Robotic milking continues growing in popularity, and it’s changing how dairy farmers manage their herds. In this Progressive Dairy podcast, you’ll hear from Stuart Marshall, who specializes in robotic milking systems for GEA.

Editor’s note: This article is the second in a four-part series about how an Oregon dairy farmer is making robots work on a grazing system. Read the three other articles Keeping milk-quality forage coming throughout your harvest season , Free-flow grazing with milking robots promotes animal wellness and How we milk 3 times a day with robots for success

Managing milk quality with robots is a lot like taking care of your vehicle. If your check engine light comes on and you ignore it, the problem won’t fix itself, and it may become a bigger issue over time.

When discussing robotic milking systems, what does it mean to leverage the economics of the feed table? First, let’s define these terms as they relate to robotic milking and feeding.

Most people, especially those involved in the dairy industry, know the saying “Keep on keeping on” all too well. For dairy farmers across the country, it has been more than a saying but a way of life for decades, especially the last year. You put faith in your values and what you know best – your family, experience, passion – and continue despite circumstances.

When it came to the future of their dairy, owner Kenton Lindenbach says Robella Holsteins faced two options: upgrade their aging facilities or exit the industry.

Just like thumbprints, no two robotic milking startups are exactly the same. If the technology is the same from farm to farm, then why are there differences?