Plans for a new collaborative group of dairy producers with robot milking systems are underway to enable them to exploit the new technology more readily, share best practice and ensure a positive public image.
Called the Association of Robotic Milkers (ARM), the venture is being developed by a group of farmers as part of RABDF’s Foundation for Collaboration activities. The inaugural meeting will be held at the Livestock Event on Thursday 3 July.
“Take up of robotic milking continues to gain momentum; approximately 5% of the UK’s cows are milked in automated systems and this number is forecast to double in the next 10 years,” comments RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington.
“ARM aims to establish an independent organisation for these producers, offering forums and other communication channels to share best technical practice, establish positive messaging on automated systems to the food processing sector and consumers, and potentially establish a route to market for added value milk.”
• Sir Jim Paice will host a meeting to bring all dairy producers up to date with Foundation for Collaboration activities at Livestock Event on Wednesday 2 July. The initiative which was launched earlier this year with support from Government’s £5m Dairy Fund package features a new nationwide training programme designed to enable producers in England to strengthen their businesses through co-operation.
For further information on both meetings please contact project coordinator, Lucy Mellor on 0845 458 2711 or email lucymellor@rabdf.co.uk