The prototype is being hailed as revolutionising Australia’s dairy industry, with the potential to significantly increase productivity and change the lifestyle of farmers.
Agriculture Minister Senator Joe Ludwig officially opened the dairy at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute at Menangle, south of Sydney.
The technology has set industry tongues wagging, already having been awarded a gold medallion ahead of the EuroTier 2010 Animal Husbandry Trade Exhibition, held in Germany in November.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said it addresses labour challenges faced by farmers, marking the beginning of a ’revolution in Australia’s dairy industry’.
“Producers who eventually make the move to robotic milking will be freed up to spend more time concentrating on strategic management and planning for their farms,” he said.
“It will also present a dramatic lifestyle improvement for those who choose to make the switch.”
The invention is a collaborative effort between Sydney University, and government and industry bodies including FutureDairy and Dairy Australia.
Source: Herald Sun
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