TECHNOLOGY

The Top Three Biggest Mistakes When Using Crowd Gates

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:47:51 GMT

Crowd gates are often one of the most used tools on a dairy. Not only do they save significant time for employees, but they also help reduce the stress associated with moving cows.

However, just like any tool, crowd gates can be used incorrectly and can sometimes negatively impact cow comfort and welfare. Carolina Pinzon, a Dairy Outreach Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, highlights the three most common mistakes she sees in crowd gate usage and provides practical strategies to avoid them.

Overcrowding the Holding Area

Occasionally, overcrowding the holding area happens, but Pinzon warns that prolonged overcrowding can negatively impact cow health, production, and welfare. This is especially concerning during summer when cows generate extra body heat and require sufficient airflow.

“Signs of an overcrowded holding pen include cows with their heads up, unable to plant their four feet on the ground, and looking restless and uncomfortable,” Pinzon says. “Short-term overcrowding can also result from misuse of the crowd gate, by employees pushing it too far forward and smashing the cows.”

To prevent overcrowding, Pinzon recommends balancing parlor and pen sizes, so cows spend no more than one hour away from their pens during each milking. Holding areas should allow at least 20 square feet per cow.

“If needed, a large pen can be divided into smaller groups,” Pinzon suggests. “While this means more trips to the parlor for workers, it significantly reduces the time cows spend in the holding pen. Additionally, short-term overcrowding can be alleviated by moving the crowd gate backward to provide more space for the cows.”

Being Careless

While dairy cows are typically gentle giants, they can be stubborn and slow to move. This, however, doesn’t justify using force. Moving crowd gates too quickly or applying electricity can cause unnecessary stress and fear for the animals.
Instead, Pinzon emphasizes the importance of calm and gentle handling. She advises guiding cows to the parlor without pressure or haste.

“Once the cows on one side of the parlor have exited, the crowd gate can be moved forward,” Pinzon says. “This regular adjustment is crucial to accommodate the changing number of animals and available space in the holding area. Automating crowd gates to move forward every time exit gates are open/lift can help reduce misuse.”

Pinzon recommends keeping crowd gates at least three feet from the cows to avoid pressing against their backs. She suggests using sound cues, like bells or ringing, to train cows to move forward, rather than relying solely on gate movement. If the gate gets too close, pull it back to give the cows more space before resuming forward movement. These practices promote a stress-free and productive environment for both cows and workers.

Workers Entering the Holding Area

Crowd gates are valuable tools for safely and efficiently moving cows toward the parlor entrance. However, when employees enter the holding pen to push cows, it can create unnecessary stress for the animals and put workers at risk of injury.

Pinzon highlights the importance of regularly training employees on proper cow handling and the correct use of crowd gates. She stresses avoiding the practice of entering the holding area to chase cows and instead maintaining a calm and consistent environment for the animals.

“Except for when loading the last cows of a pen and fresh cows, the door from the parlor pit to the holding area should remain closed during most of the milking process,” she adds. “This physical reminder is to discourage workers from entering the holding area. In addition, regular maintenance of crowd gates, prompt reporting of issues, and swift resolution of problems by management are crucial for proper gate function.”

Spotting these three common mistakes in crowd gate use and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly improve cow welfare, employee safety, and your herd’s operational efficiency. Regular maintenance, clear protocols, and proper training go a long way in preventing overcrowding and keeping things calm and stress-free for both cows and workers.

Innovation in Every Drop: Apple Shamrock Farms Crowned 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:40:02 GMT

In the heart of Northwest Pennsylvania lies an exemplary model of dairy innovation: Apple Shamrock Farms, LLC. With their recent accolade of being named the 2026 International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award winner, the Waddell family showcases what it truly means to be modern dairy producers.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Founded in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Waddell, alongside their son Robert J., Apple Shamrock Dairy continues its legacy today under the leadership of seventh-generation farmer Josh Waddell. The dairy remains a true family affair, with Josh’s brother, Joe, as a farm partner (primarily working off-farm), his mother, Christine, managing the books, and his father, Robert J., overseeing the milk hauling side of the business.

Apple Shamrock Farms LLC exemplifies a holistic approach to innovation, integrating advanced solutions across every facet of their expansive 3,500-acre operation, which supports a 1,250-cow milking herd producing an impressive 38 million pounds of milk annually.

“There’s a lot of unique things that I think we do well, but cows are No. 1 around here. That’s what we built our business on and has allowed us to do what we’ve done,” Josh Waddell says. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition.”

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Maximizing Herd Potential Through Data and Genetics
At the core of Apple Shamrock Farms’ operations in Townville, Pa., is their sophisticated approach to dairy management, primarily driven by data and genetics. The Waddells implement a high-tech Afimilk cow monitoring system that delivers comprehensive data analytics, allowing for precise adjustments in cow care and feeding. This meticulous approach is supported by strategic feed tracking software, which ensures optimal component levels in milk production. This all has helped Apple Shamrock consistently achieve high component levels with 94 lb. of milk, with a 4.35% butterfat, and 3.35% protein, respectively. This translates to 109.8 lb. of energy corrected milk.

“The scale of the business we are in, we need the high output from the cows,” Waddell says.

Beyond daily management, Apple Shamrock Farms is a pioneer in genetic advancement. Through the strategic use of IVF and genomics, they are actively shaping their herd’s future, selecting embryos from their highest-producing, functional cows to enhance genetics and improve herd longevity. This forward-thinking approach ensures they are milking the right cows and maximizing the potential of every animal, even with a significant percentage of 2-year-olds in the herd.

