https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us aproctor@lely.com The capabilities of today’s automated milking systems to provide an ideal milking for an individual cow make them an excellent tool to enable those more senior members of the herd to meet their genetic potential. Here are four reasons milking robots are a great option for older cows. The capabilities of today’s automated milking systems to provide an ideal milking for an individual cow make them an excellent tool to enable those more senior members of the herd to meet their genetic potential. Here are four reasons milking robots are a great option for older cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63456 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63456-golden-years-for-the-herd-why-robots-are-an-older-cows-best-friend 63456-proctor-illustration.coreylewis.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Semiautomated milking technology captured the attention of dairy producers awarding this year’s Nexus Innovation Awards. The new technology from GEA improves upon and brings the fully automated teat preparation common in box-style milking robots to parallel parlors. Semiautomated milking technology captured the attention of dairy producers awarding this year’s Nexus Innovation Awards. The new technology from GEA improves upon and brings the fully automated teat preparation common in box-style milking robots to parallel parlors.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63306 Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63306-nexus-awards-in-liner-everything-automated-teat-prep-technology-now-available 63306-cooley-1032.jpg ppeetz@lely.com The introduction of automated milking systems nearly 30 years ago raised a key question: When should cows be milked? The introduction of automated milking systems nearly 30 years ago raised a key question: When should cows be milked?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63087 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63087-free-cow-traffic-in-automated-milking-systems ppmadero@maderoequipos.com The U.S. dairy industry has arrived at its position of global strength by producing more milk with the same number of cows across a fraction of the farms. It did so not by choosing between scale and efficiency, but by pursuing both. The U.S. dairy industry has arrived at its position of global strength by producing more milk with the same number of cows across a fraction of the farms. It did so not by choosing between scale and efficiency, but by pursuing both.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63240 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63240-the-dual-path-of-scale-and-efficiency 63240-madero-63240-A.jpg ximena.alcarazclavijo@delaval.com Clean, well-maintained equipment doesn’t just look better but performs better, lasts longer and costs less over time. Clean, well-maintained equipment doesn’t just look better but performs better, lasts longer and costs less over time.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63197 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63197-7-reasons-why-clean-milking-robots-perform-better 63197-alcaraz-63197A.jpg kfiene@boumatic.com Longevity in your milking system is about more than just buying a quality product. How you manage your dairy along the way is going to determine how long your system lasts. Longevity in your milking system is about more than just buying a quality product. How you manage your dairy along the way is going to determine how long your system lasts.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63112 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63112-the-keys-to-longevity-in-milk-systems-maintenance-planning-and-leadership 63112-fiene-dixon.jpg salfe001@umn.edu Is pretraining heifers a worthwhile investment of time and labor? The evidence shows that a strong, consistent training program can provide significant returns, but the results of pretraining research are mixed. Is pretraining heifers a worthwhile investment of time and labor? The evidence shows that a strong, consistent training program can provide significant returns, but the results of pretraining research are mixed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62887 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62887-should-you-pretrain-your-heifers-for-automated-milking jvogel@lely.com The benefits to automated milking systems are well documented when referenced to cow welfare, production potential and labor optimization. Although there are many facets to the optimization of these systems, one of the most undervalued is the parameters surrounding individual milking events and what draws the cows to the robot. The benefits to automated milking systems are well documented when referenced to cow welfare, production potential and labor optimization. Although there are many facets to the optimization of these systems, one of the most undervalued is the parameters surrounding individual milking events and what draws the cows to the robot.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62871 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62871-the-impacts-of-visit-behavior-to-milk-quality-in-automated-milking-systems 62871-vogel-Lely-IT-A5-next-II.jpg john@cow-corner.co They say football is won and lost in the trenches with fundamentals like blocking and tackling. The fundamentals of automated milking systems are monitoring performance and completing maintenance. They say football is won and lost in the trenches with fundamentals like blocking and tackling. The fundamentals of automated milking systems are monitoring performance and completing maintenance.