Robots on the Dairy Farm

About this episode

Dr. Glenda Pereira discusses the impact of robotics on dairy farm management, focusing on milking and manure robots.

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 Resources Victor 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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Glenda Pereira

Topics covered

• dairy farming
• robotics
• milking robots
• manure robots
• farm management
• June Dairy Month

Keywords

• dairy farm
• robotics
• milking robots
• manure robots
• farm management
• June Dairy Month
• cow hygiene

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Books & works: Making the Switch to Robots: A New Budgeting Tool for Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems, Implications of Robotic Walkway Cleaning for Hoof Disorders in Dairy Cattle

More episodes of Maine Farmcast

• Don’t Do This: Farming Mistakes We’ve All Made with Dr. Richard Brzozowski · June 3, 2026 · 49 min
• Little Boots, Big Lessons: Parenting on the Farm · May 27, 2026 · 29 min
• From Barns to Biotech: The IDEXX Story and the Power of Diagnostics with Rick Linscott · May 20, 2026 · 43 min
• A Passion for Wool: Spinning Stories and Sheep with Dr. Erin Percival Carter · May 13, 2026 · 31 min
• Planning for Success in Animal Agriculture with Dr. Richard Brzozowski · May 6, 2026 · 40 min
• Forage Quality: Preparing for a Successful First Cutting with Joe Lawrence · April 29, 2026 · 20 min