Apple Shamrock has sold a lot of replacement heifers over the years, and Waddell notes the buyers want genomics, but they don’t want to “buy a dented Mustang.”

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond sound genetics to meticulous transition and calving pen all-in, all-out management and with a constant focus on raising the best, healthiest calves they can.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Pioneering Environmental Stewardship and Resource Optimization
Innovation at Apple Shamrock Farms isn’t confined to the barn; it extends to robust environmental stewardship. The Waddells have implemented a comprehensive three-cell manure system with a low-maintenance sand separation system. This not only allows them to reclaim sand for bedding but also significantly enhances the potency of their liquid fertilizer. Critically, all liquid manure is injected directly into the ground, a practice that maximizes crop yields while drastically limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preventing runoff.

Apple Shamrock effectively separates sand by mixing two gallons of “tea water” (thinner manure from cell three) with one gallon of sand-laden manure, then employing a large dewatering screen and stacking conveyors to create 35'-high sand piles for reuse after eight months.

“This innovative sand removal process has significantly improved our overall hauling efficiency by 20% to 25% and generated substantial savings on spreading equipment, enough to justify the sand lane’s cost even without sand reuse,” Waddell says.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Despite the system being designed for 1,200 cows and currently handling more, leading to some water quality challenges, Waddell says the farm prioritizes a straightforward approach, avoiding complex mechanical separation buildings and planning to expand storage to meet current herd needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is further evident in their extensive satellite cropping operation, encompassing 565 acres of corn and soybeans. At the satellite cropping operation and the home operation, guidance systems and precision planters are used. These practices collectively contribute to energy efficiencies and a notable reduction in GHG emissions, demonstrating a profound dedication to both economic and environmental sustainability.

“I used to call it the four-leaf clover, but our approach to sustainability is really a full circle,” Waddell explains.

A Model for Future Challenges and Industry Leadership
Apple Shamrock Farms is strategically positioned to meet future economic and sustainability challenges head-on. Their philosophy of “structured growth” focuses on maximizing performance and efficiency, driving high output while achieving significant labor savings. By coupling genetic potential with cow comfort, they aim for a more mature, resilient herd, ensuring long-term viability.

“Looking ahead, we first plan to optimize our dairy by first filling the remaining 200 to 400 cow capacity in their parlor to improve cash flow,” Waddell explains, noting a core focus for the next decade is eliminating “Josh spots,” inefficient areas requiring daily attention, and consolidating their dry cow, prefresh and calf operations into a single, highly efficient complex where specialized labor can focus.

Beyond their farm gates, the Waddells are recognized leaders.

“They are truly a testament to what can happen when innovation and creativity meet a strong work ethic and desire to progress,” says Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, in a nomination letter supporting Apple Shamrock.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

The Waddell family actively participates in benchmarking groups, shares insights with peers and holds numerous leadership roles across the dairy industry and within their local community. Whether housing “foster cows” for a neighboring farm after a devastating fire or hosting school tours, their spirit of cooperation and advocacy for the dairy industry is unwavering.

“This spirit of support in times of crisis is what makes our agriculture industry great, the Waddells are a standout example,” Redding says.

Apple Shamrock Farms embodies what’s achievable when innovation converges with tradition and tenacity. As a paragon of modern dairy farming, they set a dynamic example for the future, proving hard work and creative solutions can propel the industry forward.

Your Next Read:
Whole Milk is Back: The Dairy Farmers Who Witnessed History, and the Whirlwind Trip to Get There

Better Groups, Better Cow Flow: Unlocking Your Robotic Herd’s Potential

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:43:33 GMT

How cows are grouped can play a major role in the success of a robotic milking system. Smart grouping keeps cows moving efficiently, reduces stress and helps the herd and the robots perform at their best. Poor grouping, however, can create bottlenecks, slow milk flow and leave both cows and herd managers frustrated.

Every farm has its own layout, labor availability and herd size, but some grouping strategies for robotic herds stand out for their benefits as well as their trade-offs. Katelyn Goldsmith, Dairy Outreach Specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, emphasizes that grouping decisions should never be an afterthought.

“Considering how cows are grouped is essential for optimizing cow flow and ensuring the success of automated milking systems,” she says.

Goldsmith notes there are several common ways to group cows, and choosing the right approach depends on herd size, layout and management goals.

Mixed Pens

For many robotic herds, the simplest approach is to keep all cows together in a single group, regardless of age or stage of lactation. This reduces regrouping stress, minimizes social disruption and helps maintain steady robot traffic. It also saves labor because cows don’t need to be moved between pens.

“For smaller dairies, this mixed approach may be the most practical option, and it can work well when rations and stocking rates are managed carefully,” Goldsmith says.

The main drawback of mixed pens is nutrition.

“Feeding all cows the same ration creates a nutritional balancing act,” she explains. “Feeding to meet the needs of top producers can lead to overfeeding and weight gain in lower-producing cows, while formulating to the average may limit the performance of high producers.”

Still, Goldsmith notes it’s worth considering how grouping choices influence both efficiency and cow performance.

“Thoughtful grouping is key to cow flow and overall success in robotic systems,” she adds.

