Robotic milk and feeding demo returns to Livestock Event

Back by popular demand, the robotic feeding and milking demonstration will be returning to the Livestock Event 2015.

Farmers can see 40 cows milked through a Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system, while the Lely Vector automatic feeding system will ensure they have continual access to a mixed ration in the feed passage.

See also: the Farmers Weekly calendar of events

Lely’s Tomás Cooney said: “We were so excited by the level of enthusiasm shown by British farmers at the 2014 Livestock Event that we will be repeating the exercise.

“We are aware there is a lot of interest from dairy and beef farmers in automated systems and what better way for the farming public to see it all in action than in a live environment with high-yielding cows.”

The event, organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (Rabdf), will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 8 and 9 July.

Rabdf chief executive Nick Everington said: “While 20% of the UK’s cows are forecast to be milked by robots by 2020, there are real opportunities for innovative companies to demonstrate their automated milking and feeding equipment, and where better than at the UK’s main dairy show and livestock event, which attracts dairy farmers from all parts of the UK and beyond.

“Visitors are able to drive to, take the train or fly in to Birmingham, walk to the halls, spend a full day at the event and still be back that night, which is a very effective use of time and money.”