Robotic milking is gaining popularity in Ireland as more farmers seek to enhance farm efficiency and embrace automation. The DeLaval VMS V300 robotic milking system is a product that can help farms achieve these goals.

DeLaval is passionate about supporting farmers on their journey of transitioning to robots on a grazing system.

DeLaval understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with adopting such advanced technology, and its mission is to provide the necessary tools and expertise to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible.

For those interested in learning more about the DeLaval VMS V300 milking robot, including its compatibility with the Irish grazing system, DeLaval is hosting two robotic milking open days on farms in the coming weeks.

For more information on these events please see below, or to register for these events, click here.

Simon Butler's open farm will be held in conjunction with DeLaval dealer Tom Harte Farm Services on Wednesday, August 23, from 11:00a.m – 4:00p.m, at Kilmacanearla, Kilfinny, Adare, Co. Limerick (V94 F75C).

Simon recently upgraded his robotic milking system by installing two DeLaval VMS V300’s. He is currently milking 100 cows on 45ha.

The herd is a mix of Holstein Friesian and Fleckvieh and are averaging 6,000L and 425kg. Last year he achieved 302 days at grass and fed approximately 1.2t of meal.

For Simon it's really all about the grass; he aims to consistently utilise 10t/ha and with an annual reseeding programme he is quietly confident that this can be achieved.

Cows usually turn out in late January via the DeLaval smart selection gates and with an ever increasing network of spur roads, access to grass is maximised early in the season.

“The DeLaval two-gate ABC system gives us added flexibility throughout the year, especially if conditions are challenging. Being able to split the herd into smaller groups regardless of the time of day is brilliant," Simon said.

To find out more, and register for Simon's open day, click here.

James Brennan's open farm will be held in conjunction with DeLaval dealer E.C Pratt on Thursday, August 31, from 11:00a.m – 3:00p.m, at Shanganagh More, Barrowhouse. Co. Laois (R14 VY29).

James farms with his father and two uncles and together they are milking 154 cows on two DeLaval VMS V300 robots on a grazing block of 42ha. They also run a tillage operation in combination with this.

This dairy farm’s focus is very much on getting the most out of grass; being a dry farm means that cows can be grazed early and late into the year.

The herd is a Holstein Friesian cross averaging 6,000L. Last year they produced 520kg whilst feeding 1.4t of meal. This year they are on track to produce 520kg from 1t of meal fed.

James said that the combination of tillage and robotic dairying offers great flexibility. It allows for the harvesting or sowing of crops to continue and relieves pressure to get back to milking.

“If we didn’t have the option of the robot, we probably wouldn’t be milking cows,” he said.

For more information and to register for James' open day, click here.

For anyone interested in finding out more about robotic milking and grazing with a DeLaval VMS V300 and is unable to make these events, DeLaval is offering farmers in Ireland free on farm consultations.

Fill in your contact details on the form on this webpage and DeLaval will be in touch.