Production-Based

Sorting cows by milk production is another approach that allows producers to tailor diets to the specific needs of each pen. High producers get the energy they need, while lower-producing cows avoid being overfed. However, this approach requires more management. Cows need to be moved as their production changes, and multiple rations must be maintained. Moving cows from high- to lower-energy diets can also cause temporary drops in milk yield. The financial benefit depends on whether feed savings outweigh any lost production.

“Grouping by production level is most successful when farmers and nutritionists routinely evaluate ration costs, monitor milk production and body condition score, and assess the overall economic return of the strategy,” Goldsmith says.

Robot traffic must also be considered. Most herds target 50 to 60 cows per robot, but high-producing cows might visit the system four or more times per day, while lower-producing cows might visit only twice. Pens with frequent milkers typically require lighter stocking, while slower groups can accommodate more cows.

Days-in-Milk (DIM) Grouping

Grouping cows by days in milk can make routine tasks, such as breeding, dryoff or veterinary work, more efficient. This method is common in conventional barns and works well in robotic systems when paired with automatic sort gates. A separation pen can achieve similar efficiency by sorting individual cows after milking rather than rearranging entire groups.

“Separation pens are most practical when working with a small number of cows each day,” Goldsmith notes. “They may be less sensible when large groups need to be sorted, such as during hoof trimming or large herd health checks.”

Fresh-cow pens are often the most valuable DIM-based group in robotic herds. These pens reduce competition, make it easier for new cows to access the robot and allow farms to feed a targeted diet during early lactation.

Age Grouping

First-lactation cows often struggle when mixed with mature cows, particularly during the early weeks of lactation. They tend to be more submissive, which can lead to longer waits at the robot.

“Grouping by age helps create a more equitable social environment, which can improve access to the robot and reduce stress,” Goldsmith notes. “It also maintains a balanced distribution of lactation stages across the pen, helping to maintain consistent robot flow at typical AMS (automated milking system) stocking densities.”

This strategy allows heifers to learn the robot without competition and supports consistent robot flow. The main trade-off, again, is managing nutrition for cows at different production levels within the same pen.

Special Needs

Many robotic herds dedicate space for cows that require extra attention, such as fresh, lame or sick animals. These pens, usually located close to the robot, help maintain milking frequency while reducing walking strain for compromised cows.

“While special needs pens require additional investment in infrastructure, they can offer flexibility for managing cow health without compromising AMS efficiency,” Goldsmith says.

Thoughtful Grouping Drives Success

How cows are grouped can have a big impact on the day-to-day operation of a robotic milking system. The right approach helps cows move efficiently, supports production and makes routines easier to manage.

No single strategy works for every herd, but farms who regularly assess their grouping choices and adjust based on herd behavior, production and labor needs are better positioned to keep cows healthy, reduce stress and maximize the efficiency of their robotic system.

3 Ways To Protect Your Ag Business from Cybersecurity Threats

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:59:14 GMT

Agriculture is in the bull’s-eye for threat actors trying to access business information. But as Chris Sherman says: “Our keys in the visor mentality” has many farmers trusting too much and putting too much at risk.

Sherman is the founder of Tech Support Farm, an IT and cybersecurity consulting business who works with farmers, co-ops, custom harvesters and more ag businesses to shore up their systems, lock down their sensitive information and stay attuned to emerging risks.

The FBI has listed agriculture as a critical infrastructure for cybersecurity.

So where do most farmers leave themselves vulnerable to hackers? Sherman shares these:

1. Email

Sherman points to email as the No. 1 priority for farmers on where to start in taking cybersecurity seriously.

“The amount of information and data we are sending via email leaves every farmer at risk — from our FSA staff, agronomists, banks and more,” he says. “Emails can be intercepted, all contents can be exposed, and no one is the wiser. It would be like a rural mail carrier, and when he drops the mail someone stands there opening it, reading it and closing the envelope and putting it back in the mailbox. Foolhardy to be using the free email services such as Gmail, Yahoo and others.”

Here are four steps to shore up your email:

Get a domain
Get a commercial email provider
Get a filtration software (which monitors what comes in)
Get a DMARC compliance service (which manages outbound emails, so no one spoofs you and encryption is done properly)

As an example of why this should be prioritized, Sherman tells the story of a farm business working on a land deal.

“A dad and son were just about ready to sign, and the dad got an email from the bank, at least it appeared to be from the bank, but it was a spoof encouraging them to e-sign,” he says. “And everyone signed, and it drained the bank accounts and blew up the deal.”

2. Be aware of your personal information shared, and embrace “herd immunity”

All to often, farmers don’t have passcodes on their phones.

“That’s like leaving your credit card at the bar,” Sherman says. “For some reason in agriculture we are running multimillion dollar businesses on residential-grade infrastructure.”

He says by the nature of the business, enrolling in government programs, immigration workforce programs (such as H-2A) and more, make your address, phone number and email readily accessible.

“It’s a wealth of opportunity for threat actors. We can’t leave our doors and windows open,” Sherman says. “So you have to protect yourself, and encourage your friends, neighbors and business partners to do the same. If we are all reducing our individual risk, we are reducing the overall risk.”

3. Use high-quality passwords

Sherman says good passwords are must-have on all your accounts, including your Wi-Fi.

“Too often, farmers have their password just be a duplicate of the network name. Or if a farmer’s favorite tractor is a John Deere 4450, 4450 is his pin for everything,” he says. “When we are on the internet, it’s like being in the big city, and you have to act accordingly.”

