If remodeling of a barn is in order, consider other waste collection streams. With this system, it should be possible to generate a very dry waste product with minimal odor. A problem in this case may be that by adding wood shavings, the waste volume might increase again. Another solution is to use a scraper system. Scrapers have been used in animal housing for many years, and most farmers were glad to see them replaced with other systems as a cable breakage meant a couple hours stuck in a dirty pit to fix the system.
Scrapers are expensive, too, but have the potential to allow for the collection of fairly dry waste.
Belts, as used in the poultry industry, are another potential solution. Again expensive, but if very dry manure is desired then they are the way to go. Another important source of water in the waste stream is rainfall. This is only a problem since manure is stored in open lagoons, a system which appears doomed by the US government. Water wastage may be reduced through management methods as well.