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160 cows (target 180) - Farm certified organic since 2005. All grass - Farm divided into three grazing areas, ~30ha each (A B C) - Water in races and waiting yard - Two drafting units pre-VMS used to sort cows for milking or grazing - Small amount organic maize grain fed to some cows in VMS
As organic farmers since 2005, David, Cathy and son Brian Yates were ready for a new challenge so decided to try robots.
Farm Facts:
Herd size:
Number of AMS:
2 DeLaval VMS units
Calving pattern:
Split calving spring and autumn, year round milk supply
Commissioning date/year:
October 2010
Features:
They love the lifestyle the farm provides them. When building the farm dairy the Yates took full advantage of the view of Manukau Harbour.
While they loved the farm, they didn’t want to be tied to milking cows, so robots were the answer.
The Karaka farmers bought two DeLaval milking robots in 2010 to milk 180 cows on their 145 ha property (+ 25 ha on short term lease as dairy support block). They started using the technology on October 7 with 50 spring calving cows.
Up until that point, they had been using a 33-year-old 28-bale rotary, milking a maximum of 360 cows.
The farm is split into three 30 ha sections which act as morning, afternoon and night breaks. Cows can go to a new area at 8.30am, 3pm and 10pm.
A small pit and animal handling area at the front of the robots was constructed to deal with small groups of cows who need extra treatment.
An organic status has presented unique challenges, says David.
“Managing inputs has been difficult. The only organic feed we have been able to give them in the milking system is maize, which is twice the price of standard maize, but there are very few alternatives and some cows haven’t really taken to it,” says David.
To combat the problem the Yates are feeding the maize to the heifers before they calve.
Another challenge has been the shape of the udders.
“Over the last decade we’ve been breeding the cows so that their udders are nice and high at the rear end, the robot would rather have the rear end a bit lower,” says David.
Some cows have adapted quickly but others have been slower.
The move to robotic milking has been a steep learning curve for the Yates. It was tough being the first farm in the North Island and they are keen to share what they have learned with other farmers.
Farm Layout:
