We expanded our Slurrystore
Scott Bass, a 95-cow producer from Orangeville, Ill., likes an above-ground facility for its nutrient value and safety. “With a Slurrystore, we don’t have to worry about fencing and there are no concerns of anyone falling in.”
Being a good steward of the land is an important part of Bass’ manure management plan, along with controlling manure applications. Bass used EQIP funds to recently expand their manure storage. “When we added cows we needed to add manure storage. EQIP helped us expand our Slurrystore from 310,000 to 520,000 gallons. The additional storage allows us more hauling flexibility. In addition, we like that odor is controlled by the Slurrystore’s chimney effect. No one from the surrounding community has complained of odor.
“Our operation sits on a property line and some of our buildings are right next to the road,” adds Bass. “With
limited space, we figured a lagoon would take up too much land – land that we may want to use for future
herd expansion.”
For Bass, expanding the Slurrystore was a ‘no brainer”. He feels it has paid for itself many times by providing almost all of the farm’s soil nutrients. “There are additional savings by not having to haul manure daily – less labor and equipment expense. Plus the Slurrystore has never required any annual maintenance…another cost savings.”
The Bass family erected a 62x14 Slurrystore in 1976 for their 50-cow dairy. They added two rings in 2004 when they expanded to 95 cows. In 30 years, Bass reports no problems with the Slurrystore.
