Van Dell Farms Inc.
Jerseys for Profit Since 1939
Welcome to Van Dell Farms Inc.
Ed started with Jerseys in 1939 in Marengo IL with two Jersey cows and a milk route in town. Ed and Mary farmed at several locations in the area until purchasing the present 80 acre farm with 28 stall barn in 1962.
Scott and Vivian started a separate swine operation in 1972 two miles west of the home farm.
In 1978, the two farms merged and created Van Dell Farms Inc.
Bruce and Laura joined the operation in the late 1980’s.
Over the years, land has been purchased to total 382 acres (154.6 h). Crops grown are hay, corn, wheat and soy beans. Cows are exercised on a rotational pasture. Our growing season is from mid-April to mid-September.
The dairy operation milked 42 Registered Jerseys in a tie stall barn untill 1996, when we made the decision to expand and modernize. Our goals were to be more labor efficient and lower our cost of production. In 1996, we built the freestall barn with 76 stalls and a bedded area for fresh cows. The barn has a slatted floor with under barn manure storage (6 month capacity). Cows are milked in the old stall barn in a10-stall flat barn with 5 automatic take-off milkers. Each year, we have added a bunker silo and in 1998 we converted our heifer housing from bedded pack to freestalls. In 2001, we completed a a milking parlor. The milking parlor includes a double eight herringbone, with DeLaval Milking Equipment. We have been very satisfied with all of our changes and would not go back to our old system. In the three years since the change we have doubled the herd size from within, increased production while not increasing the labor force.
The swine operation is a Total Confinement SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) Farrow to Finish Operation and markets about 1500 head annually.
While both our operations are small, we plan to stay competitive with larger operations by using technology, good management, remain focused & optimistic and change with the times. Most importantly, we enjoy working alongside our family while we make a profit.
We are a commercial herd, breeding for productive cows that have type traits for today’s business world. At Van Dell Farms you’ll find an honest herd of Jerseys in modern facilities, where we are growing and becoming more productive.
When traveling through our area, find some time to stop in and visit. We are located in far southern Wisconsin, only an hour from Madison, Chicago or Milwaukee.
