Milking Edge: a training and extension program for automatic milking in Australia
Project Overview
The Australian dairy industry is committed to supporting investment and successful operation of Automatic Milking Systems (AMS). A three-year project known as ‘Milking Edge’ is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Dairy Australia and DeLaval, to ‘Support industry to invest and operate AMS successfully’.
Built on a decade of successful research and development led by FutureDairy, as well as the experience of almost 50 commercial farms around Australia who have decided to invest in the technology, the project will enable better decision-making around the consideration, purchase and implementation of AMS..
The project will develop a training and extension program for robotic milking that will:
- Support industry to consider, invest (decision making) and operate (implement and transition to) robotic milking successfully; and
- Minimise risk and maximise likelihood of successful transition to robotic milking
Project Team
The project team is lead by Dr Nicolas Lyons, Development Officer for Dairy with NSW DPI. Dr Nicolas Lyons has an extensive knowledge around farming systems, technology and robotics. Upon finishing his PhD with FutureDairy at The University of Sydney, he has spent the last years actively engaging and communicating with farmers, service providers and industry around technology adoption and optimisation of robotic dairies.
Dr Lyons will be working together with Ms Jessica Maloney, Project Officer Dairy – Robotic Milking at NSW DPI. She holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from Charles Sturt University and has more than 10 years in the dairy industry with a strong understanding of the industry, its stakeholders, issues and opportunities.
Additionally, Mr Juan Gargiulo, a postgraduate student based at University of Sydney who is supported by NSW DPI and the Dairy Research Foundation, will also be collaborating and involved with the project. He holds a B. Ag. Science and a postgraduate degree in dairy science from Universities in Argentina, and is passionate about the dairy industry, with a strong understanding of dairy systems, milk quality and farm performance.
General project outcomes
The project team in collaboration with key stakeholders will generate:
- Tools and resources detailing the challenges and opportunities of robotic milking and supporting farmers assess the suitability of robotic milking;
- Better industry knowledge on AMS through formal training for farmers (owners and staff) and service providers wanting to expand their knowledge and understanding through topic-based training ;
- Stronger industry engagement through activities such as conferences and field days;
- A dedicated communication presence including social media, web, newsletter and media articles;
- A modern online community of practice to collaborate and communicate on all things robotic.
Get involved
Let us know if you are interested in more information about robotic milking in your region!
Know anyone interested in robotic milking? Please refer them to us!
For more information about the project, please contact Dr Nicolas Lyons on nicolas.lyons@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0401 650 073.
You can also follow the NSW DPI Dairy Facebook Page or subscribe to the NSW DPI Dairy AMS Newsletter to receive the latest news and updates about precision dairy farming.