New Technology to Combat New World Screwworm

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:41:26 GMT

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS) is partnering with Texas A&M University to combat New World screwworm (NWS) .

On Sept. 21, USDA announced NWS had been found less than 70 miles from the U.S. border near one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world.

Working with Texas A&M’s National Center for Electron Beam Research (NCEBR), NNSA is advancing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) using electron beam (eBeam) technology in place of radioactive cobalt. SIT effectively prevents the spread of NWS by releasing sterilized male screwworms to halt reproduction and reduce their population.

According to the release, ORS’s mission includes preventing the misuse of highly radioactive materials and promoting innovative alternatives like eBeam devices. The eBeam technology eliminates the need for radioactive sources, which could be used for nefarious purposes if they fell into the wrong hands.

This collaboration enhances radiological security best practices nationwide, thus strengthening national security.

“Our mission-driven partnership with Texas A&M is essential to advancing American innovation in eBeam applications and enhancing our national security,” says Kristin Hirsch, Director of ORS. “With the support of Texas A&M AgriLife experts, NNSA is able to help combat the spread of the NWS, building stronger food systems and safer communities across the country.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced a new NWS fly dispersal facility in Texas and a five-pronged plan for eradicating the pest. The plan includes the USDA pursuing innovative research, such as eBeam and other technologies.

Currently, SIT relies on cobalt-60 gamma sterilization. But cobalt-60 carries significant radiological security risks, so NNSA, NCEBR and Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology have worked to find replacement methods. Through modeling studies sponsored by NNSA and conducted by Texas A&M since 2023, researchers identified eBeam technology as a viable alternative and are working to make it available to USDA to combat NWS.

The eBeam system at work, sterilizing screwworm pupae. This technology is vital for protecting U.S. agriculture and radiological security.

(U.S. Department of Energy NNSA)

NNSA has been collaborating on the development of an eBeam system to be used for chemical remediation, another critical area where cobalt-60 use could become a risk. NNSA is repurposing this technology toward NWS response and accelerating development to make eBeam available to USDA by early 2026.

Once integrated into a rearing facility, it could create more than 100 million sterile flies in 24 hours. That’s a vast improvement compared to cobalt-60, which can take a week to do the same amount. This efficiency would be a game-changer in NWS response.

Your Next Read: The Battle at the Border

The Next Frontier of Cow Nutrition is Encapsulated

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:06:55 GMT

Consumption trends are driving the milk industry like never before. Weight loss drugs, body building supplements, diets for the elderly and the need to maintain muscle mass in an aging population. A proactively engaged consumer (Prosumer) is demanding a diversity of food options to match environmental concerns, animal welfare, ethnic diets, etc. The influence of social media on consumption is pervasive on the food shelves of supermarkets and convenience stores. Visiting a grocery store in a large city is more like a safari — a mixture of entertainment and storytelling — than about the actual nutritional needs of the consumer.

Milk processors have struggled to keep up, and the milk shelves have never been fuller of a more diverse range of options. The range of cheese, yogurt and ice-cream labels would challenge the average recent graduate of the food science programs of our best Universities.

What can dairy producers do?

1. Genetics: The recent and dramatic advances in reported milk components in the U.S. dairy herd has been nothing short of extraordinary. Cobank reports the 2024 U.S. butterfat levels reached 4.23%, and proteins are now at 3.29% — a record by historical standards. This has been driven by better genetic selection, particularly in Holsteins, and feeding and managing those genetics for optimal performance. It is reasonable to expect further improvements in bovine genetics will continue these trends over the coming decade.

2. Feeding for milk components: Traditionally, nutritionists have used least-cost feed formulation software in order to achieve the most cost-effective milk production. Often decisions were taken based on single ingredient digestibility and not on how a diet affects rumen fermentation, ruminal biomass or the absorption of those nutrients in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The use of bypass proteins and anionic salts have shown what is possible when ingredients can avoid degradation by rumen micro-organisms. The use of yeast cultures is another approach, enhancing rumen fermentation of fibers and acidity (pH) to produce more microbial protein, and eventually increased milk components.

3. Precision feeding for milk components: The last 10 years have seen an explosion in the use of encapsulated ingredients to bypass the rumen, allowing this concept to go from niche to mainstream. The most obvious example of this has been Adisseo’s Smartamine & Meta-Smart, and protected forms of methionine are now said to be used in over 70% of the top-producing dairy herds. As one New York dairy farmer said to me, “When my nutritionist forgets to put it in the feed, I see the changes in the milk tanks within days.”

Globally, another dozen companies have entered the fray. The new leaders are all looking beyond methionine to a range of nutrients that both increase milk production, milk components and intestinal health. Balchem (Lysine, Choline), Jefo (B-Vitamins, essential oils), ADM, Kemin, Alltech (nonprotein nitrogen) are just some of those leading in this field. The excitement of using microencapsulation is that it allows these feed ingredients to bypass rumen degradation, effectively turning the ruminant into a monogastric. In other words, feeding a cow as though she was a pig.

A demonstration of the scale of excitement around how encapsulation is seen as a game changer is that Jefo recently opened a new $100 million factory in Canada just to meet the needs of their North American customers — focused on delivering combinations of ingredients (Matrix technology) to improve cow health, productivity and fertility.

What’s next?

