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Automatic Milking Systems: An Exploratory Study of Wisconsin Dairy Farms

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  • Peña-Lévano, Luis
  • Burney, Shaheer
  • Beaudry, Jalyssa

Abstract

Automatic milking systems (AMS) are seen as an alternative to manual milking using agricultural labor and have been shown to decrease labor dependence while improving milk yield. This study is based on a survey mailed to 500 randomly selected Wisconsin licensed herds in January 2022. The study shows that although AMS are still in nascent stages, they are already the second most common type of primary milking facility used by respondents. Our survey also shows important implications for adopting AMS on dairy farms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AMS dairies opted for reducing herd size to reduce milk production, whereas non-AMS dairies used a combination of smaller herd sizes and less animal feed. AMS farmers also claim price risk is the most significant barrier to grow their business, but non-AMS farmers consider labor recruitment and management as the most crucial adversity. AMS adopters also seem to have a more positive attitude toward the future outlook of the dairy industry relative to non-AMS farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Peña-Lévano, Luis & Burney, Shaheer & Beaudry, Jalyssa, 2023. "Automatic Milking Systems: An Exploratory Study of Wisconsin Dairy Farms," Journal of the ASFMRA, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, vol. 2023, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:jasfmr:342887
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.342887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeff Luckstead & Rodolfo M. Nayga & Heather A. Snell, 2021. "Labor Issues in the Food Supply Chain Amid the COVID‐19 Pandemic," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 43(1), pages 382-400, March.
    2. Tranel, Larry, 2017. "Economics of Robotic Milking Systems," Agricultural Outlook Forum 2017 260530, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Outlook Forum.
    3. repec:cup:jagaec:v:44:y:2012:i:03:p:269-277_00 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Rosson, C. Parr, III, 2012. "Regional Views on the Role of Immigrant Labor on U.S. and Southern Dairies," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 44(3), pages 1-9, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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