By Jamie Martin
A rotary milking system can improve dairy farm efficiency, but its success depends on how well the startup process is managed. Careful preparation ensures smooth operations from the first day.
“A rotary startup impacts everything: cow flow, employee confidence, even the pace you’ll be able to achieve months down the road,” said Andy Lenkaitis, senior manager of herd management with GEA. “A strong start begins well before the first cow steps on the platform.”
Planning is the foundation of a successful startup. Farmers must work closely with contractors and equipment providers to design a system that supports future needs. Features like automation or herd monitoring should be planned early.
External factors such as weather, labor shortages, and farm expansion may affect timelines, so flexibility is important.
Training farm workers is equally important. Employees must understand their roles, safety practices, and how to handle cows in a rotary system. Since cow movement is continuous, proper timing and calm handling are essential. Before milking begins, all equipment should be tested to ensure it functions correctly.
Introducing cows slowly helps them adjust to the new environment. Starting with smaller groups reduces stress and improves learning. Younger cows often adapt faster and can help set up the routine. During the first few days, efficiency may be lower, but cows quickly become familiar with the process. Farmers should avoid adding extra automation tools too early, as this may disrupt cow behavior.
Tracking performance from the beginning helps improve results. Farmers should monitor key factors such as rotation speed, milking time, and cow flow. Small improvements in these areas can lead to better long-term productivity.
“With the disruption from COVID-19, tariffs and uncertainty overseas, we were relieved to find out a lot of GEA’s parlor manufacturing was going to be done in Wisconsin. Of the things that kept me up at night, I was able to mark that one off my list,” said Jan Henderson, general manager at Alliance Dairies.
With proper planning, training, and monitoring, dairy farms can achieve a smooth rotary startup and build a strong foundation for future success.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: National