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 john@cow-corner.co We can categorize automated milking system data into tools for detecting new infections in individual cows and tools for monitoring the herd level of existing infection. The tools will be more valuable if we use them correctly. We can categorize automated milking system data into tools for detecting new infections in individual cows and tools for monitoring the herd level of existing infection. The tools will be more valuable if we use them correctly.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63352 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63352-using-the-tools-available-to-manage-mastitis-in-automated-milking-systems 63352-gerbitz-roboticmilk-getty.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 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 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 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 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 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 kimmi@agproud.com A modern dairy building with automated systems and a viewing corridor will soon replace the aging dairy facilities built in 1972 at Waterman Dairy at Ohio State University in Columbus. Initial conversations about renovating the facilities began in 2019 while working on the master strategic plan for the college. A modern dairy building with automated systems and a viewing corridor will soon replace the aging dairy facilities built in 1972 at Waterman Dairy at Ohio State University in Columbus. Initial conversations about renovating the facilities began in 2019 while working on the master strategic plan for the college.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62007 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62007-ohio-state-university-to-transform-dairy-education-with-new-fully-autonomous-dairy 62007-devaney-DJI_20250718122136_0511_D.jpg In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Walt Cooley is joined by Jacob Twohey of Twohey Dairy. Like 95% of farms in Olmsted County where they dairy, their farm is family-owned, and Jacob represents the next generation taking over the operation. They milk 260 cows and have transitioned to robotic milking. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Walt Cooley is joined by Jacob Twohey of Twohey Dairy. Like 95% of farms in Olmsted County where they dairy, their farm is family-owned, and Jacob represents the next generation taking over the operation. They milk 260 cows and have transitioned to robotic milking.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62102 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62102-podcast-robotic-milking-with-dairyman-jacob-twohey 082625-PD-Podcast-preview-image.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 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 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 lzagorski@vitaplus.com As roasted high-oleic soybeans gain more attention and adoption in the industry, consider how they may find a place on your farm. With an automated milking system, the producer has a unique opportunity to embrace the technology in their system. As roasted high-oleic soybeans gain more attention and adoption in the industry, consider how they may find a place on your farm. With an automated milking system, the producer has a unique opportunity to embrace the technology in their system. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61212 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61212-considerations-in-feeding-roasted-high-oleic-soybeans-in-automated-milking-systems 61212-zagorski-1-getty.jpg nicky.tsai@delaval.com Dairy farming, like any other industry, operates with clear goals and strategic plans. In automated dairy systems, a vast array of data is collected from a variety of performance indicators. Dairy farming, like any other industry, operates with clear goals and strategic plans. In automated dairy systems, a vast array of data is collected from a variety of performance indicators.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61235 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61235-evaluating-kpis-for-automated-milking-systems 61235-tsai-1.jpg john@cow-corner.co There is a trend toward increased stocking density in automated milking barns. Quite a few farmers have made it work and made it look easy. It has worked for them because they have the fundamentals right. There is a trend toward increased stocking density in automated milking barns. Quite a few farmers have made it work and made it look easy. It has worked for them because they have the fundamentals right.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61002 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:39:03 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61002-getting-the-fundamentals-right-in-automated-milking-and-golf 61002-gerbitz-golf.jpg jenn@agproud.com At Jer-Lindy Farms, crops are grown, cows are cared for and milk is produced, much like many dairy farms across the nation. In addition to the conventional way of dairying, the Jennissen and Sjostrom families also turn their milk into cheese at the on-farm Redhead Creamery and make whey-based spirits, all while telling their story through public and private on-farm gatherings. At Jer-Lindy Farms, crops are grown, cows are cared for and milk is produced, much like many dairy farms across the nation. In addition to the conventional way of dairying, the Jennissen and Sjostrom families also turn their milk into cheese at the on-farm Redhead Creamery and make whey-based spirits, all while telling their story through public and private on-farm gatherings.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60643 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60643-redhead-creamery-a-place-for-cows-curds-and-cocktails 60643-coyne-1.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Winter work days are much better for dairyman Cameron Turner this year. This is the second winter he and his family’s dairy will be milking cows with robots in an enclosed barn. Their new dairy was finished in the fall of 2023. Winter work days are much better for dairyman Cameron Turner this year. This is the second winter he and his family’s dairy will be milking cows with robots in an enclosed barn. Their new dairy was finished in the fall of 2023.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60794 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60794-new-barn-makes-winter-work-days-better-at-creekside-dairy 60794-cooley-5.jpg jason.french@delaval.com Milking technologies have changed over many decades, so have feeding strategies incorporated on the dairy farm. For those using automation to milk cows, providing feed at the robot was thought to be paramount to the system’s success. Recently, some automated milking producers have started to rethink this approach. Milking technologies have changed over many decades, so have feeding strategies incorporated on the dairy farm. For those using automation to milk cows, providing feed at the robot was thought to be paramount to the system’s success. Recently, some automated milking producers have started to rethink this approach.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60766 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60766-a-new-no-feed-strategy-for-robotic-dairies 60766-french-double-creek.jpg john@cow-corner.co Routines to maintain udder health change with the transition to automated milking. In a parlor, most of the monitoring of the cow, the equipment, and to some extent the environment, is part of the milking routine. It is completed by the workers in the parlor as they prep, strip and attach milkers. In automated milking, it is important to develop daily routines to monitor those milk quality control points in other ways. Routines to maintain udder health change with the transition to automated milking. In a parlor, most of the monitoring of the cow, the equipment, and to some extent the environment, is part of the milking routine. It is completed by the workers in the parlor as they prep, strip and attach milkers. In automated milking, it is important to develop daily routines to monitor those milk quality control points in other ways. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60698 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60698-an-apple-a-day-keeps-mastitis-away-monitoring-mastitis-in-automated-milking-systems 60698-gerbitz-getty.jpg Jeremy Moyer, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Amelia Court House, Virginia, joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. Learn about Oakmulgee Dairy Farm, a new robotic milking facility, the decision to invest in a methane digester, advice Moyer has for producers considering large investments at their dairy and more. Jeremy Moyer, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Amelia Court House, Virginia, joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. Learn about Oakmulgee Dairy Farm, a new robotic milking facility, the decision to invest in a methane digester, advice Moyer has for producers considering large investments at their dairy and more.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60731 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60731-podcast-investing-in-a-methane-digester-with-jeremy-moyer 120324-PD-Podcast-preview-image.jpg chris.singleton@waikatomilking.com Milking automation represents not only a technological advancement but a fundamental shift in dairy farm management. While automation simplifies processes, the human touch remains indispensable. Successfully managing employees requires finding the right balance between leveraging the power of technology and nurturing a supportive, engaged work environment. Milking automation represents not only a technological advancement but a fundamental shift in dairy farm management. While automation simplifies processes, the human touch remains indispensable. Successfully managing employees requires finding the right balance between leveraging the power of technology and nurturing a supportive, engaged work environment.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60458 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60458-balancing-automation-technology-and-employee-management 60458-singleton-1.jpg john@cow-corner.co The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows. The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60278 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60278-using-a-custom-index-to-select-your-best-robot-cows 60278-gerbitz-1.jpg smcburney@lely.com While it is impossible to eliminate cases of mastitis in a dairy herd, automation can help producers save time, money and resources, ensuring their cows get the best and most timely care possible. While it is impossible to eliminate cases of mastitis in a dairy herd, automation can help producers save time, money and resources, ensuring their cows get the best and most timely care possible.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60321 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60321-using-automation-and-data-to-catch-mastitis-early ca-fr-social-22.jpg