Robotic Milking Shed

Amy and Greg Gemmell, dairy farmers in Manawatū, New Zealand, have found a perfect balance between technology and family life, thanks to the installation of three robotic machines in their dairy shed. The era of Greg needing to rise before dawn to milk the herd is a thing of the past, as the robots efficiently handle this task 24/7. The Gemmells’ cows now autonomously make their way to the dairy shed whenever they please to undergo the milking process.

In their transformed dairy shed, which was retrofitted with robots four years ago, a cow enters a stall, and a robotic arm expertly attaches milking cups to the cow’s teats. The robot reads a transponder around the cow’s neck, determining if the cow is due for milking and accurately assessing the udder’s layout. The process is enticing for the cows, as a bin of precisely measured treats awaits them, along with a backscratcher and the promise of fresh pasture upon completion.

Amy emphasises the cows’ autonomy, noting that they come in for milking when they are ready and happy to do so, even at night. This unique aspect of nocturnal milking inspired Amy to write a children’s book titled Midnight Moovers to showcase this remarkable routine.

While robotic dairy farms are still relatively novel in New Zealand, compared to other parts of the world where fully automated barns with hundreds of cows are commonplace, the Gemmells were pioneers as the first dairy farmers in the lower North Island to embrace this technology. Although the region now boasts a few other automated systems, the Gemmells’ innovative approach stands out.

The transition to robotics has proven fruitful for the Gemmells. In the first year after the robotic installation, milk production from their 200-strong herd increased by twenty percent. Additionally, the overall health of the cows has improved. Greg, once a hands-on farmer, now operates more as a supervisor, relishing his role and enjoying conducting farm tours for visitors, particularly those who have hand-milked cows sitting on a stool.

Addressing concerns about job loss due to automation, the Gemmells highlight that the technology has created new jobs in servicing the robotic units. Moreover, the flexibility afforded by automation has allowed Amy to become more involved in the farm, offering her a pathway into agricultural work.

The Gemmells note that the $1 million investment in the robotic system has not only increased their farm’s efficiency but has also significantly transformed their lives. Greg now has the luxury of being at home during breakfast time, assisting with the children’s morning routine, a change from his previous early morning departures. The newfound autonomy for the “girls,” as the Gemmells affectionately refer to their cows, has not only enhanced their milking experience but has also contributed to an overall improvement in the quality of life for the entire farm family.