
Innovative Tech Slashes Mastitis, Boosts Udder Health & Saves Time on Farm.
Organic dairy farmers are embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance herd health and streamline operations. Michael Vosper, a Waikato dairy farmer managing 250 cows on his organic farm near Te Aroha, has championed a new artificial intelligence (AI)-driven teat sprayer, the GEA iSprayvision. This innovative system is significantly improving udder health, reducing instances of mastitis, and yielding valuable time savings in the milking shed—a testament to the impact of agritech in modern dairy farming.
Vosper specifically selected the GEA iSprayvision for its advanced AI camera technology and its promise of cost-effective teat spraying. Within just six months of installation, he reported marked improvements in his herd’s udder health and a more efficient teat care routine. As cows exit the dairy, they simply walk over the spray unit in the exit race, where the AI system precisely applies the teat spray, ensuring comprehensive and consistent coverage without manual intervention.
The tangible benefits of this new system are compelling for any dairy producer. Vosper noted a remarkable drop in his herd’s somatic cell count (SCC) by 100,000, along with a decrease in mastitis cases compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the overall teat condition of his cows has visibly improved. Beyond health metrics, the automation has streamlined his milking routine, saving 30 minutes per milking and allowing for more efficient reallocation of staff to other vital on-farm tasks.
To further automate his milking process and ensure optimal results, Vosper integrated the FIL Intelliblend system in early 2025. This complementary technology automatically mixes the teat spray to the correct ratios and delivers it precisely to the GEA iSprayvision sprayer. This tandem operation provides Vosper with high confidence that his cows are consistently receiving the correct amount of teat spray with complete coverage, enhancing overall udder hygiene and preventing infections.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, Vosper’s strategic goals are to further reduce mastitis cases and lower his somatic cell count to below 150,000, underscoring a continuous commitment to dairy excellence and leveraging technology for improved dairy economics. This success story from a New Zealand organic dairy farm offers a compelling case study for the international dairy community on the practical advantages of adopting advanced automated solutions for animal health management.
Source: Farmers Weekly: Organic farmer vouches for new generation teat sprayer
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