WHILE labour poses an increasing challenge for dairy farmers, robotic systems provide a solution towards addressing that challenge and driving their business forward, says Lely Center Longtown’s David Henderson.

“Automated milking systems and barn products provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution to the ever-increasing challenge of finding skilled labour and they overcome the staff recruitment issues which, according to a recent RABDF survey, is something that worries the majority of dairy farmers. In fact, two thirds of respondees struggled to recruit in the past five years.

“We’ll be showcasing solutions at the Great Yorkshre Show where dairy farmers will be able to find out first hand more about robotic milking systems, slurry handling and feeding automation by visiting our live milking demonstration of 40 cows through Lely’s Astronaut A5 milking robot.

"Investing in milking equipment is always a large financial commitment. However, with the use of innovative technology, combined with labour saving and increased yield, together with the improved health and welfare of each individual animal, then a Lely robotic milking system gives a greater return on capital investment rather than simply replacing your milking parlour.”