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62886 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62886-a-winning-game-plan-for-automated-milking 62886-gerbitz-getty.jpg shaun@futurecow.com Whether it’s a five-man double-50, a small flat barn or a rotary, night shifts consistently show the highest deviation from standard operating procedures (SOPs). But the real question is, why? And more importantly, what can we do about it? Whether it’s a five-man double-50, a small flat barn or a rotary, night shifts consistently show the highest deviation from standard operating procedures (SOPs). But the real question is, why? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62606 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62606-the-mystery-of-the-night-shift-why-protocol-drift-happens-after-dark 62606-hardtky-cooley.jpg john@cow-corner.co For Canadian farmers, regulatory compliance will limit the use of tiestall barns beginning in April 2027. If labour efficiency is motivating you, automated milking might be part of your plan. One of the first questions to answer is whether to retrofit milking robots into your existing tiestall barn or start over with a new facility. For Canadian farmers, regulatory compliance will limit the use of tiestall barns beginning in April 2027. If labour efficiency is motivating you, automated milking might be part of your plan. One of the first questions to answer is whether to retrofit milking robots into your existing tiestall barn or start over with a new facility.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62707 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62707-automated-milking-after-tiestalls-new-construction-or-retrofit 62707-gerbitz-5927.jpg shaun@futurecow.com Milking parlors perform at the intersection of three forces: equipment performance, chemical effectiveness and human compliance. Each one can elevate milk quality or quietly sabotage it. Milking parlors perform at the intersection of three forces: equipment performance, chemical effectiveness and human compliance. Each one can elevate milk quality or quietly sabotage it.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62594 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62594-equipment-chemistry-and-people-a-three-tier-checklist-for-modern-parlors dmeihak@lely.com Labor shortages, rising input costs and growing expectations around animal care are forcing producers to think differently about how they manage their operations, not just for today but for the next five to 10 years and beyond. Labor shortages, rising input costs and growing expectations around animal care are forcing producers to think differently about how they manage their operations, not just for today but for the next five to 10 years and beyond.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62439 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62439-robotics-for-large-herds-unlocking-genetic-potential-and-shaping-the-future-of-dairy 62439-meihak-time.jpg john@cow-corner.co Six automated milking dairies share their success stories here. Each of them have that adaptation mindset. All of them identify net profit as an important measure of success. Each of their stories highlights a specific strength that successful automated milking dairies have in common. Six automated milking dairies share their success stories here. Each of them have that adaptation mindset. All of them identify net profit as an important measure of success. Each of their stories highlights a specific strength that successful automated milking dairies have in common.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62418 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62418-what-do-successful-automated-milking-dairies-have-in-common 62418-gerbitz-1.jpg akinney@boumatic.com With the average U.S. dairy herd sizes more than doubling in the last two decades, producers nationwide face a critical question: When does herd growth demand parlor expansion? With the average U.S. dairy herd sizes more than doubling in the last two decades, producers nationwide face a critical question: When does herd growth demand parlor expansion?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62343 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62343-when-growing-herds-outpace-milking-capacity-strategic-expansion-for-todays-dairy-operations 62343-kinney-parlor-getty.jpg jenn@agproud.com Two dairy producers shared insights into how a no-feed approach to milking with robots has shaped their management and long-term outlook on dairy farming during a Tanbark Talk Oct. 2 at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. Two dairy producers shared insights into how a no-feed approach to milking with robots has shaped their management and long-term outlook on dairy farming during a Tanbark Talk Oct. 2 at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62357 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62357-producers-share-journey-with-no-feed-automated-milking-systems 62357-coyne-62357_1.jpg andy.lenkaitis@gea.com Investing in a rotary parlor is a big commitment – financially and logistically. With a plan that prioritizes people and cows, you can help ensure the rotary keeps turning for years to come with a well-executed startup. Investing in a rotary parlor is a big commitment – financially and logistically. With a plan that prioritizes people and cows, you can help ensure the rotary keeps turning for years to come with a well-executed startup.