Robots Providing a Positive Change for the Future

Reason for installing robots

Age concerns meant that Jeremy Bond wanted to ensure that everything on the farm should be undertaken with minimal labour. This has been achieved with Astronaut and Collector robots (milking and manure jobs all automated).

 

A Life-Changing Innovation

For Jeremy and his wife Linda, the introduction of robotic milking at Week Farm has not only increased efficiency but has also been a critical support in the unfortunate circumstance of Jeremy’s cancer diagnosis in October 2022.

"The robot has been a godsend. I wouldn’t be able to farm otherwise, especially after my diagnosis," Jeremy reflects.

The farm’s transition to robotic milking has significantly reduced stress for both cows and humans. The herd is now calmer, and the overall workload has become more manageable, aligning perfectly with the goal that everything on the farm should be operable by just one person.

For Jeremy and Linda, managing their dairy farm had always been a labour-intensive commitment. In the past Jeremy milked in the herringbone parlour on his own for 4 hours twice a day, and when he fell ill it became clear how challenging it was to manage everything alone. However, since introducing robotic milking, the farm’s operations have transformed, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency.

 

The Right Technology at the Right Time

The decision to implement robotic milking came at a crucial time. Without it, Jeremy and Linda would have had to cease dairy farming altogether. Jeremy had never planned to retire at 62, but the automation has eased his workload significantly, allowing him to semi-retire while still being involved in farming. The robot has enabled Jeremy and Linda to maintain their livelihood without the physical strain they previously endured.

 

The Journey to Automation

In 2018, faced with a failing 40-year-old milking parlour, Jeremy briefly considered leaving dairy farming for poultry. However, the family’s deep-rooted connection to dairy farming led him to explore alternative solutions. A chance encounter with a Lely representative introduced him to robotic milking, and after a two-year wait due to an oversubscribed grant scheme, he was finally approved for funding in November 2019. The robots were ordered in April 2021.

By 2022, work was progressing on a new shed, but in October Jeremy was diagnosed with Multiple Myloma, a blood cancer. This setback delayed plans, but his son, wider family and friends stepped in to complete the build. Despite undergoing treatment, Jeremy was determined to train the cows himself in March 2023. Following another hospital stay, he returned to work in July and now successfully manages the farm with the support of his wife and Matt his part-time worker.

 

Improved Herd Management

As an established Organic farm, Jeremy has continued using his traditional strip grazing model, which has always worked well. Their cows follow a structured routine: out by 7 AM, back in before 2 PM, and then out again at 6 PM. Buffer feeding in the shed has also been beneficial, helping to reduce congestion around the milking robot.

The grazing herd has demonstrated a natural preference for indoor shelter during hot summer days, often returning earlier than expected.

 

A Positive Change for the Future

Initially, Jeremy was concerned about losing hands-on contact with his cows. While he admits it took some getting used to, he recognizes that animal welfare has improved significantly.

"I trust the robot, but I do miss the physical connection with the cows. That said, they are much happier now, and the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks."

The new system has not only allowed Jeremy to continue farming but has also provided a pathway to semi-retirement without having to give up the herd he loves.

"We had to make a change—I was doing too much, and the old parlour was taking a toll on me. The robot came at exactly the right time; without it, we would have had to stop farming."

Two years into this new journey, Jeremy has no regrets. The automation has brought efficiency, peace of mind, and a renewed sense of sustainability to Week Farm. "It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience, and I’m glad we made the switch."

Linda agrees, “If Jeremy got ill before, I couldn’t deal with anything on my own; now if Jereny gets ill, I feel I can cope much better with the cows. We also have Matt who comes in a couple of times a week, he does the heavy lifting jobs as Jeremy’s condition means he can’t lift heavy objects.”

 

Reliable Support and Improved Work-Life Balance 

One of the most significant advantages of robotic milking has been the ability to take holidays without worry. Previously, the unpredictability of the milking parlour made vacations stressful, with the risk of breakdowns always looming. Now, with the help of Matt overseeing daily operations, Jeremy and Linda can confidently take short breaks or longer holidays, knowing that any issues will be promptly handled—either by Matt or by Lely’s reliable support team of engineers and Farm Management Support advisors.

 

The Benefits of Robotic Milking

The transition to robotic milking has led to tangible improvements:

• Improved Milk Quality: Fats: 4.65, Proteins: 3.48, Bactoscan: <20, SCC: 120-160.
• Improved Animal Welfare: Cows are healthier, calmer, and better conditioned, with reduced stress and improved air quality in the barn.
• Reduced Physical Strain: The new system has alleviated Jeremy’s workload, making farming viable despite his health challenges.
• Better Fertility Monitoring: Previously done manually, fertility tracking is now handled by the Horizon system, improving accuracy and saving time.
• Enhanced Work-Life Balance: With robotic milking, Jeremy and his family can finally take holidays, knowing the system, alongside their herdsman Matt, ensures smooth operations.

 

Conclusion

The introduction of robotic milking has been a game-changer for the Bond family farm. It has reduced manual labour, improved herd management, and provided the flexibility needed for a better work-life balance. The Bonds can now continue farming without the physical and mental strain they once faced, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for their farm.

 

Farm Facts:

• 1 x Grazeway
• 1 x A5
• 1 x Collector
• Herd size: 65
• 1 x part-time farm worker
• Start-up date: 29th March 2023
• Average milkings per day: 2.9 while grazing vs 2 x 4-hour blocks in parlour