Dairy producers are invited to a WSU Extension presentation on the economics of robotic milking, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in Sunnyside, Wash.
In “Are Robotic Milkers a Technology for your Farm,” Jim Salfer, dairy nutrition and management specialist at the University of Minnesota, discusses design, finances, and pros and cons of automated dairies.
Experts with the WSU Department of Animal Sciences host the presentation at Snipes Mountain Brewery and Restaurant, 905 Yakima Valley Highway. Refreshments will be provided.
“With labor costs increasing rapidly, and with the increasing difficulty of finding labor, there is growing interest in robotic milkers,” said Salfer. “Robots were once thought of as a technology for small farms, but larger farms are increasingly interested.”
Salfer will look at the economics of robots on farms of various sizes; discuss the factors that affect milk production and labor costs in robotic milking systems; and examine the effect that milk production and labor costs have on the economics of robot milkers.
Sponsoring partners include the Washington State Dairy Federation, Daritech, Bank of the Pacific, Aberdeen and Burlington, Excel Dairy Service and DeLaval Dairy Service.
For information, contact Amber Adams-Progar, WSU Dairy Management Specialist, at 509-335-0673 or amber.adams-progar@wsu.edu, or Joe Harrison, Animal Scientist and Extension Specialist at WSU Puyallup, at 253-445-4638 or jhharrison@wsu.edu.