Automated batch-style milking (AMS) in Romeoville, Illinois, combines robotic technology with traditional parlor management to address labor shortages and enhance cow safety, offering a new solution for dairy farms.
GEA, Düsseldorf, Germany, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 1881, GEA focuses on advanced process technology, machinery, and comprehensive services. With over 18,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, GEA generated revenues of approximately EUR 5.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. The company is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in its customers’ production processes, contributing to a more sustainable future.
In Romeoville, Illinois, GEA’s latest innovation is making waves among dairy farmers: the automated batch-style milking system. This cutting-edge technology combines the benefits of robotic milking with minimal management changes, addressing the growing challenge of finding reliable labor while improving cow comfort and herd management.
Labor Concerns and Safety Enhancements
The shortage of well-trained labor for milking cows has become a significant issue for many farms. Automated batch-style milking offers a practical solution by combining the labor-saving advantages of robotics with the familiar management style of a conventional parlor. According to Julie Whitmer, GEA’s Automated Milking System (AMS) Business Development Manager, this system not only reduces labor needs but also improves operator safety.
In this setup, cows are milked in groups at set times using a row of box robots, creating a system that mimics traditional parlors but with the added benefits of automation. This approach ensures that milking is done consistently and safely, without requiring staff to be present in the milking area, thereby minimizing the risk of injuries.
Centralized Maintenance and Efficiency
One of the key advantages of automated batch-style milking is the centralization of maintenance and milk flow. In this system, the proximity of the boxes and milkhouse streamlines operations, reducing interruptions during milking and simplifying maintenance tasks. Whitmer, automated milking system (AMS) business development manager for GEA highlights the convenience of GEA’s “plug-and-play” service module, which allows for quick repairs without disrupting milking routines.
Cow Flow and Herd Management
Automated batch-style milking also enhances cow flow and management, resembling the efficiency of conventional parlor systems. With fixed milking times, cows are handled more efficiently, making it easier to sort and manage them. This system eliminates the need to fetch cows throughout the day, saving time and reducing stress for both the cows and farm workers.
Addressing Nutritional Needs
Another benefit of this system is its ability to meet specific nutritional demands of individual cows. Whitmer explains that by feeding more energy and protein through the robots, farms can optimize cow performance while managing feed costs effectively.
Consistent and Efficient Milking
Automated batch-style milking brings consistency and efficiency to the milking process. GEA’s proven technology, including their In-Liner-Everything™ system, ensures that each step of the milking process is completed within a single attachment, maximizing milk letdown and reducing milking times. This leads to better box times and more cows milked per hour, contributing to overall farm productivity.
In Romeoville, Illinois, automated batch-style milking is proving to be a game-changer for dairy farms. By integrating this system, farms can achieve efficient, consistent, and safe milking while maintaining their existing management practices. This innovation not only addresses labor challenges but also enhances cow comfort and productivity.
