jeff, and Randy Endres, the farm utilizes composting manure systems that convert separated solids into high-quality cow bedding. Attendees will learn about composting techniques such as field-edge composting, spreading, and incorporating value-added mixes.
• The final tour on Thursday, August 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will be at Double S Dairy, N3447 Marshview Road, Markesan. Brothers Dan and Steve Smits will highlight their use of the 360 Rain system, which applies water, manure, and fertilizer directly to crop bases. This method has slashed manure application costs by 90% and saved $50,000 annually on leachate application.

For more details and to register, visit www.pdpw.org or call 800-947-7379. Each tour offers up to two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through Dairy AdvanCE.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir