McNeil Farm Open Day

Facing an aging rotary system, Tim and Sara McNeil, decided to explore robotic milking. This led them to ultimately investing in eight Lely Astronaut A5 milking robots as a solution for long-term sustainability and efficiency for their family and business.

Join us at the open day to hear about how Tim and Sara are now productively and efficiently milking 500 cows. Register via the form below to ensure there is plenty of food and drinks for everyone! We can't wait to see you there!

From Tradition to Innovation

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

By 2021, the realities of an ageing 30-year-old rotary platform began to wear out and the system had grown too small for their expanding herd, leading to an 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 Their goal was not only to replace outdated infrastructure but also to improve cow welfare, reduce labour, and build a sustainable growth model.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.

In addition, their investment in Automatic Milking has helped Tim and Sara streamline their workforce and reduce labour intensity, making farming less demanding for both the owners and the workers.

Their journey from a traditional setup to a fully robotic system exemplifies how strategic planning and openness to technology can drive long-term success in Australian dairy farming.

See It for Yourself

This Open Day is your chance to explore how technology is reshaping dairy farming. Whether you're a dairy farmer, student, researcher, or simply passionate about technologies and innovations, come and see how McNeil's farm is setting the standard for the next generation of agriculture.

📅 Date: Tuesday the 17th of June
📍 Location: McNeil Farm, 1142 Koondrook-Murrabit Rd, Myall, 3579, Australia
⏰ Time: From 10:00 to 14:00

Here’s what you can expect:
🕙 10:00 – Arrival and Welcome
🗣️ 10:15 – Welcoming speech from the McNeils and Lachlan Barnes - Lely Commercial Product Specialist
🚜 10:45 - 12:00 – Interactive stations visit, each showcasing a different aspects, features, and applications of the robotic milking system.
🥪 12:00 onwards – Enjoy lunch, walk around the farm at your own pace, and chat with our team of experts

Come meet the cows, explore the tech, and get inspired. The future of dairy is here — and you’re invited.