Choosing the right bedding is essential for cow comfort, herd health, and overall dairy performance. Sand is a popular choice thanks to its comfort, cleanliness and long-term affordability — especially when paired with an effective recovery and recycling program.
But even the best bedding systems come with operational considerations. For dairies using sand bedding, recovery is key. Optimizing sand reuse helps protect your equipment and bedding investment, reduce maintenance costs and keep valuable material where it belongs: supporting cow health and comfort, not clogging your storage systems, digesters or fields.
Why sand recovery matters
Sand impacts nearly every corner of your dairy, from the parlor to the fields and everywhere in between. Here is how it affects the following several key areas:
Bedding costs
Fresh sand is a recurring cost. Recovering 90% or more of your bedding through separation can significantly reduce the need to purchase new material, without sacrificing cow comfort.
Equipment efficiency
Sand is heavy and abrasive. If not removed properly, it settles in manure storage, reducing capacity and increasing hauling and cleanout costs. It also wears down pumps, valves and pipes, leading to higher maintenance and more frequent repairs.
Anaerobic digestion
Digesters are built for organic materials, not sand. Even small amounts of sand can degrade performance and cause costly downtime. Effective separation protects your investment in digester technology.
Soil health
Repeatedly field-applying sand-laden manure can damage soil texture and water infiltration, especially in finer soils. Removing sand before application preserves soil health and long-term crop productivity.
When sand gets missed
Even with a separation system, sand can slip through the cracks. Problems often arise when equipment isn’t matched to the sand’s size or quality, or when maintenance is overlooked. Freezing temperatures, inconsistent water quality and power outages can also reduce efficiency. System sizing is another factor — an undersized setup may allow sand to bypass separation steps entirely.
Simple ways to help maximize sand recovery
Small operational changes can make a big difference. Best practices include:
• Maintaining consistent flow rates
• Properly agitating manure to keep sand suspended
• Regularly inspecting equipment for clogs or worn components
• Adjusting for seasonal changes in bedding material or herd size
Your manure management system should be tailored to your sand type and volume, with the flexibility to adapt as your farm evolves.
What’s next in sand separation technology?
Traditional sand lanes and mechanical separators are effective, but emerging technologies are raising the bar. Tools like static cones that use centrifugal force can now recover finer sand more efficiently. Pilot-stage innovations also show promise for higher recovery with fewer components and lower horsepower.
While 100% sand recovery may not be realistic, reaching 95 – 96% or higher is possible. Every extra percentage point improves ROI, reduces equipment wear and increases the amount of reusable bedding on your farm.
Ready to optimize your sand recovery system? Visit McLanahan’s website or contact your local dealer to explore tailored solutions for your operation.
