"Short Growing Seasons Demand Reliable Equipment." 

In 1981, Friedel and Ursula Mueller began a new adventure in life…they made a move from Germany to Steinbach, Manitoba and started a 30 cow dairy.  They came from a dairy in Germany, but were not as familiar with the dairy practices in Canada.  One of their first experiences the Muellers had with the Canadian milk industry was when they were able to increase their milk production, yet they did not see an increase in their milk check.  It didn’t take the Muellers very long to learn that with the Canadian quota system they were only to produce their allocated amount of milk.  Any milk produced in excess of their allocation did not increase their milk check.  

Since their early days as dairy farmers in Canada, they have come a long way.  They have grown to milk 240 head, raise their own replacements, and they have their own heard of show cows.  It does not take long to recognize the passion they have for the animals on their farm.  From the cattle to the dogs and cats, each one is treated like a member of the family.  Friedel and Ursula run their dairy along with help from their two sons, Andy and Dennis, and daughter-in-law Heather.  Andy’s main interest and responsibility falls with taking care of the cows, while Dennis’s main interest and responsibilities involve the hay and silage harvesting and equipment maintenance.  

Although there is snow on the ground for about seven months out of the year, the Mueller’s are still able to get in a corn harvest and three cuttings of alfalfa and Italian rye grass for either chopping or dry hay. This keeps their equipment very busy in a short period of time.  For this reason it is essential that they run reliable equipment, therefore they selected Krone.  Their Krone line up includes a KWT 882 tedder, SW 907 rotary rake, and a BiG Pack 1290 HS large square baler.

Heavy built, durable equipment goes hand in hand with reliability.  “The SW 907 is able to pull in over 26’ of crop at one time, and it is built plenty heavy to do its job,” explains Dennis.  The SW 907 has exceeded their expectations in many ways.  “It is easy to hook up and adjust the raking height. It also has an excellent turning radius; the rear wheels of the rake follow the exact path of the tractor wheels.  This rake has very large transport wheels, which allows me to travel down the road without the rake shaking or jumping.  It is a smooth ride.”  

The tines, arms, and rotor all reflect the standard Krone sets for heavy built equipment.  The rotor is large in diameter for added strength and is maintenance free.  Another convenient feature is the tine arms do not have any grease points and the tines are wrapped around the arm for extra support.  Although the Mueller’s have many stones in their fields, they have been very pleased that the rake does not pick them up into the windrow.  Whether they are raking for the BiG Pack or for the forage harvesters the windrows are always clean and even.  

Once the chores are completed and the cows are fed, both Dennis and Andy enjoy showing their dairy cows.  They have competed in shows across Canada since they were children and have also enjoyed showing at the World Dairy Expo.  Over the years, they have had Grand Champions at some of the largest dairy shows.  As they say, you might as well have fun at what you are doing!