A survey regarding the interest and concern associated with transitioning from conventional to automated (robotic) milking systems for managers of small-to medium-sized dairy farms

As herd size increases, new technology that allows small- to medium-sized dairy producers to remain sustainable is greatly desired. Automatic milking systems (AMS) are one way producers may remain competitive and sustainable via improving management and production efficiency, as well as enhancing quality of life and business attractiveness to successors. The aim of this survey was to identify the interest and concerns of managers of small- to medium-sized dairy farms when considering transitioning from conventional milking systems to AMS in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In January 2013, 1,355 questionnaires were sent to Maryland and Pennsylvania dairy producers with between 50 to 280 lactating dairy cows. Logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the factors most influencing interest and the major concerns when transitioning to AMS. The response rate was 31%. The number of milking and dry cows averaged 109 and 17, respectively, and this was similar between states. For both states, the majority (74%) of producers had been involved in farming for > 20 yr. Most farms were freestall operations. When asked what limits their ability to improve or grow their dairy operation, low profits (41%), land costs (35%), and labor availability (26%) were the primary answers. Of the producers that completed the surveys, 38% expressed interest in transitioning to an AMS. A logistic regression showed that higher education and farms of larger herd-size influenced (P < 0.05) interest in AMS, whereas state and years of age did not. The regression model using the maximum improvement technique showed that improving herd management and improving management of family time were the most influential when considering transitioning to AMS, whereas return on investment or profitability and management changes were of the greatest concern when transitioning to AMS. Results will serve as the basis for education programs designed to provide farmers with the decision-making tools required to estimate and quantify economic effects, performance outcomes, and lifestyle changes associated with AMS.