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WEAVIAN FARMS
Page 89 SmartLINK is the data gateway between farm and external herd management solutions and drafting.
BailGate straps in place, holding the cows on the platform. The interior of the parlour is light and uncluttered. The composite deck is clothed in rubber mats in every bail, which cushions the cows, protecting their hooves during milking. The mats also make for a quiet milking environment.
Plug ‘n’ play Waikato Milking Systems’ “plug ‘n’ play” feature also appealed to Ian and Cath, because it gave them the reassurance that the system could always be updated with the latest technology. Their desire to reduce labour and increase efficiency saw them invest in SmartD-TECT pulsation, which eliminates the need for forestripping and has been proven to positively impact on production and udder health. In contrast with traditional pre-milking practices, the milker simply attaches the cluster when the cow enters the platform leaving premilking stimulation to SmartD-TECT.
Having the SmartD-TECT option added to their rotary meant the Ratcliffes could operate their parlour with one person, if needed. Cath said they decided to install a full range of other milking automation options available for the platform, to simplify milking and make it more pleasurable and faster without compromising the cows’ production and health. These features include: • Electronic Milk Meters linked to feed to yield. The Electronic Milk Meters also give the milking profile of each cow at every milking. • SmartECRs (electronic cup removers) can independently operate BailGates, SmartSPRAY and SmartD-TECT. • BailGate Straps automatically lower and raise as required to hold or release cows from the platform. • Variable speed milk and vacuum pumps
The parlour’s receiving can.
ensuring maximum precision with minimal power usage. • SmartSPRAY automatic teat spray system which, pre and post milking, sprays every cow, every time. • A three-way drafting gate. “The technology we included in the new parlour reduces our reliance on labour and allows one person to comfortably milk, improve feed use efficiency, reduce energy consumption and optimise milk production and cow health,” says Cath.
Site utilisation The site for the new parlour was adjacent to the old herringbone, enabling the couple to utilise the collection yard and giving them proximity to established services like electricity and water. The Centrus Rotary Platform arrived in
Close-up of the Waikato Milking Systems’ 320 claw cluster set, which promotes milk flow while providing a stable milking environment.
a shipping container from New Zealand, accompanied by a specialist team who oversaw the unloading, set-up and commissioning. The new parlour was commissioned in the spring of April 2019, with the cows transitioning well to the new environment. Two years on, Ian and Cath say the Centrus Composite Rotary is easy to use and maintain. “The new parlour has delivered the goals we set out to achieve – speed and ease of operation, labour saving and reduced stress on the cows plus the ability to upgrade as new technology is developed,” says Cath. “Having a parlour of this quality and ease of use is certainly an inducement to attracting and retaining high quality staff and, hopefully in time, our sons Josh and Freddie. “The platform has the capacity to milk a lot more cows than we currently are, so it is not a pinch-point to expansion should opportunities for land become available.”
