Automated milking systems have gained popularity in recent years for a variety of reasons, whether it is reducing labour, gaining a more flexible schedule or desiring herd management data. When most dairy farmers add robotic milking systems to their operation, they also build updated freestall barns at the same time.

Robotic milking of dairy cows is the best way to milk cows – period. I did not say the only way. Just like total mixed rations (TMRs), or partial mixed rations (PMRs) in the case of robotic milking, is the best way to feed dairy cattle; in most cases, it is the best and most efficient.

What happens when your internet isn’t working? You’re probably not going to call your internet provider immediately. Instead, after some cursing and dusting off the barn grime, you might check your router, disconnect and reconnect your modem, check if there’s an outage or restart your device.