The following is intended to assist you with the planning and design of a robotic milking facility by providing you with features we have found to work well.

The first word that comes to mind is, “Wow.” The facility is huge, with the main section stretching 1,100 feet (335.2 meters) in length and 132 feet (40.2 meters) in width. This section contains the main animal housing, handling and parlour areas.

Dietary strategies used during the transition period to optimize milk production and health in early lactation dairy cows continue to evolve.

There has been substantial research over the last few years on pre-fresh (dry cow) diets. Controlling energy consumption through the incorporation of low-energy ingredients such as straw and poor-quality hay has been shown to improve transition cow health.

From Aug. 25-27, the annual Wisconsin Farm Technology Days will set up shop in a field near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Tent City will encompass 65 acres, filled with more than 600 exhibitors, family and youth activities, university presentations and tractor displays. At the heart of it all will be the new Innovation Square, an area set aside for new innovations and technologies.

Patz Corporation has announced a new addition to their existing line of stationary vertical mixers. Offered in a low-profile, 185 cubic foot unit, the 600 series vertical mixer is strong, resilient and reliable, designed to handle your daily mixing requirements.