EPISODE · Jun 10, 2026 · 12 MIN
Robots on the Dairy Farm
from Maine Farmcast · host University of Maine Cooperative Extension
In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira celebrates June Dairy Month with a solo episode on how robotics are shaping dairy farm management. She discusses the benefits and considerations of milking robots, including milk production, labor, cow traffic, facility design and the importance of consistency in daily routines.Dr. Pereira also takes a closer look at manure robots and how they can support cleaner walkways, improved hoof and udder hygiene, reduced labor needs and fewer disruptions to cow behavior, especially in robotic milking systems. Listeners will hear about practical considerations such as floor type, maintenance, internet and power needs, winter weather challenges and backup plans.A June 30, 2026 field day will give participants the opportunity to see milking robots and manure robots in action.Episode ResourcesVictor Cabrera. 2026. “Making the Switch to Robots: A New Budgeting Tool for Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems.”Doerfler, Martin and Bernhardt. 2017. “Implications of Robotic Walkway Cleaning for Hoof Disorders in Dairy Cattle.”University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.
What this episode covers
In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira celebrates June Dairy Month with a solo episode on how robotics are shaping dairy farm management. She discusses the benefits and considerations of milking robots, including milk production, labor, cow traffic, facility design and the importance of consistency in daily routines.Dr. Pereira also takes a closer look at manure robots and how they can support cleaner walkways, improved hoof and udder hygiene, reduced labor needs and fewer disruptions to cow behavior, especially in robotic milking systems. Listeners will hear about practical considerations such as floor type, maintenance, internet and power needs, winter weather challenges and backup plans.A June 30, 2026 field day will give participants the opportunity to see milking robots and manure robots in action.Episode ResourcesVictor Cabrera. 2026. “Making the Switch to Robots: A New Budgeting Tool for Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems.”Doerfler, Martin and Bernhardt. 2017. “Implications of Robotic Walkway Cleaning for Hoof Disorders in Dairy Cattle.”University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.
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Robots on the Dairy Farm
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