Sheridan Flats Dairy, LLC
A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation
Thriving in the beautiful landscapes of Wisconsin, Sheridan Flats Dairy LLC highlights the blend of family heritage and modern dairy farming technology. Owned and operated by Amy and Josh Karpinski, fourth-generation farmers, this dairy farm displays their commitment to advancing their family's legacy.
A Rich History and Strong Family Bonds
The story of Sheridan Flats Dairy is deeply rooted in tradition. Amy and Josh are the fourth generation to run the family farm, having taken over from Amy’s parents last year.
The farm's beginnings trace back to Amy’s great-grandfather, who started with just a few cows. Significant advancements, such as an updated milking parlor, sand-bedded freestalls, and TMR feeding with a stationary mixer, were implemented by Amy’s father.
Today, Amy and Josh handle the farm's decision-making, financial management, and daily operations, while Amy’s parents, Mark and Dawn, provide invaluable support wherever needed. This strong family bond ensures the farm remains a part of their heritage.
The Rewards and Daily Life of Dairy Farming
A typical day at Sheridan Flats Dairy begins at 5 a.m. Amy starts by checking their herd monitoring software for any cows that need attention. She then walks through the groups of cows, checking on their health and well-being, followed by a thorough inspection of the calf barn. The rest of the day varies, from accounting tasks to cleaning calf hutches and administering vaccinations, reflecting the dynamic and demanding nature of dairy farming.
For Amy, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the growth and progression of the cows, from birth to motherhood, showcasing the tangible benefits of their efforts. "It’s very rewarding to watch the progression of cows, from the time they are born, to watching them have a calf of their own," Amy shares.
Embracing Technological Advancements for Cow Comfort
Sheridan Flats Dairy has always prioritized evolving with the times. Amy’s father was known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge, often traveling to other states to learn and implement new farming techniques.
This drive for improvement is foundational to the farm’s operations. "Our farm has always tried to evolve as technology evolves. Many things have changed over the years, but we always have the same goal: happy, healthy cows," says Amy.
The recent addition of a tunnel-ventilated freestall barn provides consistent airflow, creating a comfortable environment for the cows in all weather conditions. Amy and Josh state that this ventilation upgrade was the best decision they’ve made!
Other upgrades include LED lighting that enhances visibility for both cows and people and alley scrapers that reduce the time spent on cleaning tasks. These have simplified operations, allowing the farm to milk 320 cows in almost the same time it previously took to milk 195 cows!
Partnering with Agromatic and Schmidt Buildings and Equipment
Working with Schmidt Buildings and Equipment has been a seamless experience for Sheridan Flats Dairy. Amy praises the stress-free building and installation process and the reliability of their equipment.
Sheridan Flats manages their manure efficiently and easily with Patz Intellichain Alley Scrapers, a 616 Agitator, and a Tundra Pro 2 Piston Pump that were installed. The Patz equipment has been an essential part of the smooth operations at Sheridan Flats.
"Schmidt Buildings and Equipment has been great to work with. From the building and install process to now being in the new barn, everything was simple and stress-free," she notes. These partnerships have significantly contributed to the farm's success & efficiency.
The Rewards and Daily Life of Dairy Farming
Amy and Josh are focused on continuous improvement and growth as were their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Their future plans include building a new milking parlor within the next 5-8 years to replace their aging facility. This commitment to progress ensures that Sheridan Flats Dairy will remain a thriving operation for future generations.
Sheridan Flats Media
Sheridan Flats Videos
10/12/23: On October 12th, 2023, we reached a significant milestone at the Sheridan Flats Dairy project. In this phase, the concrete foundation was expertly poured, providing a solid base for the new dairy barn. Alongside the concrete work, we successfully installed the Patz Manure Pump, a crucial component for efficient manure management in the barn. With the foundation set, our next focus is on erecting the walls of the barn, moving one step closer to completing this state-of-the-art dairy facility. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building a modern, efficient home for the Sheridan Flats herd.
01/11/24: On January 11th, 2024, we reached the final stages of the new dairy barn construction at Sheridan Flats Dairy. With the building structure complete, we installed the exterior exhaust fans, round barn chimneys, cattle headlocks, gates, freestall dividers, and cyclone fans—all critical components for creating a comfortable and efficient environment for the herd. At this point, the team was busy with the final electrical work, preparing to move the cows into their new home very soon. This video captures the culmination of months of hard work, as we get ready to make this state-of-the-art dairy facility fully operational.
05/01/24:
On May 1st, 2024, we captured the final chapter of the Sheridan Flats Dairy project as the new dairy barn became fully operational with cows comfortably settled in their state-of-the-art facility. This video showcases a journey from the initial construction phases to the moment of completion, featuring highlights from previous stages—concrete pouring, manure pump installation, and the finishing touches on the barn structure. New footage from May 1st shows the cows thriving in their new environment, emphasizing the success of this ambitious project.
This video will be featured at the upcoming open house on August 24th, where attendees can see firsthand the culmination of our hard work and dedication. Join us in celebrating this milestone at Sheridan Flats Dairy.
For more updates, click here to visit the Sheridan Flats Dairy Facebook page.