Louis Lab Co-Organizes a “Milking Robot” Workshop
Kiel, Germany – May 5, 2025
Karl-Friedrick Boy, PhD
In February 2025, Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano, Dr. Shaher Burney, and Prof. James Salfer, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension, co-organized the regional workshop “Milking Robots: Are They the Future of Dairy Farming?.” Held in Paynesville, MN (Feb. 26) and Eau Claire, WI (Feb. 27), the event brought together over 150 farmers, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the practical potential of Automated Milking Systems (AMS).
The program included presentations from faculty at UW-River Falls, UC Davis, UW- Madison, UW-Extension, and the University of Minnesota, as well as panels of three farmers at each location who shared first-hand experiences with AMS.
Sponsored by the North Central Region SARE program under project LNC22-467(Financial Feasibility of AMS in the Midwest), the workshop featured a presentation by Dr. Burney and Dr. Peña-Lévano on research findings from 2023–2024 surveys of dairy producers in Wisconsin and California. The results revealed key benefits of AMS adoption, including reduced labor demands and enhanced animal welfare. However, speakers emphasized that successful implementation requires strategic planning, with high upfront investment identified as a significant barrier for many farmers.
What did the farmers think about AMS? Panelists shared diverse perspectives. One farmer noted increased flexibility and family time, while others pointed to challenges such as a steep learning curve, ongoing maintenance, and frequent software updates.
The consensus: AMS holds transformative potential, but outcomes vary widely depending on farm size, labor availability, and financial strategy.
A consistent theme throughout the discussions was labor shortages. Whether operating a herd of 120 or 1,800 cows, nearly all participants cited labor as a critical challenge—often a key motivator for exploring AMS.
The workshop’s interactive format encouraged rich dialogue on topics such as system reliability, herd health, and environmental impact. Participants agreed that while AMS is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be a powerful tool when aligned with individual farm goals and conditions.
We extend our appreciation to UW Extension, UM Extension, and all partner institutions for fostering these important conversations and their collaboration on this multi-state workshop.
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