Author: Fastline Digital

Are Penta Mixers good?

Penta vertical mixers give dairy and beef operators a feed mix that stays uniform from first scoop to last bite. Wakarusa Ag backs every blue wagon with in-stock parts, quick service calls, and real-world ration advice. If you’re serious about feed efficiency, here’s what our team—and Penta—can do for you.

Why Consistent Mixing Matters to Your Bottom Line

  • Even nutrient intake
    Cows stop sorting. Milk fat holds steady. Beef gain speeds up.
  • Lower refusals
    Uniform chop means less bunk waste, trimming feed cost per head.
  • Tighter ration control
    On-board scales link to feed software, so target and actual weights match.

How Penta Delivers a Better Mix

Twin and triple augers move feed, not air
Augers lift and fold forage in slow curtains, blending minerals through every mouthful.

Steep-wall tubs keep material flowing
Even sticky baleage slides to the knives—no bridging, no dead pockets.

Weight sits low on the frame
Power goes into cutting hay, not spinning empty steel. Many farms pull a bigger Penta with their current tractor.

Find the Capacity That Fits Your Herd

ModelLevel VolumeDoorsPTO hp*Best Fit
4020 SD420 ft³Left slide75+100–250 cows
6020 HD620 ft³Left & right120+250–500 cows
9210 Triple920 ft³Left, right, rear180+500–900 cows
1120 Triple1 120 ft³Left, right, rear220+900–1 400 cows

*Typical with 65 % forage loads.

  • Growing dairies step up in size without trading tractors.
  • Beef yards use side and rear doors to fill multiple bunks fast.
  • Custom feeders spec triple augers today and add a truck mount later.

Service That Keeps You Feeding

  • Parts trailer stocked with knives, slides, bearings, and scale heads.
  • Mobile techs handle gearbox oil, door adjustments, and knife swaps on-site.
  • Two-day delivery on gearboxes and auger shafts from the Midwest hub.
  • Loaner mixer available during large repairs—your herd never skips a ration.

Proof in the Feed Lane

“Our 6020 cut refusals in half and bumped butterfat two-tenths within six weeks.” — Jake, Michigan

“Triple-auger 1120 mixes 30 000 lb in eleven minutes. One tractor, one man, done before sunrise.” — Ella, Ohio

“Knives ran 750 hours on baleage and corn silage. Never lost a shear bolt.” — Doug, Indiana

Straight Answers Before You Buy

Will wet hay bridge?
Steep sides and flighted augers keep material tumbling. Drop knives one hole for extra bite.

Do triple augers guzzle horsepower?
Only at start-up. Once loaded, torque spreads over three gearboxes.

Can I log feed data automatically?
Yes. Add our Wi-Fi module and every load posts to your feed-management app in real time.

What about long-term wear?
¾-inch AR-steel floors last 8 000 tons. Carbide-strip knives average 700 hours before flipping.

Ready to See a Mix That Stays Uniform?

  1. Call Wakarusa Ag. Tell us herd size and tractor hp.
  2. Book a yard demo. We’ll bring a mixer, load your ration, and time the blend.
  3. Compare bunk clean-up and scale data the next morning.

Better feed starts with a better mix. Penta delivers it. Wakarusa Ag keeps it running. Let’s put a uniform ration to work on your farm.

Penta Horizontal Beater Manure Spreaders

Penta’s horizontal spreaders feature the Hydra-Spread system, a hydraulically powered push gate that moves material toward the beaters. Unlike apron chains, the push system is smoother and less prone to wear.

Models Available

Penta 225H, 2277H, 2430H

  • Capacity: Ranges from 400 to over 700 cubic feet heaped
  • Chassis: Optional tandem walking beam for terrain leveling
  • Beaters: Dual horizontal beaters with RipGrip paddles
  • Floor: ⅝” thick poly floorboards for reduced friction
  • Controls: In-cab hydraulic sequencing for push gate and end gate

Horizontal Beater Design

Penta’s horizontal beaters use overlapping stepped paddles, which grab and tear apart compacted material. The RipGrip paddle design breaks up tough pack material and creates a more consistent spread pattern. This is important when working with high-density manure, especially from beef and dairy barns.

