I couldn't make a parlor pencil or a lely. Look at a delaval vms 300 or gea mono box. These units look to milk more cows and have more options than lelys. I definitely think milking robots are the future. I've had some milk market issues which will cause us to us to most likely discontinue milking
Nice one Adam that was interesting listening to you and Dave talk about robots as it happens my neighbour started milking three weeks ago with two leyle robots he said you need one for every 60 cows he's milking 120 and hoping to get to 300 adding 3 more robots He's grazing the cow's on pasture when the come in for milking after milking automatic gate gate turns them out to different pasture He started with first time calvers as its easier to train them to the robot compared to older cows that were used to being milked in a milking parlour He's doing it three weeks and it's only now things are starting to work more smoothly he said it was a learning curve but it's worth it Really enjoyed the video as always looking forward to the next one Best wishes from Ireland 🇨🇮
Were you visiting the Strite's farm in Maryland? Very impressive setup. I like the way you guys are thinking. How much land to you farm and do you have access to more rented ground? You might want to consider at least going to 120 cows just to scale it up a little. I am a big believer that smaller farms can compete with the big guys if they are smart, though I think it could be tough to pay for a new robot barn and support two full time guys at the same time, not to mention making the farm payment. Just my two cents. Keep up the good work guys!
Yes that’s where we were, we farm 228 acres. 20 of it is rented, scaling up is not out of the question, definitely would help pay for it. Definitely lots to think about. we had a meeting with Matt from lely the other day to toss around some ideas. Thanks for watching!
@@lyonsfamilyfarms-fh5zz nice, could feed a few more cows if you wanted to but like you said, you need more room for youngstock and manure. Matt is a good guy to work with.
We just started 2 A5s 4 weeks ago in free stall retro fit, and are averaging 3.2 milkings per day right now. The cows are a lot more comfortable in the robots than our parlour and we really enjoying the robots. But I would really recommend against trying to start with 60 cows per robot, especially tie stall cows.
I’m definitely a believer that robots will be the way to go for small and medium sized farm. We’ve been looking into them a lot lately. Have you met with Galaxy at all? I went visited their headquarters in Kutztown in January. I really liked their robot and their company as a whole.
We got 7 delaval robots, we like them a lot. I think if you have the option its better to go 2 robots because you dont have to max the robots off. The younger cows too go through robots so much easier
Whats the feed values in the spring foage. We have been think the same thing weather it makes scence to go to spring forage but dont know if it makes scence for lower quality feed cuz then have to spend more adding protein
We did some before because we were low on feed and cows milked better off of that then the alfalfa. We’re adding more soybeans to the ration to get the protein. In the end we should be on the plus side because we have more ground to plant corn that use to be alfalfa.
I had always dreamed of dairy farming but the fall of milk prices in the 80's shot that down. Duffy Ag on UA-cam use to be a DeLaval robot tech, some of his older videos discuss and show some of his installations, might be worth a look and support for your goals.
nice chat, how many cows you milking i think i heard 60 cows and how many robots would you need? i've never thought they were good but the more i see with labor i'm changing my mind we milk in double 8 older one milking 300 but its antique wish you the best
I hate to say it but I think that's the only way family farms are going to be able to stay afloat, in my opinion if one goes to robots might as well go all the way robot mikkers, robotic feeding and double or triple the herd and do it right.i personally think things might start looking up for dairy farmers once that coop out of virginia and maryland double that plant in philly.
We are making the switch to spring forage so we can plant more corn to combine and sell. we will save money not chopping 5 cuttings a year, we cover 200 acres in a year chopping alfalfa vs only 100 of spring forage to get what we need
We're not just looking at volume,but nutrient levels. Are are you going to replace the protein alfalfa supplies and at what cost. You cannot control the cost of purchased protein. Alfalfa protein is fairly static for 3 years and is more drought resistant than grasses.
@@lyonsfamilyfarms-fh5zz That will reduce the forage and quality fiber in your ration. Nothing makes milk like quality forage. Final point: If you think that you will be able to support your extended family operation on 60 cows you are in for a sad surprise. The economics of this world just don't work that way. Name any small business that has lasted 3 generations. Get bigger or get out.
Super wise that you're pacing yourself in the planning process. A lot to consider and it is important to weigh your options as you are! This might be of itnerest to you - Dream Dairy Book - www.gomilkbarn.com/dairy-dream-book (free) :)
I think Delaval, one robot will do 50 cows. Your young and going in the right direction.
I couldn't make a parlor pencil or a lely. Look at a delaval vms 300 or gea mono box. These units look to milk more cows and have more options than lelys. I definitely think milking robots are the future. I've had some milk market issues which will cause us to us to most likely discontinue milking
Nice one Adam that was interesting listening to you and Dave talk about robots as it happens my neighbour started milking three weeks ago with two leyle robots he said you need one for every 60 cows he's milking 120 and hoping to get to 300 adding 3 more robots He's grazing the cow's on pasture when the come in for milking after milking automatic gate gate turns them out to different pasture He started with first time calvers as its easier to train them to the robot compared to older cows that were used to being milked in a milking parlour He's doing it three weeks and it's only now things are starting to work more smoothly he said it was a learning curve but it's worth it
Really enjoyed the video as always looking forward to the next one
Best wishes from Ireland 🇨🇮
Definitely makes life a lot more enjoyable!
