Technology and automation are playing an increasing role in the dairy industry. The University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension and DeLaval are co-hosting a robotic milking systems tour and open house from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Neu-View Acres (2250 Fifth Ave., New Richmond, WI 54017).

The Neumann family will be giving a small presentation about their decision to retrofit robotic milking to their existing barn, how they planned and executed their start up, and the impacts automation and data collection has had on their herd. Attendees will then be able to tour the milking herd and facility, with industry experts available throughout the barn to answer questions. 

Tour features:

• Two DeLaval robotic units installed December 2022, with two more due to be installed in May 2023
• Farm history and why the Neumann's chose robots
• Guided tour of robotic milking and cow housing

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the dairy industry, learn about designing for robotic milking installation, and hear how one of our local farms is managing the transition from stall barn to robotic milking.

Pre-registration is not required, but we do ask those interested only to come on the date and time designated for the tour. The farm is located about 6.5 miles northwest of Star Prairie on the west side of Cedar Lake.

Questions? Please contact Extension Regional Dairy Educator Ryan Sterry at 715-531-1950 or ryan.sterry@wisc.edu; or Richard Franta, DeLaval North America, 715-245-7717 or richard.franta@delaval.com

Submitted by UW Extension