The decision to adopt robotics was driven by a need for efficiency and a solution to the “wearing” pressure of daily milking hours. Vagg, who studied robotic dairies in New Zealand years ago, notes that while the technology has evolved, the core benefits remain the same: freeing up the farmer’s time. He also chose to build the new robotic dairy on a green field site rather than retrofitting his old, outdated herringbone shed. This strategic decision was based on the fact that the original site was no longer suitable for modern milk tankers, highlighting the importance of holistic farm planning.

Despite the significant expense—with a single robotic unit costing between $150,000 and $210,000 in Australia—Vagg was convinced by the practical benefits. The move has already paid off in terms of efficiency, and he plans to expand his herd to more than 600 cows. He observed that the herd adapted quickly to the new system, with cows naturally entering the robotic dairy for milking, a testament to the system’s seamless integration into the farm’s daily routine.

Vagg’s experience provides a key piece of data journalism for the international dairy community, offering a firsthand account of the tangible benefits of automation. While dairy farming still requires long days, the robotic system eliminates the need for waking up at “ridiculous” times to milk. This allows Vagg to dedicate more of his workday to improving other aspects of his business, such as pasture management and financial oversight, which are crucial for the long-term profitability of the farm.