McNeil Farm Open Day

Like many dairy farmers, Tim and Sara McNeil were managing their family-run dairy operation in Myall, Northern Victoria with a rotary milking system that had served them for decades.

But by 2021, the realities of an ageing 30-year-old rotary platform began to challenge their productivity as the system had grown too small for their expanding herd and increasingly demanding workload. It became clear for the couple that change was necessary. 

After careful consideration, the McNeils chose to invest in Lely Astronaut A5 milking robots. Their goal was not only to replace outdated infrastructure but also to improve cow welfare, reduce labour intensity, and build a sustainable growth model.

By August 2022, they had installed eight robots and transitioned to a system capable of milking 500 cows with enhanced precision and productivity. The robots exceeded their expectations and consistently achieved up to 2.8 milkings daily year-round, contributing to a 30% boost in production within 3 years. 

As the result, the presence of the robots hase helped Tim and Sara streamline workforce and reduce labour intensity, making farming less demanding for both the owners and the workers.