Show Notes
Jim Salfer, from University of Minnesota Extension chatted with us about how we have gotten where we are. We talked about everything from his first robotic milking open house, through the early adapters, and the latest concepts. What drove the innovation then, and what keeps it going today?
More from Worldwide Robotic Milking
In this episode, Gareth and John visited with Doyle Waybright of Mason-Dixon farms. As Gareth said, "You really produced the blueprint for large herds from your own experiences.” Doyle told us about his barn, what worked, what didn't, why he is optimistic about robotics for large herds, and why he is not milking with robots anymore.
A footbath is an essential part of a robot barn. Too often it is an afterthought. In this episode, we discuss footbath locations and use, and the potential impact on cow traffic.
Jim Salfer from University of Minnesota Extension came back for a second episode. This time we focused on economic models he has created for profitability and labor efficiency.
John and Gareth talk about the unique challenges of maintaining bedding and removing manure when cows are always in the pen.
Jake joined us for a second episode. He owns a grazing dairy in South Australia. He talks about his decision to use robots, advantages he has seen, and how he monitors performance. While Jake's farm is grass based, his approach to robotic milking applies to confinement farms as well.