The journey to a Lely Vector at your farm: what to expect from proposal to operation?
Discover how personal contact and transparent cooperation could work for you
At Lely we create and deliver automation solutions that make life easier at your farm. To do this, we envision personal contact and proudly stand next to you. We want to make sure our solutions fit your farm, which is why we strive not only for the best possible solution but also for smooth integration. A transparent cooperation is at the base, so we take you on a tour in this step-by-step article that showcases our way of working when interested in our automatic feeding system. From the very first interaction with Lely up to the Vector feeding system running at your farm, and beyond.
From idea to research
To reduce working hours, to make it easier to feed multiple groups or to grow production. Reasoning to switch to an automated feeding system differs depending on your farm goals, desired feeding strategy and set-up. And so, you might have already started doing research online, discussed ideas with your feed advisor, your family and your accountant. You have calculated the benefits and the return on investment of automated feeding. And you may even have visited a neighbouring farm, an exhibition or an open day. And now, the time has come for you to take that next step into your journey towards automation and find out how it could look like for you.
The first interaction
A local Lely Center is always nearby. This makes it easy and convenient to get in contact. You can call us to share your ideas, and we will plan a visit at your farm without any obligations. A Lely advisor is ready for you.
During the farm visit we get to know you, your farm and your farm goals. We discuss your feeding strategy and look into your farm set-up. What are you currently feeding each animal group? What do you want to reach? Are you thinking of precision feeding to optimize cow health? Or do you maybe desire to optimize processes or strive for labour saving?
We investigate together whether a feeding system like Vector would fit at your farm and how it can be implemented. In other words, we explore the farm, your feed and personal fit. In this way we can be transparent about the applicability of an automated feeding solution in the next stage.
We make you a proposal
All information gathered during the farm visit forms the foundation of the proposal we create for you. This proposal includes an initial concept of the solution we believe best fits your farm. It aligns with your feeding strategy, your operational needs, and your budget.
The Lely Center team reviews your project from both a technical and a practical farm‑fit perspective to ensure the solution truly supports your goals. We consider your long‑term farm objectives, the expected return on investment, and the financial benefits the solution can deliver.
We present and explain our solution
Our second farm visit is to present the proposal in person. We take time to explain the automated feeding solution Lely Vector, we highlight details of the technical way of working and show you the Horizon management system as well. Also, our various service agreement options to support a reliable and performing system are introduced. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns. We look in more detail to how the Lely Vector could be the answer to your goals.
We visit a Vector farm nearby
To give you the best possible insight in the feeding system, we invite you to visit a Vector farm nearby. The Lely advisor will join to support you in this stage. The farm you visit together has a similar automated feeding solution set-up as we offered you. This way, you have a chance to see the Vector feeding system running at a farm and you get to learn how the feed kitchen for example is organized. You can exchange ideas and get inspired by successful fellow farmers.
You gather feedback
Once you have the first draft of how the Vector feeding system could run at your farm and you have visited a neighbouring Vector farm, it is time to meet up with your advisors. Think of your vet, feeding expert, other farmers and your family. You take the time you need to gather feedback and think about the idea of automating your feeding tasks. We can always adjust and finetune the proposal, so it further matches your desires.
We have a deal
In the next step, the Lely advisor visits you to present the final offer including the design proposal based on our experience and your learnings. Once ready, you can make your decision and let us know whether you want to move on. We plan the installation to realize the implementation at your farm. At this stage, the Lely advisor will connect you to our field support team which consists of Farm Management Support and project coordination. They have all the expertise and experience needed to assist you in realizing the project within time and budget.
Before installation
As of this moment your go-to contact person is the Lely project coordinator. Together we look at the installation details. Think of any changes needed at the farm to prepare the open space for the feed kitchen, electricity at the right corner of the farm or maybe the yard needs modifications. We also look at your ration and make a preparation for the day of the start-up. You can expect us to think along with you.
Installation, training and start-up
We are aware that switching to an automated feeding system needs support and explanation. To get you up and running in a smooth way, our Farm Management Support expert will visit your farm before and straight after installation. You will receive guidance and explanation on the entire Vector feeding system and its management system Lely Horizon. This way, you get trained to use the tooling for a successful daily management of your feeding robots. The system is installed, and your Lely Vector is ready for use. You are now feeding automatically.
Optimisation
After installation and training there is more to expect. Think of technical support and maintenance, and day and night support when needed. Together with the Farm Management Support expert you optimise your Lely Vector feeding system. When more support or training at your farm is desired, this can be arranged. We strive for a long-term sustainable relationship in which you feel free to share any changes at your farm, in your feeding strategy or when having a specific challenge.