Retrofitting Milking Robots
Cost-Effective Path to Automation
Explore The Possibility of Retrofitting
Thinking about automation? Retrofitting your barn is a smart way to use your existing infrastructure while lowering installation costs and minimizing disruption to your farm. By working with your local Lely Center, you’ll have access to expert Lely Farm Management Service and Lely Technical Support teams who can help ensure a smooth transition to automation.
What are the benefits of retrofit barn?
Cost Savings
Building a new barn can be expensive. Retrofitting focuses on upgrading what you already have to make automation more affordable.
Preserve Infrastructure
Make the most of your current facilities. Retrofitting maximizes the use of your existing barn, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Flexible for the Future
Retrofitting provides flexibility to adapt as your farm evolves. Retrofitting allows for a more gradual growth, better aligning your budget and goals with your robot expansion.
Easy Adoption for Cows
Because cows are already familiar with being milked in the barn, transitioning to robotics via a retrofit setup is often easier and less stressful.
Before and After
Brian Deutmeyer - Eastern Iowa
Retrofit Example
Mormann Family
New Vienna, Iowa
The Mormann family of New Vienna, Iowa, has been milking cows since 1983. Mormann Dairy, LLC has grown and evolved since its original 40-cow herd and now milk their entire 950 Holstein herd with 17 Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking systems after retrofitting their barn.
Product used
Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking system
The Mormann family was faced with the decision on how to expand and grow their operation. Their parlor was wearing out and their employees had skills that went far beyond milking. They decided to retrofit their facility and started milking with six Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking systems in late 2020. The results came fast, with lower somatic cell counts, healthier cows and herd data they’d never had before.
Disclaimer: Results have not been verified by Lely or an independent party. Your results may vary.
Disclaimer: Results have not been verified by Lely or an independent party. Your results may vary.
Read more about retrofit and barn design
Milking robots aren’t just for new barns. They can often be integrated into existing barns. Retrofitting offers a practical, cost-effective way to bring automation to your dairy without starting from scratch.
9 Keys to Retrofitting Your Existing Barn for Milking Robots
Designing A Freestall Barn for Lely Automated Dairy Systems
Retrofitting your barn for automation can be a smart alternative to new construction. By focusing on cow comfort, barn flow and labor efficiency, farmers can successfully adapt existing facilities, or design new ones, to work seamlessly with Lely automated dairy systems.
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