Enhancing Poultry Farming in Upstate New York, USA

Air circulation and bird health are key concerns for poultry farmers. An effective ventilation system can improve both farm productivity and animal welfare. Two farms in upstate New York—Clinton Sauder’s and Nelson Zimmerman’s—partnered with contractor PS Higgins to install Multifan ventilation systems. Despite differences in scale and experience, both free-range poultry farmers benefited from tailored solutions, demonstrating the adaptability and reliability of the technology.

Clinton Sauder on the left and Nelson Zimmerman on the right

A Unified Solution: Combi-Pressure Ventilation for Optimal Performance

Zimmerman Farm, a 75,000-square-foot facility housing 40,000 birds, and Sauder Farm, a 40,000-square-foot facility with 20,000 birds, faced similar challenges. These included:

• Managing high summer and low winter temperatures,

• Maintaining consistent airflow throughout their barns, and

• Ensuring long-term energy efficiency.

Zimmerman Farm, as a larger operation, required a robust ventilation system to handle higher demands. In contrast, Sauder Farm, run by a first-time farmer, needed a simpler yet effective system scaled to their smaller setup. Both projects involved free-range poultry barns, where maintaining a stable environment—even with open bird doors—was crucial for optimal production.

To address these challenges, PS Higgins recommended the Combi-Pressure Ventilation System. This hybrid approach combines negative and positive pressure to give farmers full control over their barn environments:

• Negative Pressure: Multifan Fiberglass Cone Fans Vplus extract stale air, creating a vacuum that draws in fresh air through strategically placed inlets.

• Positive Pressure: Multifan Tube Fans distribute fresh air evenly, ensuring consistent airflow and temperature stability, even near open bird doors.

Key Benefits and Reasons for Recommendation

PS Higgins recommended the Combi-Pressure System for its ability to address the specific challenges of free-range poultry farming and the barns' open designs. The system offered the following benefits:

1. Durability: Corrosion-resistant fiberglass construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding agricultural environments.

2. Seamless Integration: The system integrates effortlessly with advanced environmental control systems, enabling automated barn climate management.

3. Energy Efficiency: The Fiberglass Cone Fans Vplus feature advanced motors for high efficiency. Thanks to the fans' durability and high capacity, the system was designed to operate at an 80% running rate while maintaining optimal performance. This approach allows us to use 40% less power compared to fans running at full speed. Fans start at 50% capacity and gradually increase speed, further optimizing energy savings and accommodating future expansion.

4. Animal Welfare: Larger bird doors, introduced by the egg packing company to align with European standards, enhance animal welfare and exceed U.S. requirements. The system maintains optimal winter temperatures and reduces feed consumption, supporting these welfare improvements effectively.

A Common Thread: Multifan Delivers Results

Both Clinton Sauder and Nelson Zimmerman expressed confidence in their investment. The system has improved bird health, enhanced productivity, and supported long-term sustainability. With its adaptable design, advanced technology, and proven performance, this system sets a standard for poultry barn ventilation, empowering farmers to achieve success at any scale.