The use of artificial intelligence tools in farming is expected to grow quickly in the next five years, automating and enhancing decision making for farmers. At this point, however, most of the artificial intelligence (AI) uses are arriving around the edges of technologies farmers use, and are coming in the form of delivering answers to […] Read more
Milking equipment — page 2
AUDIO: AI for AI
Artificial intelligence can help dairy decision making, but make sure to check for accuracy
No simple solutions for SNF surplus
Effective solutions for dealing with the surplus of solids-not-fat (SNF) in the Canadian dairy processing sector will not be simple no matter how big or small the processors are, Université Laval assistant professor Dr. Julien Chamberland told attendees of the recent Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium. Chamberland, the university’s teaching leadership chair in cheese technology, explained […] Read more
Dairy wages lag other farms
Survey shows that average labour time per cow continues to drop
Dairy farmers continue to increase wages paid to employees, but the rate isn’t keeping up with other agriculture sectors. A survey is conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Progressive Dairy Operators (PDO) every three years on labour trends in the dairy sector. Why it matters: Labour costs have […] Read more
Batch milking combines parlour facility with automation of robots
The system can save labour and milk large numbers of cows
A new concept in dairy equipment management brings the automation and data of robotic milking to a milking parlour orientation. DeLaval has several installations around the world where cows are herded into a holding area from which they access a group of automated milkers. Why it matters: The company says VMS batch milking is designed […] Read more
Lochdale Holsteins third in Lactanet dairy performance awards
The Alexandria-area farm was the top Ontario herd, with five of the top 10 from the province
An Ontario farm had the third highest dairy herd performance index in Lactanet’s annual national awards. Lochdale Holsteins, of Alexandria, Ont., had a score of 969. The farm is owned by David, Anne Marie and Andrew MacMillan. They milk 78 cows in a pipeline system. Lactanet is the national herd recording and dairy farm data […] Read more
Ontario dairy start-ups win big in New York State
Winners receive mentorship and access to large herds as well as cash
Two Ontario-based dairy start-ups were recently named among the winners of a prestigious $3 million business competition in New York State. SomaDetect won $500,000 and Cattle Scan received a $250,000 prize in the fifth annual Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Competition. It is focused on growing a food and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York […] Read more
Milk data project brings field and barn numbers together
John Deere and DeLaval are the first partners in the Milk Sustainability Centre
Two large industry players have come together to create a way for dairy farmers to consolidate data across their entire operations. John Deere and DeLaval have created the Milk Sustainability Centre, which will bring data from dairy farmers for evaluation and decision-making around sustainability impact and efficiency. Why it matters: The Milk Sustainability Centre system […] Read more
How individual cow personalities affect milking performance in dairy cows
Research shows there is a link between cow behaviour and how they perform in automated milking systems
This was first published by Dairy at Guelph. Some cows can be more curious than others, while others more shy and some may even be quite aggressive. Researchers at the University of Guelph are looking at the connection between a cow’s personality and her milking performance. Dr. Trevor DeVries, a professor in the Department of […] Read more
Many factors affect milk frothing problem
Lactation length, milking frequency, prechilling and filter replacement all contribute to higher free fatty acids
A frothy problem identified by Starbucks baristas in British Columbia does not have a simple solution. Elevated levels of free fatty acids in milk can result in cheese coagulation issues, milk with poor taste and shorter shelf life, and a lack of frothing ability, which is the big concern for coffee chains. Why it matters: […] Read more
System delivers suite of dairy data every 2.2 seconds
Connecting data to the cloud, not on-site computers helps to increase speed of data interpretation
A new technology from dairy equipment company DeLaval helps monitor in-barn cow behaviour, with updates every 2.2 seconds. The company used the 2023 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show for the official North American launch of its DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis tool for monitoring in-barn cow behaviour and herd health. Why it matters: Advancements in artificial intelligence […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