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62063 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62063-start-your-rotary-parlor-the-right-way 62063-lenkatis-gea-rotary-parlor.jpg antti.puuri@4dbarn.com The transition from a traditional milking to automated milking is not always straightforward. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most important factors to address when planning the shift from a parlor to an automated milking system. The transition from a traditional milking to automated milking is not always straightforward. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most important factors to address when planning the shift from a parlor to an automated milking system.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62000 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 07:57:35 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62000-how-to-transition-from-a-parlor-to-robots 62000-puuri-1.jpg ppeetz@lely.com Bimodality can strongly impact both milk production and cow health. Let’s examine its impact on dairy farm performance and outline strategies to effectively reduce its occurrence. Bimodality can strongly impact both milk production and cow health. Let’s examine its impact on dairy farm performance and outline strategies to effectively reduce its occurrence.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61813 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61813-bimodality-explained-how-it-impacts-your-farm courtney.claypool@delaval.com Few things reflect a well-run dairy like relaxed, happy cows chewing their cud in the milking parlor. Rotary parlors are designed to support that kind of consistency. They bring comfort and efficiency to the milking process through steady movement and streamlined routines. Few things reflect a well-run dairy like relaxed, happy cows chewing their cud in the milking parlor. Rotary parlors are designed to support that kind of consistency. They bring comfort and efficiency to the milking process through steady movement and streamlined routines.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61858 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61858-rotary-parlors-are-a-smart-choice-for-any-dairy 61858-claypool-rotary-delaval.jpg kcarlson@boumatic.com The milking parlor is the heart of any dairy. But like any hardworking system, it needs the right care at the right time to deliver peak performance over the long haul. When you skip maintenance or use low-quality replacement parts, problems build up fast. The milking parlor is the heart of any dairy. But like any hardworking system, it needs the right care at the right time to deliver peak performance over the long haul. When you skip maintenance or use low-quality replacement parts, problems build up fast.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61732 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61732-keep-it-flowing-how-smart-maintenance-extends-the-life-of-your-parlor 61732-carlson-maintenance.jpg craig.walter@vas.com Milking parlors are the drumbeat of a dairy – fast-paced, dynamic environments where small changes make a big difference. Milking parlors are the drumbeat of a dairy – fast-paced, dynamic environments where small changes make a big difference.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61711 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61711-milk-in-motion-mastering-the-tempo-of-parlor-performance 61711-walter-reid-parlor.jpg dmeihak@lely.com The decision to invest in a new automated milking barn represents a significant step toward modernizing your operation. With it comes the opportunity for enhanced efficiency, improved cow welfare and higher revenues. The success of a project hinges on meticulous planning that considers the intricate interplay among numerous factors. The decision to invest in a new automated milking barn represents a significant step toward modernizing your operation. With it comes the opportunity for enhanced efficiency, improved cow welfare and higher revenues. The success of a project hinges on meticulous planning that considers the intricate interplay among numerous factors.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61709 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61709-planning-your-automated-milking-barn-essential-considerations 61709-melhak-3384.jpg john@cow-corner.co Like the speedometer, the dry-off list may include cows that are milking more than expected, and it might be necessary to pump the brakes hard to dry them off successfully. Or, like the blind spot, life happens, holidays and time off intervene, and suddenly, there are more cows on the dry-off list than expected. Automated milking systems and milking system software have some options for managing cows going into the dry period. Like the speedometer, the dry-off list may include cows that are milking more than expected, and it might be necessary to pump the brakes hard to dry them off successfully. Or, like the blind spot, life happens, holidays and time off intervene, and suddenly, there are more cows on the dry-off list than expected. Automated milking systems and milking system software have some options for managing cows going into the dry period.