A PENNSYLVANIA DAIRY’S EXAMPLE
Purchased soybeans.
On-farm roasting.
The Pennsylvania dairy example covers two herds totaling 220 milking cows, fed 6 lb of roasted soybeans per cow per day. It compares purchased roasted soybeans at $550 per ton with on-farm roasting of raw soybeans valued at $11.75 per bushel.
The estimated soybean cost difference is $19,219 over 52 weeks before roasting electricity. After estimated electricity costs, the difference is $15,875 a year.
What would your numbers look like? ↗BEFORE YOU ROAST
A few practical questions.
How does the calculator choose a roaster?
It selects the smallest model included in this calculator that can process your weekly soybean requirement within 80 operating hours, using the low end of the published output range. The 80-hour target is a calculator assumption. Confirm operating schedules and equipment requirements with Fred; larger volumes may require multiple units.
Why does the case study mention different operating hours?
The case study reports about 51 hours per week. The calculator uses 150 lb/hour, the low end of the 1044’s published output range, giving 61.6 hours for the same 9,240 lb. Those are different throughput assumptions.
How is electricity calculated?
The calculator uses Redjacket’s published estimate of 0.058 kWh per pound of roasted soybeans, equivalent to 116 kWh per 2,000 lb ton. It multiplies this estimate by your electricity rate. See Redjacket’s specifications.
Does the milk-response path predict more milk?
No. You enter an assumed increase from 0 to 6 lb of milk per cow per day. This range is for exploring scenarios, not a recommended or predicted response. The calculation estimates additional milk revenue less roasting electricity and assumes no change in total ration cost. Review ration changes and their costs with your dairy nutritionist.
Can I use the remaining time to roast corn?
Ask Fred to confirm available operating time, grain throughput, and equipment requirements. Weekly soybean roasting hours do not establish how much corn you could process. The calculator does not estimate returns from roasting corn.
FROM ESTIMATE TO EQUIPMENT
Let’s size a roaster
for your operation.
Or call Fred: (785) 979-1141
Calculate yours ↗
ON-FARM ROASTING / DAIRY
Your herd.
Your beans.
Your numbers.
See what roasting your own soybeans could mean for your dairy. Compare soybean costs or explore an assumed change in milk production using your herd size and farm prices.
Calculate my numbers →Based on your milking herd, soybean feeding rate, and farm prices.
THE DAIRY ROASTING CALCULATOR
Put your herd
in the equation.
Compare purchased roasted soybeans with on-farm roasting, or explore an assumed change in milk production. See an annual estimate, suggested roaster, and weekly operating hours.
A starting point for your conversation with Fred and your nutritionist. Results are estimates, not a promise of savings or milk response.
