In the last couple of months, we’ve really hit our stride with the robotic milkers. We’re learning how to work with the milkers, and the cows are also adjusting well to the new process. We think a big part of it is because we’re adjusting so well to them by continually tweaking and learning as we go.
One thing we’ve noticed recently is that it has been really nice to have cows already know what to do when they come back into the milking groups after having a calf. Since we started using the robotic milkers last year, the cows were used to them before they were in their dry period (the vacation they take from milking before they have a calf). Now, when they come back to the milking herd, they don’t have to be trained to use the robotic milkers.
When we were in the process of putting in the robotic milkers, it was hard to imagine getting to this point — a place where we are more confident in the management of the robotic milkers and working with the cows to use them. There was a lot of stress in the fact that things were working well here before, when we just had the milking parlor. Our system and management weren’t broken, but we decided to make drastic changes anyway.
Our management style has changed since we’ve installed the robotic milking machines. When we milked the cows in the milking parlor, the management was more tailored to a group mentality. In the parlor, we were able to see each cow individually, but her milking time was determined by the entire group. Feeding was the same because all of the cows in each group got the same feed.
Now, it’s almost like going back in time to how we managed the cows when we were in the stanchion barn — on more of an individual basis. Each cow is able to decide when and how long she is milked for. Even for feeding, each cow gets a meal tailored right to her needs when she walks into the robotic milker. Because we have so much information on each cow, we are able to analyze it and make sure she is getting just what she needs.
Happy cows make for happy farmers!
