Ocooch Dairy Concrete Waste Storage Tanks
Ocooch Dairy, located in the rolling hills of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, first started in 1978 when Jim Mlsna bought what would later become Ocooch Dairy from Albin and Jeanne Shaker. The farm has continued to grow and currently has more than 600 cows.
Keeping Up With a Growing Herd & Responsibilities
Like many modern dairy operations, Ocooch Dairy needed a manure management system that could handle increasing volume and meet all important environmental expectations. The existing setup could no longer keep pace with herd expansion and nutrient management plans.
The Ocooch team needed a waste tank capable of withstanding year-round use, harsh Wisconsin weather, and the operational needs that come with daily farm life. The tank also needed to align with state and federal regulations, integrate smoothly with the farm’s existing operational practices, and give the team greater flexibility.
Not long after investing in a concrete waste storage tank that addressed these challenges, Ocooch continued to grow. They found themselves in need of a second tank to continue to support farm operations.
Ocooch Dairy partnered with Pipping Concrete, relying on our 40+ years of agricultural concrete experience to bring two manure storage tanks to life. We developed two full-scale, round concrete waste storage tanks designed specifically for the farm’s long-term goals.
Engineering Concrete Waste Storage Tanks Designed for Future Growth
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Our first project was in 2020. The 4-million-gallon round concrete manure storage tank features 3.7 million gallons of usable storage capacity and a built-in ramp for safe equipment access. The final design measured an impressive 204 feet in diameter, with 12-foot-tall reinforced concrete walls engineered to withstand internal hydraulic pressure, external soil loads, and long-term environmental exposure.
In 2025, we returned to Ocooch, this time to build a second tank that holds 2.82 million gallons (or about 2.58 million gallons of usable storage capacity). It’s 200 feet in diameter and has 12-foot durable concrete walls.
From the start, these projects were built on collaboration. We worked with our engineering partner MSA, and Croell supplied high-performance concrete formulated for agricultural durability. Edge Concrete Pumping also provided the pumping expertise needed to execute such large, continuous pours. Both tanks were designed to ensure safe maneuverability for equipment and ease of future pumping and agitation.
More Capacity, More Flexibility, More Peace of Mind
For Ocooch Dairy, the tanks stand as a long-term investment in efficiency, environmental care, and generational farm success.
As a result of their investment in farm infrastructure, Ocooch Dairy dramatically improved its ability to manage nutrients efficiently and responsibly. With a combined 6+ million gallons of usable capacity, these concrete waste storage tanks give the farm critical flexibility in scheduling manure hauling around weather, soil conditions, and crop needs.
Both manure tanks are designed to perform reliably for decades with minimal maintenance and strengthen the farm’s ability to store and apply nutrients at agronomically appropriate times. They also align with key environmental regulations, supporting long-term land stewardship and operational efficiency during peak production seasons and unpredictable Midwest weather patterns.
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.
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If you’re looking to improve efficiency and expand your farming operations, contact us today to discuss your next agricultural concrete project.