Artificial intelligence will most likely increase the pace of change in our cow’s nutrition. Understanding how to influence the ruminal microbiota through nutrition, more precisely and in real time, will move science forward. Traditional rumen models such as the artificial rumen simulation systems (e.g. Rusitec), predictive models such as the Cornell CPCPS Model and INRA Systali (PDI) in Europe, are being supplanted by AI-based systems. Equally using sensors in the rumen (digital boluses, Smaxtec) and in-line and individual cow milk sensors (Labby, SomaDetect), will give farmers the ability to see the benefits of delivering nutrition in real time. Feeding precisely means in the right place, in the right form, at the right time. Already Canadian farmers have reported dramatic benefits of encapsulating all of the micronutrients fed to their cows in a single delivery, on milk components, somatic cells and fertility. This will undoubtedly be the future: reimagining all aspects of feeding cows.

When it comes to nutrition, it’s like Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz: “We aren’t in Kansas, anymore!”

Do Trained Heifers Really Perform Better With Robots?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:15:58 GMT

A new study has found that giving heifers a little practice time with an automated milking system (AMS) before calving can significantly improve how quickly they adapt during the first few weeks of lactation.

The transition to a robot can be a stressful experience for heifers who must not only learn to become a cow but also figure out how to navigate and use an unfamiliar milking system. Researchers from the University of Guelph recently set out to test whether structured precalving training could smooth the transition for first-lactation cows into robotic milking.

The study involved 30 pregnant Holstein heifers, enrolled about three weeks before their expected calving date. To keep results consistent, the animals were paired according to due date and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The control group received no exposure to the AMS before calving, while the training group participated in a four-day familiarization program.

For the training, heifers were brought into the AMS pen approximately two weeks before their actual calving date. Over the four days, they experienced three short training sessions per day. These sessions introduced them to the robot, the feed concentrate available during milking and the mechanical arm and operational noises of the AMS. The goal was to remove as many “first-time” stressors as possible before actual milking began.

Once the heifers calved in individual maternity pens, both groups were moved between three and seven days in milk, to a free-traffic AMS pen. Here, cows could voluntarily visit the milking unit or be fetched if they did not enter within a certain time. A fetch pen, located near the AMS entrance, held cows that needed to be brought in.

For the next 21 days, researchers monitored milking activity, cow behavior and milk production. They recorded the number of visits to the AMS, voluntary milkings, fetch events and time spent in the fetch pen. They also assessed “ease of entry” into the machine, milk letdown and kicking behavior during the first six milkings across the first two days in the AMS.

At the conclusion of the study, it was clear that the heifers who got some practice time in were better prepared for robotic milking. These animals had a significantly better ease-of-entry score and better milk-letdown scores compared with untrained heifers. Trained heifers were also more willing to enter the machine and let their milk flow without hesitation.

Milking frequency saw an increase compared to the untrained animals as well. Over the 21-day period, trained heifers averaged 6.1 total visits to the AMS per day, compared with 5.0 for the control group. When looking at voluntary visits, the trained group averaged 5.6 per day, compared with just 4.2 for untrained heifers. They also had slightly more voluntary milkings, averaging 2.6 per day versus 2.2 for controls.

This higher level of voluntary engagement translated into less time and labor spent fetching cows. Untrained heifers averaged one fetch per day and spent 18.7 minutes per day in the fetch pen. Trained heifers averaged only 0.8 fetches per day and 14.6 minutes in the fetch pen.

Trained heifers also stood out for producing more milk. On average, first-lactation animals in the rehearsed group yielded 72.3 lb. per day during the study, about 4.9 lb. more than the untrained group’s 67.3 lb. Researchers noted that this early advantage can carry through the entire lactation, leading to greater overall productivity and profitability compared to their non-trained counterparts.

Even though heifers without training can still adjust to the AMS, the researchers believe the improved adaptation and performance in the trained group stem from reduced novelty and stress. Getting familiar with the sights, sounds and movements of the machine before calving helped them feel more comfortable when it was time to start milking.

For farms using robotic milking, spending a little time familiarizing heifers with the system before their first milking could make the transition to the AMS smoother and give first-lactation cows a jump-start to their early milk production.

New Calf Health Monitoring Tool is Nothing to Spit At

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:26:40 GMT

It’s easy to access, non-invasive, and could provide a window into the health status and welfare of calves. What is it? Believe it or not: saliva.

Animal scientists are researching the telegraphing abilities of saliva in various animal species, including calves. By analyzing its chemical properties, saliva – and changes in its composition over time – can signal stress, inflammation, immune response, and sometimes the presence of disease-causing pathogens.

A recent study by Hungarian researchers measured the cortisol levels in saliva of newborn calves. They found that the levels went up precipitously for all calves immediately after birth, signifying that birth and acclimation to the post-birth environment are highly stressful for calves.

Most significantly, calves that experienced dystocia exhibited much higher salivary cortisol concentrations compared to calves with a normal birth, likely due to prolonged parturition and/or forced extraction.

Another study conducted is Spain also looked at chemical markers in saliva to monitor systemic oxidative stress and compensating antioxidants. They found that when calves were weaned and commingled into larger groups, oxidant molecules increased, which in turn triggered an increase in antioxidants.

This information is valuable from a research perspective because saliva can be sampled using a non-invasive method to assess animal welfare and health, avoiding more painful, time-consuming, and invasive procedures such as blood and tissue sampling. Saliva sampling is noted to be fast, accurate, and cost-effective, and for these reasons can be performed very frequently.

