Presents a positive image to the community
Brian Holste, a 90-cow producer from Rock City, Ill., knows it’s important to present a positive image to the community. “We don’t haul manure when run off may be a concern. Our plan is to control run off, and contain and handle manure properly. This shows we are trying to be good stewards of the land. Also, having a Slurrystore helps keep the place looking clean.”
Holste says developing an extensive manure management plan allowed them to minimize crop inputs. “Our Slurrystore provides the primary source of nutrients for our corn crop. For 12 years, we didn’t apply a commercial fertilizer. Just recently, we built a parlor and the parlor water now runs into the Slurrystore, diluting the manure concentration. Only at this time did we have a need to add extra nitrogen to the crops.”
Holste applies nutrients twice a year, in the spring and fall. “Corn yields have been phenomenal – over 170 bushels to as much as 220 bushels per acre. The Slurrystore has definitely paid for itself in terms of fertilizer value.” Holste also figures extra benefit from not having to use labor and equipment to haul every day or every month.
In 1986, the Holstes put up a 62x23 Slurrystore with a 560,000-gallon capacity, and side-mount pump with over-the-top and bottom-center agitation. Over the years, the system has required very little maintenance.
