Milky Way Farm (Continued from Page 37) and the elder Matthewses want to keep it tnat way. “I believe the robotic milker makes dairy farming more attractive for the next generation,” Sam said. He is pleased with the performance of the robot, noting that the cows adjusted to it without too much hassle. “All the cows adapted well,” he said. “About 80 percent figured it out within 10 days or less. The rest of them ‘tailenders’ took a month or more” (and eventually caught on). High producing cows visit the robotic milker four or five times in a 24-hour period. The extra milkings have helped boost production 10-12 pounds a cow per day, according to Matthews. He also noted that the frequent milkings have had a positive effect on cow behavior. “The cows are docile, calmer, and more relaxed,” he said. Somatic cell counts have held steady since switching to the robot. One of Matthews’s biggest worries is what could happen to the computer workings of the robot in the event of a lightning strike. While many technical (Turn to Page 39) 4 fe FERTILIZERS & SOIL f CONDITIONERS Summertime means busy time at Chester Springs Creamery. • Custom Blends • Lawn and Garden Blends • OMRI Listed Products; • Super 3-2-3 Contact main office for dealer nearest you: FERTRELL COMPANY PO Box 265, Bainbridge, PA 17502 www.fertrell.com 717-367-1566 Phone 717-367-9319 Fax Dealer Inquiries Invited • Super N 4-2-4 • Gold SS 2-4-2 • Greensand • Liquid Seaweed • Kelp Meal • Animal Nutrition • Rock Phosphate • Soil Testing Service • Oxidate *>
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