Future farm systems: An alternative dairy milking system

Abstract

Full season, once a day (OAD) milking systems have increased in popularity. A high proportion of farmers in Northland (24%) use the system. This study investigated the reasons behind this level of adoption. Four OAD case study farmers were interviewed followed by a thematic data analysis. Farmers reported an OAD system was more resilient to climatic and topographical challenges. This was reflected in higher herd reproductive rates overall, with a 6- week in-calf rate of 84% compared to the Northland average of 63%. Milk production overall was lower (7%) than the Northland average. However, time milking decreased, and flexibility in time management increased. OAD milking could be used to adapt dairy farming to challenging climatic conditions.