10 | nzdairy Adopting robotic manure management tech According to Bruce the results have been impressive. The impact of these technologies on the farm’s operations has been profound. Kim Newth Bruce Dinnington, a third-generation farmer, is pioneering the use of revolutionary technology on his family farm at Dacre, setting a new standard for barn cleanliness and cow welfare in the process. His farm is the first in Australasia to implement the Lely Discovery 120 Collector, a state-of-the-art manure management system. Unlike conventional scrapers, this robotic system vacuums manure, effectively eliminating waste build-up where cows stand. The Discovery 120 Collector features a lithium battery and wireless charging station, allowing for more frequent cleaning routes. According to Bruce the results have been impressive: “The floor is so much cleaner which in turn keeps the beds significantly cleaner. We’ve seen quite a drop in somatic cell count. The cows are also clean and shiny as the beds are so clean.” Bruce’s foray into robotic farming began with the introduction of a Lely Calm automatic calf feeder, which he came into contact with after a neighbour bought one. Impressed by the results, he progressively added more Lely technology, including the Astronaut robotic milking system and the Juno automatic feed pusher. This integrated approach, along with other changes, has yielded significant benefits, with milk production increasing from 560 kgs MS per cow to 750 kgs MS. DAIRY PEOPLE » Bruce Dinnington
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