TECHNOLOGY

Robots are milking cows, pushing up feed and scraping manure on dairies around the world. For several years, they have been feeding cows in Europe, and now three companies have plans to introduce similar, yet different, systems in North America.

With an automatic milking system (AMS), producers can work smarter rather than harder.

They might also enjoy a better quality of life with added flexibility in their schedule and activities – a clear advantage of robotic milking over conventional operations.

If you’re milking with an automatic milking system (AMS), you may see your cows as robot customers. So ask yourself: “Do I have the right plan in place with detailed strategies and standard operating procedures to motivate and help my customers perform their best ... to achieve their genetic potential?”

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”This is a very popular, well-known quote and the root of its meaning is critical to a robotic milking operation.

“For years and years, we’ve all known the very best thing for a sick cow is to receive healthy rumen fluid,” says Bernie Mulder, founder of Drench-Mate.

As crops come off the fields, it will be time to start emptying manure storage and hauling the “black gold” back and forth to the fields.