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61671 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61671-avoid-dry-off-surprises-use-robotic-tools-to-smooth-the-end-of-lactation 61671-gerbitz-lely-milking.jpg keith.ortiz@delaval.com The dairy industry has spent the last few decades designing barns for automated milking – resulting in hundreds of different configurations – all of which have been a variation of two robots layouts: perpendicular and tollbooth. The dairy industry has spent the last few decades designing barns for automated milking – resulting in hundreds of different configurations – all of which have been a variation of two robots layouts: perpendicular and tollbooth.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61494 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61494-the-toll-of-an-automated-milking-barn-design For Aaron Ninnemann, his family’s dairy farm is a classic example of a generationally run business whose family members have worked diligently for decades, making a name for themselves within the dairy industry. The Ninnemanns embraced automated milking in a tiestall barn retrofit to keep dairying alongside a growing cash crop operation. For Aaron Ninnemann, his family’s dairy farm is a classic example of a generationally run business whose family members have worked diligently for decades, making a name for themselves within the dairy industry. The Ninnemanns embraced automated milking in a tiestall barn retrofit to keep dairying alongside a growing cash crop operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61368 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61368-the-transforming-power-of-technology-ninnemann-enterprises-inc 61368-keller-2.jpg jimvgjr@prorefrigeration.com Dairies have long been navigating complex challenges that make it difficult to lean into forward-looking innovations. But certain cutting-edge solutions have the ability to address numerous priority areas all at once and simultaneously yield a substantial return on investment. Chief among these are milk chilling systems that replace synthetic chemical-based refrigerants with naturally occurring, readily available carbon dioxide (CO2) or R744, its refrigerant-grade version. Dairies have long been navigating complex challenges that make it difficult to lean into forward-looking innovations. But certain cutting-edge solutions have the ability to address numerous priority areas all at once and simultaneously yield a substantial return on investment. Chief among these are milk chilling systems that replace synthetic chemical-based refrigerants with naturally occurring, readily available carbon dioxide (CO₂) or R744, its refrigerant-grade version.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61431 Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61431-how-co2-chiller-systems-are-changing-the-future-of-dairy-refrigeration 61431-vandergiessen-1.jpg john@cow-corner.co I asked ChatGPT whether farmers should upgrade their automated milking systems. The artificial intelligence (AI) answer was, “If the current system is outdated and requires frequent repairs; if newer technology offers clear efficiency, milk yield or labor savings; if financing options make the investment viable.” Those are good answers. I talked to several real farmers and got better answers. I asked ChatGPT whether farmers should upgrade their automated milking systems. The artificial intelligence (AI) answer was, “If the current system is outdated and requires frequent repairs; if newer technology offers clear efficiency, milk yield or labor savings; if financing options make the investment viable.” Those are good answers. I talked to several real farmers and got better answers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61367 Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61367-is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-milking-robots 61367-gerbitz-robot-dixon.jpg audrey@agproud.com At Jerseyland Dairy, in-house maintenance has become the cornerstone of operational efficiency and longevity to their 18 Lely A5 milking robots. The team, led by herd manager Craig Flint, handles the majority of robot servicing internally, including greasing, part replacements and preventative upkeep. At Jerseyland Dairy, in-house maintenance has become the cornerstone of operational efficiency and longevity to their 18 Lely A5 milking robots. The team, led by herd manager Craig Flint, handles the majority of robot servicing internally, including greasing, part replacements and preventative upkeep.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61294 Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61294-in-house-expertise-keeps-jerseyland-dairys-robots-running-strong 61294-schmitz-6486.jpg bguelker@lely.com Whether dairy producers are making the switch to automation for the first time or adding to existing equipment, preowned systems offer access to the benefits of automation at significant savings from new pricing. Whether dairy producers are making the switch to automation for the first time or adding to existing equipment, preowned systems offer access to the benefits of automation at significant savings from new pricing.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61320 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61320-affordable-automation-preowned-automated-milking-systems-offer-cost-effective-entry 61320-guelker-cooley.jpg