Harrisonburg, VA - (540) 433-9117 ~ Rocky Mount, VA - (866) 361-2474
 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

TRIPLE R FARMS

While remaining true to their family principals, Rhonda and Fred Ware have advanced their dairy operation, Triple R Farms, in a manner that looks toward future growth.  Having had a positive experience with Dairymen Specialty Company over many years, Triple R Farms turned to Matt Jones and the Dairymen Specialty team for their 2007 farm overhaul.

In 1976, Rachel Parker and husband George purchased the then five year old dairy located in Crewe, Virginia.   As the Parker family grew up and went in individual directions, daughter Rhonda and her husband Fred took over the operation in 1992.  They were milking 150-160 cows per day in 2004, when they made the decision to grow and advance in all aspects of their operation.

Part of the decision came with the recognition that they were dealing with out of date equipment and inadequate facilitates.   Milking 150 cows in a double six herringbone in a parlor with low ceilings and small stalls was impossible. 

Rhonda recalls, “Cow flow was horrible.  We were milking 60 cows per hour and it was miserable for everyone.  The cows were obviously uncomfortable”.

Making a change took strategic planning which started with a partnership with Dairymen Specialty.  For Rhonda and Fred, the end result had to include the AfiFarm herd management software system by DeLaval.  “We knew we wanted the AfiFarm software and it was the basis for our overall program”. 

While working primarily with Matt Jones, Rhonda and Fred found the teamwork behind the Dairymen Specialty organization helped them with their decision making.  “They seem to go out of their way to be sure we have what we need.  Matt is there with the answers and Dennis will help with any problem when we call”.

According to Rhonda, “The benefits of the AfiFarm program would make me build it all again.  The pedometer watches them 24 hours a day and our numbers were dramatic.  We went from five services per conception to 2 ½ .”

Triple R is currently milking 250 cows and continues to see the advantages of improved conditions for their herd.  More efficient milking process means less standing which means less feet and legs problems.  Clean conditions mean less mastitis and better milk quality. 

Installed in the summer of 2007, today Triple R's total overhaul includes the following description:

  • Dbl 12 GE/GI DELAVAL PARALLEL PARLOR W/ DECK FLUSH

  • AFIMILK HERD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

  • DELAVAL LVP 3000 VACUUM PUMP W/ VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE

  • DELAVAL HERDSMAN H.R.S. W/ SCRAPER

  • DELAVAL/GERMANIA ALL STAINLESS SORT SYSTEM

  • 6000G MUELLER MILK COOLER WITH FREHEATERS AND PLATE COOLER

  • F & W CENTRIFUGAL WASH DOWN SYSTEM

  • NORITZ TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

  • SUN NORTH PARLOR CURTAIN SYSTEM
Triple R Farms Family: Fred Ware, Macie Ware, Rhonda Ware, Regan Ware, Rachel Parker, Andy Ware
Andy Ware post-dipping with Bovadine Sanitizing Teat Dip

Megan Ware helps attach units in the DeLaval GE/GI parallel parlor
Rhonda Ware is prepping a well-positioned cow in the GE/GI parallel parlor

Triple R cows entering the holding area under the Herdsman H.R.S. crowd gate
Triple R Milking Center completed in the summer, 2007
Triple R cows are happy and content in the DeLaval open bottom neck rails  

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