Van-Tag Farms

Bulk Tank And Milk House Expansion Project

Van-Tag Farms leveraged a Delaware County Farm Enhancement Grant to right-size the farm’s milk holding capacity. Home to an 85-head milking herd, the Taggart family strives to maximize efficiencies within the confines of their operation. At the time of the grant, the farm was at current bulk tank capacity, with everyday pick-up. Recognizing the need to expand tank capacity, COVID exacerbated the situation with volatility in regularity of milk pick-up.

The Taggarts purchased a bulk tank with 1.5 times the capacity, expanded the milkhouse and reconfigured the system layout to accommodate the new, larger milk tank. With the project completed, the farm has been able to move to every other day milk pick up, aligning the needs of their milk hauler, positioning the farm to withstand demands as the industry changes. Moving to every other day pick up yields cost saving for the farm and minimizes the environmental footprint with ½ the fuel consumption

to move milk to the processor. The expanded capacity enables also positions the farm for future needs as the family farm continues to thrive in the future.

Last updated August 18, 2025