At a more practical level, saliva samples could help determine less-stressful methods of managing and transporting calves. In the future, automated saliva sampling also could possibly trigger alerts for calves on the front side of a disease challenge like pneumonia, or adult cows in the early stages of lameness or metritis, as a few examples.

Saliva also could serve as a tool to determine the best timing for management practices like administering vaccines. If calves are found to be in a state of high oxidative stress based on a simple saliva test, vaccination could be delayed until those levels come down.

Your Next Read: Feel the Power of Amarillo’s Milk Boom Where Over 1,100 Loads Leave Daily

The Last Frontier: The Story of Alaska’s Only Dairy Farm

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:06:58 GMT

In a land where harsh conditions are the norm, one family dared to dream the impossible. Grit, determination, and unwavering passion are the special ingredients for the only dairy farm in Alaska.

Pioneering this unique operation required more than just practical skills and knowledge of dairy farming. It demanded a relentless commitment to overcoming adversity. Scott Plagerman and his family faced frigid temperatures, logistical hurdles, and the constant need to innovate. Despite these challenges, their dedication never wavered. They rolled up their sleeves and put in the hard work necessary to make their dream a reality.

Plagerman grew up on a dairy farm in Lynden, Washington. After graduating high school, he ventured out on his own, engaging in custom harvesting and raising heifers. Eventually, he started milking cows on his purchased farm. However, fate had other plans, and an opportunity to move to Alaska arose, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

In 2009, Plagerman purchased a hay farm that also served as a boarding facility for horses during winter. This new venture sparked an idea: raising bison. Always on the lookout for new revenue streams, Plagerman, his wife, and their two adult sons considered starting a dairy, despite the overwhelming challenges.

Overcoming Initial Challenges
The concept of a dairy farm in Alaska was daunting. With dairy being nonexistent in the state, the idea seemed improbable due to the high costs of trucking essentials 2,000 miles from the mainland.

“Hay farming was a struggle due to weather and markets. The kids talked me into dairy and we started putting together a plan for it,” Plagerman shares.

The family bought land and acquired another 640 acres, which included a 40 x 100 ft building. Despite its crude structure—a dirt floor and metal walls—they began milking a handful of cows, marking the inception of their dairy farm.

Building the Dream
In the fall of 2020, construction on the barn commenced. They insulated the building, poured concrete, and installed a Lely robot to milk the cows. A processing plant was added from square one, knowing that if they were to milk cows, they would also need to process the milk.

“We are the only dairy in the state of Alaska,” Plagerman states.

Currently, Alaska Range Dairy in Delta Junction milks 65 cows, aspiring to increase their cow numbers. They installed a second robot last year but faced the challenge of whether a large grocery chain would purchase their milk.

“We ran into some huge roadblocks,” Plagerman recalls, with big stores hesitant to work with a small operation. Lost paperwork even resulted in dumped milk, testing the family’s patience.

Turning the Tide
Despite these setbacks, Plagerman and his family remained steadfast due to their commitment to food security.

“Food security is a real thing in Alaska,” he explains, noting that any disruption can add to this problem quickly.

Now, working with a large-retail store, Plagerman says he feels like they have a glimmer of hope in their hearts and can see their dairy becoming the main source of income for their farm.

Feeding the Future
Passionately driven by their mission, Plagerman emphasizes the importance of locally sourced milk.

“It is extremely satisfying knowing that you are providing a wholesome product to help feed your community,” he says, acknowledging that dairying in Alaska is not for the faint-hearted. Living in such a unique environment means they must figure things out independently.

Expanding Horizons
Beyond dairy, the family farms 1,200 acres of hay, 200 acres of barley, 200 acres of yellow field peas—a protein source for the cattle—and some canola. They also raise 200 head of bison, processing and selling the meat to local restaurants. Diversifying into dairy provided an additional profit source, promoting the farm’s long-term viability.

Plagerman tries to keep that in mind. Dairying is no easy job and doing this in a state like Alaska isn’t for the faint of hearts. For example, all of the farm’s feed is grown locally, as shipping costs are prohibitive.

“The costs basically double or triple,” Plagerman notes, highlighting the absence of back hauls and the necessity of paying for a truck both ways. “We’re completely on our own. We’ve lived here long enough that we know we have to figure it out.”

Alaska’s Harsh Conditions
The decision to go with robotic milking was an easy one, as there is no real agricultural labor in the state.

“There is not much labor for anything around here, so we have to be as efficient as possible,” Scott says, sharing that they feed all the cows via the robots to simplify the work that needs to be done. “We also use Discovery scrapers.”

Plagerman shares that last winter’s temperature dropped to minus 68 degrees. The area is described as a high plains desert, where they only get around 12 inches of moisture annually.

Careful precautions are taken from the beginning, including how they built their facility.

“Everything is very well insulated,” he adds. “You need to prepare and build for the harsh conditions from the beginning. We have in-floor heating, and we try to keep the barn from above freezing.”

Plagerman says locals don’t really notice the lack of daylight, they just plan their days accordingly and that also includes farming.

“We still have four hours of good light during winter,” he shares, noting that is a good time to take care of the outside chores like caring for the bison and hay. “It is all about being as efficient as possible, even with our time.”

The Plagermans epitomize perseverance and innovation. Through their hard work and unyielding resolve, they continue to carve out a niche, proving that even in the harshest conditions, dreams can flourish.

