Foundation News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville formally recognized Hampel Corp.'s donation of 20 calf pen systems to the Pioneer Farm at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 8.

Lewis Anderson Jr., national sales manager for Calf-Tel, said his company, which is a division of Hampel Corp., was pleased to make the donation and be involved with the Pioneer Farm.

"This is what we like to see," Anderson said during brief remarks at the ceremony that also was attended by UWP Chancellor David Markee and several other UWP officials. "We like to be involved with students and the educational component."

Cory Weigel, manager of the dairy operation at Pioneer Farm, said the new calf pens were very easy to install and have been a positive addition.

With calves mooing in the background, Weigel said that the animals are healthier in their new, warmer accommodations in the old Dairy Center. They previously were in the greenhouse.

"They sure are doing a lot better in this facility," he said.

The new 4-by-6-foot pens allow for easy management and cleaning. When a calf is moved out, the bedding is removed and the plastic pens are cleaned with a spray washer.

Calf-Tel is located in Germantown, a Milwaukee suburb. The company was formed in 1976.

Pioneer Farm opened its new Dairy Center in 2006. It includes cutting-edge technology, including robotic milkers. The university's goal is to expand its dairy herd to a full capacity of 200 cows by the end of 2009. With the calves now in the old Dairy Center, the greenhouse that previously housed calves will be used as an open-housing area for calves from 2 to 6 months old.

The 430-acre Pioneer Farm - located just southeast of Platteville - includes corn, oats and alfalfa along with beef, dairy cows and swine. The farm also includes a classroom and the capability to provide distance education.

For more information about the calf pens, contact Jaclyn Bevan, development officer, UWP Foundation at (608) 342-1864 or zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu.

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