Beaters are chain-driven from a central gearbox with slip-clutch protection. The layout avoids side drives or exposed shafts—making servicing easier and safer.

Why Choose Horizontal

  • Better suited for pack manure, composted materials, and bedding
  • More even spread width on lighter material
  • Fewer moving parts exposed to the elements

Dairy Farming in the United States: A Rich and Modern Tradition

Dairy farming has been an integral part of American agriculture for centuries. From the picturesque red barns dotting the countryside to the creamy milk that graces our breakfast tables, dairy holds a special place in our hearts. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of U.S. dairy farming, exploring its significance, trends, and management practices.

The Major Dairy Farming States

  1. California: The Golden State leads the nation in milk production. Its vast dairy farms stretch across rolling hills, producing millions of gallons of milk each year.
  2. Wisconsin: Known as “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin boasts a strong dairy heritage. Cheese curds, butter, and milk flow from its farms, sustaining local communities.
  3. New York: The Empire State combines urban sophistication with rural charm. Its dairy farms contribute significantly to the state’s economy and culinary scene.
  4. Idaho: Beyond its famous potatoes, Idaho is a dairy powerhouse. The Gem State’s cows work hard to provide milk for cheese, yogurt, and other dairy delights.
  5. Texas: Everything is bigger in Texas, including its dairy farms. From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, Texans enjoy fresh dairy products year-round.

Trends in Dairy Farming

  1. Consolidation: Small family farms are giving way to larger operations. Consolidation allows for economies of scale, improved efficiency, and better technology adoption. While the number of dairy farms has decreased, the remaining ones are more productive.
  2. Technology Adoption: Modern dairy farms embrace technology. Robotic milking machines, automated feeders, and data analytics optimize herd management. Farmers monitor cow health, nutrition, and milk quality using smart devices.
  3. Sustainability: Environmental stewardship is a priority. Dairy farmers implement practices like rotational grazing, manure management, and energy-efficient facilities. They strive to minimize their ecological footprint.
  4. Quality Assurance: Stringent quality control ensures safe and nutritious dairy products. From cow comfort to milk handling, every step matters. Consumers trust that their milk and cheese meet high standards.

Management Practices

  1. Caring for Cows: Happy cows produce better milk. Dairy farmers prioritize animal welfare, providing comfortable barns, nutritious feed, and regular veterinary care. Cow comfort directly impacts milk yield.
  2. Nutrition: Balanced diets are essential. Dairy cows need a mix of grains, forages, and minerals. Nutritionists tailor feed rations to meet individual cow needs, optimizing health and milk production.
  3. Milking Techniques: Cleanliness during milking is crucial. Automated milking parlors ensure hygienic milk collection. Farmers monitor udder health and promptly treat any issues.
  4. Breeding and Genetics: Selective breeding improves herd genetics. Farmers aim for cows that produce more milk, have fewer health problems, and adapt well to local conditions.
  5. Environmental Practices: Manure management prevents water pollution. Farmers recycle manure as fertilizer or use anaerobic digesters to produce biogas. Cover crops protect soil health.

Conclusion

Dairy farming in the United States is a blend of tradition and innovation. As consumers, let’s appreciate the hard work of dairy farmers and savor the delicious products they provide. From creamy ice cream to aged cheddar, dairy connects us to the land and the animals that sustain us. 🥛🐄🧀

References:

  1. USDA ERS – Dairy: Economic Research Service reports on U.S. dairy markets and data.
  2. University of Hawaiʻi – Dairy Farming in the United States: Insights into dairy farming trends.
  3. Wikipedia – Dairy industry in the United States: Overview of U.S. dairy states and industry statistics.
  4. Agri Farming – Dairy Farming in the USA – Management Practices: Information on dairy management practices.

Remember, every glass of milk tells a story of hardworking farmers and their commitment to nourishing our nation.