Zanatta family targets 250 milking cows by 2028

The farm, located in Linha Galiazzi in Pinhalzinho, is managed by Valmor Zanatta and his sons. Its dairy operation includes about 390 animals, seven employees in the dairy section and one worker assigned to the crops.

Willian Zanatta, who studied veterinary medicine, manages the herd, nutrition, reproduction and automation of the facilities. His brother Marcelo, trained in agriculture, oversees the fields, transport and heavy machinery. Another family member, Márcio Zanatta, works in Mato Grosso.

The operation has organised work shifts to distribute duties and provide rest periods. The family also uses liquid animal waste and bedding from the barns as organic fertiliser on maize fields used to produce silage.

Silage is also bought from other producers. The family says this allows land and capital to be directed towards expanding the herd and developing animals with superior genetics. Sexed semen is used extensively to increase the likelihood of female calves, supporting herd renewal and growth.

The farm’s current output averages 6,700 litres of milk per day, which it sells commercially. Its expansion programme sets an interim target of 160 cows in milk by the end of the year, followed by 200 in the next year and 250 by 2028.

Willian Zanatta developed an automatic calf feeder on the property. The machine identifies calves through electronic ear tags and dispenses individual quantities of milk according to each animal’s weight and stage of development. It operates around the clock and enables the calves to be managed as a group while controlling their feeding.

The family has linked the expansion programme to genetics, operational efficiency and the use of technology. The Zanatta farm’s experience is featured on Estação Rural, a programme broadcast on Saturdays at 6.30am by Rádio Centro Oeste 100.9 FM.