110 cows two lely A5s use old tie stall for heifer over flow
Were you visiting the Strite's farm in Maryland? Very impressive setup. I like the way you guys are thinking. How much land to you farm and do you have access to more rented ground? You might want to consider at least going to 120 cows just to scale it up a little. I am a big believer that smaller farms can compete with the big guys if they are smart, though I think it could be tough to pay for a new robot barn and support two full time guys at the same time, not to mention making the farm payment. Just my two cents. Keep up the good work guys!
Yes that’s where we were, we farm 228 acres. 20 of it is rented, scaling up is not out of the question, definitely would help pay for it. Definitely lots to think about. we had a meeting with Matt from lely the other day to toss around some ideas. Thanks for watching!
@@lyonsfamilyfarms-fh5zz nice, could feed a few more cows if you wanted to but like you said, you need more room for youngstock and manure. Matt is a good guy to work with.
@@10thgenerationdairyman61 yes, he definitely knows his stuff
U are making a smart move to think and plan ahead including new technology
Definitely lots to think about
The robotic milkers are the way to go! I saw a video that they are actually cheaper over all than putting in a milking parlor ! 👍
We just started 2 A5s 4 weeks ago in free stall retro fit, and are averaging 3.2 milkings per day right now. The cows are a lot more comfortable in the robots than our parlour and we really enjoying the robots. But I would really recommend against trying to start with 60 cows per robot, especially tie stall cows.
Thanks for the information!
I’m definitely a believer that robots will be the way to go for small and medium sized farm. We’ve been looking into them a lot lately. Have you met with Galaxy at all? I went visited their headquarters in Kutztown in January. I really liked their robot and their company as a whole.
No I haven’t talked to them all.
We got 7 delaval robots, we like them a lot. I think if you have the option its better to go 2 robots because you dont have to max the robots off. The younger cows too go through robots so much easier
Whats the feed values in the spring foage. We have been think the same thing weather it makes scence to go to spring forage but dont know if it makes scence for lower quality feed cuz then have to spend more adding protein
We did some before because we were low on feed and cows milked better off of that then the alfalfa. We’re adding more soybeans to the ration to get the protein. In the end we should be on the plus side because we have more ground to plant corn that use to be alfalfa.
I had always dreamed of dairy farming but the fall of milk prices in the 80's shot that down. Duffy Ag on UA-cam use to be a DeLaval robot tech, some of his older videos discuss and show some of his installations, might be worth a look and support for your goals.
I’ll check it out
That new one? I wanted to go to the open house on that one
nice chat, how many cows you milking i think i heard 60 cows and how many robots would you need? i've never thought they were good but the more i see with labor i'm changing my mind we milk in double 8 older one milking 300 but its antique wish you the best
we’re milking 60 and it would take 1 robot to milk them
robots are the future
You can buy used robots they wont last as long, some A4 lelys can be around 50k.
I hate to say it but I think that's the only way family farms are going to be able to stay afloat, in my opinion if one goes to robots might as well go all the way robot mikkers, robotic feeding and double or triple the herd and do it right.i personally think things might start looking up for dairy farmers once that coop out of virginia and maryland double that plant in philly.
Yes I believe robots will be the future in the dairy industry
Why do you think leaving alfalfa for rye or triticale is a good move. Please explain in detail.
We are making the switch to spring forage so we can plant more corn to combine and sell. we will save money not chopping 5 cuttings a year, we cover 200 acres in a year chopping alfalfa vs only 100 of spring forage to get what we need
Along with we'll have little change in our feed ration throughout the year. Unlike when we go through the different cuttings of alfalfa.
We're not just looking at volume,but nutrient levels. Are are you going to replace the protein alfalfa supplies and at what cost. You cannot control the cost of purchased protein. Alfalfa protein is fairly static for 3 years and is more drought resistant than grasses.
@@r.scotthill3082 we are adding more beans to put the protein back into the ration
@@lyonsfamilyfarms-fh5zz That will reduce the forage and quality fiber in your ration. Nothing makes milk like quality forage. Final point: If you think that you will be able to support your extended family operation on 60 cows you are in for a sad surprise. The economics of this world just don't work that way. Name any small business that has lasted 3 generations. Get bigger or get out.
Have you seen the videos the videos of tie stall converts to freestall and robots😅
Yes, it will definitely be a challenge
Super wise that you're pacing yourself in the planning process. A lot to consider and it is important to weigh your options as you are! This might be of itnerest to you - Dream Dairy Book - www.gomilkbarn.com/dairy-dream-book (free) :)
Thank you for the information!