The intelligent load-sensing hydraulic system helps the operator better control both the Volvo L90F wheel loader and the load.
Best known for its oil barons and cowboy culture, Texas is experiencing a new kind of gold rush, with the Lone Star state now one of the leading dairy producers in the United States. With an annual rainfall of 36 in. (91.44 cm) and a particularly long summer, Texas is at the heart of cattle culture – and ripe with opportunity. Farmers far and wide have flocked to the oak-dappled ranges of the giant southwestern state to raise their livestock.
But this wasn't always the case. Until the 1970s, Texas was next to nowhere in milk production — a stark difference to today's ranking as six in the nation, after California, Wisconsin, Idaho, New York and Pennsylvania. In order to climb the rungs of the production ladder, many farmers are forced to modernize their farms.
Cream of the Crop
Established more than half a century ago by Jack Kempenaar, Still Meadow Dairy quickly built a reputation in the United States as a farm produce specialist. An experienced agriculturalist in his native Holland, in 1986 Kempenaar transplanted his dairy operation — one of the leading dairies in the Netherlands — and three children to a 460-acre farm in Como, Texas, a tiny farm in Texas terms.
The transatlantic move was, in part, due to the crowded green pastures of the Netherlands.
“Holland is a small country with a large population relative to the available land,” Kempenaar explained. “Governmental regulations on farming also limited growth. I was milking 200 cows, but I wanted to go somewhere with more opportunity and less regulation.”
Three decades later, business is far from sour. The family-business now spans 2,000 acres and employs 38 people.
“The dairy went through many growth stages, changing the type of dairy parlor and adding acreage to get to where we are now,” Kempenaar said. “We milk 3,000 cows a day, and maintain a replacement herd of 3,000 calves and 'dry' cows.”
The large-scale operation churns out more than 9 million gal. (39 million L) of milk each year and sells its product to Dean Foods, one of the largest milk processors in the country.
Churning a Profit
To maintain an economic operation, the large-scale farm is conducted on a small-scale balance sheet. Because dairy farmers are at the mercy of fluctuating milk prices, containing costs is a lifeboat to stay afloat during economic downturns.
“In order to be profitable, you have to become more efficient,” Kempenaar said.
Such is the reason Still Meadow decided that it needed suitably efficient machines to support its daily feed and waste loading tasks across the farm. The company has built up its equipment fleet so that it now includes seven machines from Volvo, each averaging around 1,000 hours each year. The equipment has been supplied by respected local dealer ROMCO Equipment and includes L70D, L70E, L90C, L90D, L90F, L110F and L150E wheel loaders. While some are older model machines, their mint condition defies the hours accumulated on all original engines and transmissions.
Their largest Volvo wheel loader — the L150E — is used to load, pack and level the silage (fermented grass feed) into bunkers. Given the variations in ground conditions of the work site, the 100 percent front axle differential locks provide added traction.
“The fuel economy is very good and the loaders offer stability, which is a real benefit when working in the silage pit,” said Kempenaar.
Joining the Volvo L150E is an L90C wheel loader — the farm's first Volvo wheel loader, which was purchased in 1997. With more than 43,000 hours, the L90C is the dairy's most utilized loader, moving feed from the commodity bunkers. It is fitted with a high-tip rollout bucket with torque parallel linkage, providing high breakout force.
Ensuring the machines are working at their optimum levels is Kyle Watson, territory sales representative of ROMCO. When Kempenaar needed a swift and safe way to clear excess feed from barn alleys, Watson worked with Volvo-approved attachment vendor Dymax to design a custom bucket. The 2.5 cu. yd. (1.9 cu m) bucket features sloping sides — providing the operator good visibility to spot any curious cows that may poke their heads through the gate rails.
The top treatment Kempenaar accords to his cattle is equally applied to his equipment.
“The key to having long-lasting machinery is maintenance,” he reveals. “In almost 20 years, I have only traded one Volvo — an L110 wheel loader — and that was for another Volvo loader.”
For more information, visit volvoce.com.
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