From Tradition to Innovation: The Gemmell Family’s Organic Robotic Dairy

It's been six years since our last videoshoot with the Gemmell family!

Since then, Greg and Amy have completed an incredible transition into becoming a certified organic dairy farm. This means they raise their herd on organic feed, and they do not use antibiotics. Additionally, they manage their pasture without artificial or synthetic fertilisers and without pesticides, resulting in a completely organic and healthy dairy farming system.

Greg and Amy effectively utilise the Horizon data management system to maintain their organic dairy farm. By leveraging the detailed information provided by the robotic systems for each cow, they can promptly identify and address issues like mastitis and efficiently manage each cow's rumination. Prioritising cow health and well-being is crucial to their operation, ensuring both the happiness of their cows and the high quality of their milk. As a result, they receive milk quality awards each year, a testament to their dedication and a source of great pride for Greg.

Reflecting on their investment in robotics a decade ago, Greg expresses his satisfaction with the decision and highlights its cost-effectiveness. At the time, they were considering whether to invest in robotics or opt for a new herringbone or rotary system. Surprisingly, they found the prices to be quite similar. Retrofitting the robots into their existing cow shed proved to be a very economical solution. Greg emphasises, "You don't need a great big million-dollar barn; our little retrofitted cow shed works a treat for us."

Greg and Amy frequently host tours of their impressive organic, robotic dairy farm. Amy often hears concerns about losing touch with the herd as she's no longer manually cupping them.

Well is it true? Do you lose touch with your cows? Amy explains that:

"I think it's the complete opposite actually, you seem to know your cows more. Rather than knowing them by the shape of their udders, we know them by their face and their personality. We're still in the shed, cleaning, hosing down at the end of the day, opening breaks, and they're often breathing down the back of your neck waiting for a cuddle and a scratch."