Robotic Milking Systems

Robotic Milking Systems seem to be the talk of all rural towns. Dairies are popping up throughout the Midwest with this new technology. The question that everyone is asking, is it worth the high costs?

The robots were first introduced in 1992. Since then, 8,000 dairies have adapted to this new technology. With the needed hand labor to milk dairy cows in a parlor system, the struggle for maintaining a reliable milking staff is growing for dairies. Using a robotic milking system reduces the number of employees and increases the flexibility of labor hours. By implementing a robotic milking system a family farm could eliminate a non-family workforce.

http://www.lely.com/en/milking/robotic-milking-system/astronaut-a4_0

Robotic milking systems are a large investment to implement on a family farm. According to  Lely, a company specializing in agriculture robotics, one Astronaut A4 milking system can milk 60 cows by itself.

Therefore, having multiple robots decreases the risk of malfunctions that can delay milking. According to Iowa State Extension, a financial statement on robotic milker costs $150,000 on average to purchase. With the addition of a robot, the barn is in need of restructuring to remove the parlor and position the robot. Total cost of the investment being $210,000. With this robot installed cows may be milked on their own free will as they do not have set times to be milked morning and night anymore. A 10% increase in milk production is anticipated with improvement of herd health and increase in milk production efficiency. With happier and healthier cows, the farmer can see an income increase of $55,000.

For more information on how a robotic milking system could benefit your farm: Iowa State University Extension

Sources:
http://www.lely.com/en/milking/robotic-milking-system/astronaut-a4_0
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/dairyteam/Robotic%20Milking%20Systems%2011%20Tranel.pdf

Tractors in the Sky

ROBOTS HAVE ARRIVED!

Commonly known as drones. Agriculture is taking advantage of this new technology. With less than 1% of the population feeding the rest of the 99%, farmers need help in producing the most with what they have.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2015/07/21/drones-farm-savings-agriculture-millions/30486487/

A recent article in AgWeek talks about the future hopes of drone usage in agriculture. A thermal imaging camera maker has recently launched a camera that will help farmers see the difference between healthy and distressed crops.
The drone will be able collect data to help farmers determine:

• where to add/reduce water
• areas that need more/less pesticides
• when to harvest

With this data collected farmers can save thousands on annual costs. A study, by Informa Economics and Measure, stated that corn producers will have the biggest benefit of drones. Corn producers can save on average $11.58 per acre. Corn yields can also increase about 2.5%.

Crop farmers won't be the only ones benefiting from the use of drones. Livestock producers can use the devices to monitor cattle and other livestocks. Being able to look over cattle without having to physically be out in the pasture can allow farmers to detect and treat animals that may need help. 

To read more about drone usage, check out these sources:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-drones-will-drastically-transform-us-agriculture-in-one-chart-2015-11-17
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2015/07/21/drones-farm-savings-agriculture-millions/30486487/

No Chemical Spray Drift Here

Chemical spray drift is a growing concern for farmers and surrounding communities. Extension agents from North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota have researched new ways to prevent chemical spray drift in the field.

http://www.sprayline-wa.com.au/Agrotop_nozzles

A nozzle that can increase the size of the droplet can make the droplet fall faster. Venturi nozzles were recently introduced to farmers as a way to make sure their chemical spray is falling exactly where they want it to.

Spray drift happens when:

• vapor drift
• Particle or droplet drift

By inserting more air into the droplets can decrease drifting onto crops the farmer does not want to touch. Surrounding communities can also have an eased mind with knowing that the droplets will not be getting into their air.

The cost of new nozzles is relatively low cost bearing. Especially when considering the money saved when your spray is actually sprayed where it is supposed to go.

For information on where to get these newly designed nozzles, check out the link under the picture. Experts will help you find the right nozzles for your operation.

To read the full article: http://www.agweek.com/news/business-and-technology/3942899-new-technology-addresses-chemical-spray-drift

Growing up in agriculture shaped me into who I am today. Being involved with 4-H and FFA all through my youth paved my path to pursuing a career in agriculture. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics, I hope to help farmers financially. Through the ups and downs of our economy, farmers are always looking at different ways to feed our world.

Through the next 10 weeks this blog is intended to inform the public of all the new advances those involved in agriculture have developed. I will share a variety of these new products and how they will only benefit the whole world. New technology always brings up questions; I'm here to answer them.