Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s Home Farm has installed the state-of-the-art DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) V300 – a robotic milking system that allows a cow to be milked when it wants, which can be up to three times a day on average.
The new technology reinforces Hartpury’s commitment to combining commercial innovation in agriculture, whilst providing education and research opportunities for students. It also optimises animal welfare, by providing Hartpury’s farm team with valuable data for managing herd health and milk production.
Currently, 100 cows are part of the robotic milking herd, and a further 100 are milked through a 30/30 rapid exit parlour.
For students, the installation represents an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology. Agricultural students studying courses including T Levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and PhDs will have the chance to see the VMS in action, learning how to utilise data-driven insights to improve herd management and milk production practices. They’ll be able to use the information provided by the system to make decisions on managing individual cows, working alongside farm staff.
Hartpury’s investment in the DeLaval VMS robotic milking system is supported by the work of the Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre (of which DeLaval is a member), and the venue hosts industry engagement events throughout the year to shine a light on agri-technologies and enhance the understanding of its benefits. Showcasing developments in farm automation is an important part of Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm, as is sharing the experiences with its 2,000 members in the Digital Farming Network.
Professor Matt Bell, Director of Agriculture at Hartpury University said: “The installation of the DeLaval Voluntary Milking System marks an exciting development for Hartpury’s farm and our students. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances the efficiency of our operations but also gives students real-world experience – something that is so valuable within our industry. By equipping them with knowledge of the latest innovations, we are ensuring they are future-ready for careers in a rapidly evolving agricultural industry.”