What seemed like a technology that was only a dream a few years ago continues to make progress in Iowa and neighboring states. Robotic milking systems can be customized to the needs of each cow resulting in quality milk production. This automation frees up farmers to focus on other aspects of their farming operation and family activities. For producers looking to become more familiar with robotic milking and possibly adopting robotic milking technology, Iowa State University Extension (along with Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois) is leading tours for producers to visit current robotic installations.

• June 7, 10 a.m., South Wayne, Wisconsin. Jack Wiegel Farm, 10037 Phillipine Rd, South Wayne. Lely installation. From Browntown, Wisconsin, take MM north, which turns into M at the Lafayette Co line. At Woodford go west (left) still on M. In one mile, go south on Phillipine Road and it is the second farm on the right.

• June 7, 1 p.m., Stitzer, Wisconsin. Jim Lepeska Farm, 1683 Hopewell Rd, Stitzer. DeLaval installation. From Montfort, go south on Hwy 80 2 miles, 5 miles west on Hopewell Rd.

• June 14, 9:30 a.m., Monona, Iowa. Mark and Sandra Ehrhardt Farm, 567 Big Foot Road, Monona. Lely installation. From Monona, take CR-X26 6 miles, then turn right onto Big Foot Rd. for 2.4 miles, farm on right.

• June 14, 1:30 p.m., Caledonia, Minnesota. Heintz Badger Valley Farm, Doug and Julie Heintz, 8903 State Hwy. 76, Caledonia. Lely installation. From Caledonia, take Hwy 76 North 8 miles, (long driveway). If coming from North, it is a little more than 3 miles south of Houston, Minnesota.

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• June 15, 10:30 a.m., Buffalo Center, Iowa. Hawktree Dairy/Mike Bauman, 3100 Hwy 9, Buffalo Center (just east). Lely installation. (563) 583-6496.

• June 15, 1 p.m., Buffalo Center, Iowa. Stacey’s Dairy/Bruce Meinders, 2307 380th Street, Buffalo Center. Lely installation. From Buffalo Center, west on 9 for 2 miles, south on R14 for 5 miles, west on 380th Street.

For more information regarding these tours, contact ISU Extension Dairy Specialists Larry Tranel at (563) 583-6496 or Jenn Bentley at (563) 382-2949. PD

—From ISU Extension news release