From conference door to dairy floor: ADC 2026 farm tour recap

Held on a hot and sunny day, Lely’s tour attracted over 70 guests, with farmers travelling across Victoria to observe Lely Astronaut automatic milking systems (AMS) operating under working farm conditions.

The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among Australian dairy farmers in automation, particularly in Lely automatic milking systems as the future of dairy farming.

Farmer experiences: two systems, two approaches

The tour took guests to the farms of the Whipp and Rushton families. Each business presented a different setup and milking environment, highlighting that there is no single model for robotic dairying in Australia.

Both dairy families shared detailed insights into their transition to automation, which attracted strong engagement throughout the tour.

Attendees raised questions on a wide range of topics, covering design considerations and the decision-making processes that shaped each system. Long-term business objectives, the suitability of Lely AMS, herd adaptation and transformation, as well as future expansion, were also openly addressed.

Such discussions not only provided visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the investment and preparation involved in transitioning to robotic dairying, but also highlighted the unique needs of each business, the land, the infrastructure and the dairy owner.

Meanwhile, Lely’s Farm Management Support (FMS) and Technical Service Support (TSS) teams participated by presenting practical insights and responding to technical queries. 

Their involvement reinforced that successful robotic milking extends beyond equipment installation and relies on ongoing guidance, adaptation and on-farm support.

Seeing two different farm setups under varying milking conditions was an impressive takeaway for many visitors. 

The level of interest and depth of questioning highlighted a clear shift in the industry’s mindset. Farmers are increasingly exploring automation not only as a response to labour pressures, but as part of a broader strategy to build resilient and sustainable dairy operations.

From shed design to cow flow and daily management routines, the visits demonstrated the level of preparation that sits behind a smooth-running robotic system and how AMS can operate effectively in Australian dairies when supported by careful planning and strong local expertise.

A day made possible by our dairy community

The pre-conference tour was made possible by the willingness of the Whipp and Rushton families to open their farms and share their experiences. Their transparency and hospitality enabled meaningful discussion and peer-to-peer learning.

The event also reflected the collaborative nature of the Australian dairy community. Farmers travelled from across the country to exchange ideas, compare systems and discuss the practical realities of automation in local conditions.

As the Australian Dairy Conference 2026 concluded, the North Victorian farm visits provided a practical complement to the conference program. By bringing discussions into real working environments, the tour supported informed decision-making and strengthened industry connection.

Lely thanks the host families, attendees and ADC 2026 organisers for contributing to such a successful and engaging event.