Your Next Read
Love For Lexi: A Wisconsin Dairy Farm Kid’s Big Battle For a New Heart

Secrets to Success with Precision Cow Monitoring Systems

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:51:41 GMT

Activity and rumination monitoring systems -- precision cow monitoring -- can revolutionize the way a dairy manages its cows. Or they can pile up frustrations and create greater expense without adding value, according to Dr. Melissa Cantor, Assistant Professor in Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University. She noted the following requirements to make the systems worth the investment for dairies:

A commitment to embracing technology – Successfully using precision cow monitoring requires a combination of common sense, cow sense, and tech sense. Cantor said it’s not necessary for anyone on the dairy to be a technological whiz, but at least one person must be committed to learning the system, monitoring the data, and making decisions based off of it. “A lot of times what happens is people will buy these systems for estrus detection. This is fine, but farmers often pay for the algorithms for transition cow monitoring too because it is also a really attractive feature,” she stated. “However, if no one is acting on that data, you’re paying for something and not using it. Make sure you allocate a worker to transition cow monitoring with the system for maximum benefit.”
Customizing alerts – Cantor said many precision cow monitoring systems were developed in Europe. Thus, the default settings were validated in herds of less than 100 cows that are usually housed quite differently than typical U.S. herds. “A lot of people don’t realize that the software lets you play with the thresholds of alerts,” Cantor advised. “For heat detection, I advise to mostly leave those alone; they work really well. But for transition cows, see what thresholds fit best for your farm. If you’re being alerted and the cows look perfectly healthy, the software needs to be adjusted. The same is true if you’re not being alerted until the cows are really sick and could benefit from earlier intervention. Ask your equipment dealer for how to adjust the health alert settings before purchasing.”
Timely installation – Cantor shared that it takes most systems about a month for the algorithm to understand an individual cow’s activity behavior for estrus detection. Some health alert systems take at least 50 cattle to move through the system before timely health alerts are detected in the herd, and most take about 8-12 days to learn an individual cow’s behavior. This is highly dependent on which system is purchased so make sure to ask your equipment dealer about the system you are purchasing.

She said a common mistake is to put rumination monitoring collars on cows when they freshen, versus a few weeks before in the dry period. “Those first 10 days in milk are when a lot of problems happen, but those opportunities will be missed because the system doesn’t understand the cow yet,” she said. “Plus, the baseline is also off, because the system thinks those early fresh days are ‘normal’ for the cow, when that’s not the case at all.” Cantor recommends putting rumination tags on cows at 21 days before freshening for maximum results.

It isn’t commonly known, but cows at risk for metabolic disorders show changes in rumination patterns weeks before calving. Keeping an eye on rumination patterns in the dry close up period is fundamental to evaluate which cows have consistent rumination and which ones have high variation in rumination patterns (at least an hour of variation a day). The ones that aren’t consistent in their rumination patterns are the cows to keep a close eye on after calving.
Maintenance minding – Just as a point person is needed to utilize the technology, another is needed to keep it functioning. That could be the same person or two different individuals. But someone needs to be in charge of ensuring batteries are still functioning; tags are in good repair and staying on the cows; and equipment pieces are cleaned regularly. Cantor said a common problem with precision technologies in general is that they are viewed as shiny new tools that are maintenance-free. “That’s definitely not true,” said Cantor. “Virtually every dairy that hates their automated milking system, for example, is not maintaining it.”

Cantor said the capabilities of activity and rumination monitoring systems extend beyond estrus detection; they are exciting and highly valuable -- especially when it comes to transition cows – once the system is understood and customized to the dairy. “I hope more people use activity and rumination monitoring to fine-tune their transition programs,“ stated Cantor. “It’s great when it works.”

Your Next Read: Milk Production Resilient Despite Tight Heifer Supply Concerns

Unlock the Future: How Tech is Revolutionizing Dairy Farming

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:01:39 GMT

Dairy producers take immense pride in delivering a wholesome product day in and day out. However, with the global population projected to surge by 30% in the next three decades and available farmland decreasing by 250 million acres by 2050, the agricultural sector faces an enormous challenge. To meet the growing demand, agricultural production must increase by 40%.

Recently at the Center of Excellence’s Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference in Harrisburg, Pa., three producers talked about their journey of innovation and technology as a way to spell longevity to their operations.

Alan Waybright’s Technological Upgrades Journey
Located in Mount Rock, Pa., Alan Waybright’s farm serves as a compelling example of how innovation can drive success in dairy farming. Purchased in 2019, the farm began with 650 cows and has since expanded to 940 cows. These cows now produce 92 lbs. of milk, with component levels of 4.2% butterfat and 3.3% protein on a four-times-per-day milking schedule.

A significant contributor to this success has been the technological upgrades implemented on the farm. The family invested in upgrading their parlor from a double-12 herringbone to a new, Delaval, 50-cow rotary milking parlor equipped with a pre-and post-dip robotic arm, enhancing efficiency, as the cows can now all be milked under four hours. Moreover, they added a new calf barn, a 210 x 240 silage pad, and a 160-stall four-row free stall barn. These upgrades not only improved productivity but also animal welfare and farm management.

Additionally, the farm works with Total Farm Marketing to mitigate risk by helping book commodities and milk futures.

“We lean on a whole team that can help us make decisions that can benefit our future,” Waybright says.

