top of page

Expanding Manure Storage Capacity at Ocooch Dairy

OcoochDairyConcreteWasteStorageTanks.png

Ocooch Dairy is located among the rolling hills of Hillsboro, Wisconsin. The farm began in 1978, when Jim Mlsna purchased the property that would later become Ocooch Dairy from Albin and Jeanne Shaker. Since then, the operation has continued to grow and now cares for more than 600 cows.

Challenge: Keeping Up With a Growing Herd and Increasing Responsibilities

As Ocooch Dairy expanded, its existing manure management system could no longer keep pace with the increasing volume created by the growing herd and the farm’s evolving nutrient management needs.

The farm needed a manure storage solution that could withstand year-round use, harsh Wisconsin weather, and the demands of daily agricultural operations. The system also needed to:

​

  • Provide greater manure storage capacity

  • Align with state and federal environmental requirements

  • Integrate with the farm’s existing operating practices

  • Support safe and efficient pumping, agitation, and equipment access

  • Give the team more flexibility when scheduling manure hauling and nutrient application

 

Ocooch Dairy initially invested in one concrete waste storage tank to address these needs. However, as the operation continued to grow, the farm required a second tank to provide the capacity and flexibility needed to support its long-term plans.

OcoochEngineeringConcreteWasteStorageTanks.png

Solution: Two Full-Scale Round Concrete Waste Storage Tanks

Ocooch Dairy partnered with Pipping Concrete, relying on our more than 40 years of agricultural concrete experience to bring two large-scale manure storage tanks to life.

​

The First Waste Storage Tank

The first project was completed in 2020. Pipping Concrete constructed a 4-million-gallon round concrete manure storage tank with approximately 3.7 million gallons of usable storage capacity.

The finished structure measured 204 feet in diameter and featured 12-foot-tall reinforced concrete walls. The tank was engineered to withstand internal hydraulic pressure, external soil loads, harsh weather, and long-term environmental exposure.

A built-in ramp was also incorporated into the design to provide safe equipment access and support the farm’s ongoing manure management activities.

​

The Second Waste Storage Tank

In 2025, Pipping Concrete returned to Ocooch Dairy to construct a second round concrete manure storage tank as the farm’s storage needs continued to increase.

The second tank measures 200 feet in diameter and features durable, 12-foot concrete walls. It provides 2.82 million gallons of total storage capacity, including approximately 2.58 million gallons of usable capacity.

Both tanks were designed to provide safe equipment maneuverability while making future pumping and agitation more efficient.

​

Collaboration From Planning Through Construction

These projects were built through close collaboration among Ocooch Dairy, Pipping Concrete, and several trusted industry partners.

Pipping Concrete worked with MSA Professional Services on the engineering requirements for the tanks. Croell supplied high-performance concrete formulated to withstand demanding agricultural conditions, while Edge Concrete Pumping provided the equipment and expertise needed to complete the projects’ large, continuous concrete pours.

By combining specialized agricultural engineering, durable materials, experienced crews, and proven concrete construction methods, the project team delivered two waste storage structures designed around Ocooch Dairy’s current needs and future growth.

​

OcoochNightWork.png

Results: More Capacity, Flexibility, and Peace of Mind

Together, the two concrete waste storage tanks provide Ocooch Dairy with more than 6 million gallons of usable manure storage capacity.

This additional capacity has significantly improved the farm’s ability to manage nutrients efficiently and responsibly. Ocooch Dairy now has greater flexibility to schedule manure hauling and nutrient application around weather conditions, soil conditions, crop needs, and other operational considerations.

The completed tanks also help the farm:

​

  • Store manure safely during unfavorable weather and field conditions

  • Apply nutrients at more agronomically appropriate times

  • Improve efficiency during peak production seasons

  • Meet important environmental and nutrient management requirements

  • Reduce the pressure to haul manure under less-than-ideal conditions

  • Support future herd and operational growth

 

The reinforced concrete tanks were designed to perform reliably for decades with minimal maintenance. They provide Ocooch Dairy with durable infrastructure that strengthens environmental stewardship, improves day-to-day manure management, and supports the farm’s continued success for future generations.

Looking for Agricultural Concrete Services?

For Pipping Concrete, these projects reflect our ongoing commitment to building durable, high-value agricultural infrastructure that supports the future of farming throughout the United States. We’re honored that Ocooch Dairy chose us for both projects and look forward to a continued partnership with their farm. 

​

If you’re looking to improve efficiency and expand your farming operations, contact us today to discuss your next agricultural concrete project.

bottom of page