Most farmers that milk with automated milking would agree that 7,000 pounds per robot is an elite production goal. Achieving that goal depends on reliable equipment, healthy and comfortable cows, efficient reproduction, quality forages and overall attention to detail.

When Anton Borst talks about the future of his dairy, it’s clear the plan stretches well beyond the next milk cheque.

AI and robotics will not replace good dairy managers, but they will increasingly reward operations that understand how to integrate data, adopt technology, automate consistently and focus human labor where judgment is crucial.

“Through the success of Canada's Best Managed Dairy Herds program and Lactanet's Herd Performance Index, we wanted to expand, recognize and celebrate herds not only across the country, but in their diversity in their type of operation and by milking system on event day,” says Shawna Berry, content and creative manager at Lactanet.

Clean, well-maintained equipment doesn’t just look better but performs better, lasts longer and costs less over time.

There are quite a few reasons Paige and Marcus Dueck’s farm in Kleefeld, Manitoba, stand out from most. They milk their herd of 50 Brown Swiss with a tiestall automated milking system. They also farm 900 acres, own a nutrient management consulting business, raise two daughters and keep the barn doors open to tours.

Consistent daily and weekly owner maintenance is necessary to get the most from automated milking, feeding or cleaning systems. Regular cleaning, inspecting and checking components prevents costly downtime, protects milk quality and reduces stress on cows and farmers.

Building a new barn is not a quick venture. Years of research, life experience and dreams play into the move to build. For Nathan and Amy Yantzi of Tavistock, Ontario, they hoped to construct a barn that allowed their young family to participate in the dairy farming lifestyle and allowed for some time away from the cows.