Brake’s Automation Transformation
Matthew Brake with Oakleigh Farm milks 120 Registered Holsteins and farms 400 acres, all with family labor. The family experienced a barn fire in December of 2019 that made them change the landscape – honing in on automation – as the family rebuilt and added two Lely robots less than a year later.

“We obviously never want to go through that again or wish for anyone to have to go through that, but it is really amazing to see how technology can work together,” he says, noting the curtains on the barns are automated, along with the fans in the barn. “Plus, all the data that we get from the robots. It is pretty amazing.”

Brake says that changing to robots has increased production and reduced the need for labor.

“Because of the technology, we have more flexibility and family time,” he adds.

Peckman: Embracing Diversity and Technology
At Slate Ridge Dairy Farm, Inc., Ben Peckman underscores the importance of diversity in mitigating risks. In addition to milking 170 cows, the family raises 100 youngstock, 150 steers, and farms around 1,100 acres. “Diversity is our key technology,” Peckman states

“It cannot be bought, but it pays. Diversity is our secret weapon to combat weather, markets and other risks.”

Peckman utilizes a variety of technologies including GPS guidance, planter row clutches, variable rate seeding, sprayer boom section control, and yield monitoring to optimize operations. They also use daily forage dry matter measuring and the SCiO cup and phone app for adjustments, leading to more consistent intakes and production and higher components. The farm has a robotic feed pusher that drives higher intakes on fresh feed and saves labor, and automated ventilation controls, fans, curtains, sprinklers, and a mobile calf milk pasteurizer.

Peckman notes that on their own, each of these technologies are relatively small investments.

“However, they are fairly affordable for small to medium-sized dairies,” he says. “They add up to make large impacts on our daily operations and ultimately, our profitability.”

By adopting advanced technologies and diverse strategies, producers not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also ensure sustainable and profitable operations for the future.

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Robotic Batch-Style Milking Technology

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:39:16 GMT

Robotic milking is certainly nothing new in the dairy world. However, a new approach to automated milking is gaining traction in the industry – robotic batch-style milking.

With reliable labor availability on a downward slope, this milking style has become an enticing option for producers to stay competitive and sustainable while relying on fewer employees. By automating the milking process and allowing for more precise herd management, this technology not only reduces labor costs but also helps enhance overall farm productivity.

“Automated batch-style milking combines the labor savings and technology benefits of a robot with the management style of a parlor,” says Julie Whitmer, automated milking system (AMS) business development manager for GEA.

This innovative approach involves milking cows in groups at scheduled times using a row of box robots, effectively replicating a conventional parlor setup.

“Built on our box robot’s proven technology and performance, this milking style gives dairy farmers another option to milk their cows with more data and consistency,” says Whitmer. “It also gives dairies the flexibility to upgrade their milking facilities while using existing barns, holding pens and sorting areas.”

Whitmer outlines five ways dairy farmers can benefit from batch-style robotic milking.

Enhanced Safety

According to Whitmer, batch-style milking helps reduce the need for several well-trained people to perform cow prep and milking tasks during every milking shift. Instead, the robots allow employees to be more flexible with their responsibilities, keeping them out of harm’s way when it comes to milking and treating animals.

“Batch-style milking enhances safety and comfort for the cow and employee,” Whitmer says. “You can minimize the chance for injuries by reducing the potential of risky interactions between people and cows in the parlor – all while making the milking experience quiet, consistent and more enjoyable for the cow.”

Streamlined Maintenance

Compared to traditional box-robot operations, batch-style milking systems allow producers to place robots closer together instead of spreading them out throughout various pens. This allows the robots to be more centrally located, streamlining maintenance tasks.

“Since you have downtime between milkings, you have more time to service the robots without disrupting daily routines,” Whitmer adds.

Efficient Cow Flow

Another advantage to robotic batch-style milking is reducing the time spent handling cows. In traditional robotic setups, producers will often have to fetch cows who don’t show up to the robot on their own. Batch-style systems operate more like a parlor with cows being brought to the robot in groups.

“You don’t have any fetch cows since you’re bringing the cows up to the boxes to be milked,” Whitmer says. “With all cows exiting the boxes at a fixed milking time, it’s easy to sort out cows that need attention instead of looking at a fetch list and finding them hours later.”

In addition to better cow flow, Whitmer says other tasks like running cows through a foot bath or hoof trimming can be completed just like with a traditional parlor.

Specified Nutrition

Cows milked with automatic milking systems are typically incentivized to enter the robot by feeding a specialized pellet. The same is true with robotic batch-style milking. Unlike a parlor system, producers can feed individual cows a certain amount of specialized feed based on their individual needs.

“We can top-dress the bunk ration by feeding more energy and protein in the robot,” Whitmer says. “This helps you push individual cows while controlling costs more at the bunk.”

Consistent Milking

Different from traditional robotic systems where cows determine when and how often they want to be milked, batch-style milking allows cows to stay on a consistent milking schedule without the need of designated milking employees.

“This streamlined process maximizes the milk letdown effect from the cow for faster milking times, which leads to better box times and more cows milked per hour,” Whitmer adds.

By reducing the risk of human error and setting specific times for groups to be milked, animals in batch-style systems have the benefit of a consistent routine in a non-traditional, data-driven setup.

“You can expect consistent milking by delegating the milking process to automation,” Whitmer says. “GEA’s milking robots are built on proven technology, providing a strong foundation for this style of milking.”