With over 800 cows to feed, KIE Farms relies on the Triotrac for fast, reliable and consistent mixing. The result: lower fuel costs, better feed quality and a smoother daily routine.
At KIE Farms in St. Marys, Ontario, efficiency drives everything. Started in 1998 with just 100 cows, the operation has grown into a large-scale, modern dairy with over 800 cows and 2,500 acres of farmland. With two barns – one freestall and another across the road – efficient feeding is critical.
That’s why Dirk Kiestra relies on the Triotrac self-propelled feed mixer. “We initially started with a pull-type mixer wagon from Trioliet about two years before the Triotrac officially entered this area,” Dirk explains. “We were one of the first in our area to try the Triotrac, and we’re now on our fifth unit.”
Each Triotrac feed mixer runs approximately 5,000 hours over two-and-a-half years. “We roughly make eight mixes a day, using minimal auger knives – enough for a 10-minute mix before feeding,” Dirk says. “It’s fast, consistent and effective.”
“The Triotrac keeps our dairy running.”
The benefits were clear from the beginning. The Triotrac self-propeller preserves the structure of the feed, which is essential for rumen health and milk production. “You don’t lose as much fiber, and from top to bottom, you get a nice, even cut,” Dirk explains. “In the summer, it also helps prevent heating in the feed pile.”
Beyond mixing quality, fuel and time savings play a key role. “It saves a lot of fuel, and time efficiency is key – we can get a lot done in a short period,” Dirk notes. With two Triotracs on the farm – one operating while the other is serviced – the Kiestra team ensures uninterrupted feeding every single day. “It keeps our routine consistent and reliable.”
Another standout factor is the service behind the machine. “Stratford Equipment provides outstanding support. Their mechanics know the machines inside and out and respond quickly when needed,” Dirk adds.
For KIE Farms, the Triotrac self-propelled TMR mixer has become more than just a machine – it’s a trusted partner in daily operations, delivering mixing precision, labour efficiency and peace of mind.
