Robotic System Transforms Dairy Farm

IAS Member Darlene Kregel of Guttenberg shares how her family’s use of Lely Automated Barn Systems has transformed their dairy operation. The robotic system handles milking, feeding, and overall livestock management—creating a low-stress environment where cows thrive. Darlene says the automation has not only improved herd health and productivity but also enhanced her family’s work-life balance. With the daily milking taken care of, she’s able to spend more time with her grandchildren.



The system also delivers real-time data on each cow’s milk production, health, and activity, allowing the Kregels to make informed decisions and provide more personalized care.



Their farm recently added automated calf feeders powered by IAS Calf Starter. Like the milking system, each calf wears an ear tag that identifies them and delivers a precise ration tailored to their needs. The feeders also track how much each calf consumes and store that data in a farm management system—making it easy to monitor performance and growth across the entire herd.

Want to see robotic milking in action? Check out this and other great videos on our YouTube Channel.