Top of the Game at Gamerigg Farm

Gamerigg Farm, 370 acres, is ably run by Billy, Yvonne & their son Alistair Kerr. The farm mainly consists of the 150 commercial Holstein Friesian herd which is now managed by automation.

Previously before installing a robotic system into the farm, the cows were milked though a conventional parlour, averaging 24 litres. Fast forward to 2024, just short of a year after install and the cows are now averaging 33 litres with a 3.3 average milking.

The father & son duo were taken around various dairy setups around Scotland and North of England, by our own Sales Specialist, Susanna Nicholson. This gave Billy & Alistair the opportunity to see the variation on shed design and the way other farms were managing the automated setup and the option for grazing with the Walkway systems. Alistair added; “Lely were a step ahead of the game when we were enquiring – this made our decision for us”.

With the decision made, a shed erected by BHC Ltd on a greenfield site - three A5 Lely Astronauts were installed in October 2023 by Lely Center Ayr. The cows were then moved from parlour to robotic milking on the 28^{th of} November 2023. “Change-over went well for us, within a week, all the cows were going themselves into the robot. Jim, Susanna and the technician team were on hand to help that week and that made it run smoothly” commented Alistair.

At the same time, the Kerr family installed two Lely Collectors for their passageways. Between the two collectors, they cover seven routes, keeping the passages clear 24/7. The cubicles are bedded twice a week, the cows are kept clean, reducing udder and foot health related issues.

Alistair was pleased to tell me - “they never break down” – famous last words! Let’s keep it that way. All jokes aside, Alistair did admit if they get lost, which is rare, it is down to the sensor not being maintained & kept clean.

With automation now being at the forefront of Gamerigg Farm, labour has decreased. Previously, it would take three and a half staff to undertake milkings, however now Billy & Alistair are able to manage the dairy herd now on their own. Alistair added: “We still spend the same amount of time with the cows; however we have a more flexible lifestyle, we have the flexibility, especially in the Spring & Summer months when we are required to be getting on with field work”.

In addition to this, Alistair commented that the overall health of the cows has improved due to the move to automation – “The cows are quieter, much more relaxed”. With using the Horizon software, the Kerr family are able to have a better involvement of keeping track of the cows, improving the fertility.

Overall, the Kerr Family are delighted with the move to automation and would advise anyone looking to make the move, go around as many farms as you can and speak to as many different farmers as possible, this will help you to make your decision and maximise you and your business.