A family run business for three generations and  not much has changed here at Van Loon dairy for 42 years.

That's until Ben Van Loon and his brother Jeremy heard about a unique idea from Wisconsin.

"In January we installed one section of these waterbeds."

Yes, you heard him right, waterbeds.

"You see how you're just constantly floating. There's 14 gallons in each. As the cow stands here and gets ready to lie down, water goes to the front bag where her knees will come first, therefore cushion it more."   

The Van Loons bought more than a 100 of these beds to test them out.

Grass seed byproduct is what farmers have been using for years to fill the stalls.

"Those stalls over the week get holes because they kick out that stuff."

Plus farmers say the waterbeds are more sanitary.

"Bacteria really doesn't grow on any rubber."

Bacteria can take a cow off the line costing farmers thousands. It seems those cows sleeping on the waterbed seem to have fewer cases of bacteria.

"This side, one case in six months, or two. I mean you could see up to maybe six, seven on that side."
 
That prompted the van loons to buy another 200 beds for the rest of their cows at a cost of $100,000. A small price to pay.
 
The Van Loons expect to pay off the beds in three years.