The 2018 Robotics World Series came to an end by recognizing 13 Voluntary Milking System VMS™ producers who knocked it out of the park, each earning top honors at the VMS PRO North America awards ceremony in Madison, Wis., June 27-28, for their remarkable milk production.
“These dairy men and women certainly hit home run after home run,” said Francisco Rodriguez, DeLaval Integrated Robotics Manager, North America. “Not only were their production levels high, but they kept their somatic cell counts low and pregnancy rates favorable.”
Top producers were chosen based on pounds or kilograms of energy corrected milk (ECM), taking into account both fat and protein levels produced.
The top-performing dairy producers recognized at VMS PRO North America were:
- Nifera Farms, Lethbridge, Alberta
- Willswikk Holsteins, Cobble Hill, British Columbia
- Ferme JMJ, St-Anges, Quebec
- Holmestead Dairy, Anola, Manitoba
- Reidstra Dairy Ltd., Mendon, Michigan
- Westar Holsteins, Chilliwack, British Columbia
- Bouma Farms, Lynden, Washington
- Feltz Family Farms, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
- Great Brook Farm, Carlisle, Massachusetts
- Malvern Hills, Glasgow, Kentucky
- Gorweir Farms, Guelph, Ontario
- Ferme Acaduc, Ste-Perpétue, Québec
- Kipawo Farm, Grand Pre, Nova Scotia
Walking away as the number one DeLaval VMS producer for 2018 was Holmestead Dairy. Owner Russ Holme milks 75 Holsteins with two VMS units. He credits his family’s success to the VMS technology combined with Herd Management support from his dealer. Russ is a third generation dairy producer and has been running the current farm with his wife, Crystal, since 2013.
DeLaval also presented a Legacy award and a Pioneer award, recognizing important milestones in robotic milking. Mason Dixon Farms near Gettysburg, PA, won the Pioneer award as the first large herd in North America to embark into DeLaval robotic milking. They installed 20 robots in 2011, paving the way for other large herds to explore automated milking.
As the first North American farm to approach one million milkings on their original VMS unit, Ferme Carmel of Ange-Gardien de Rouville, QC, won the Legacy award. The Carmel family entered into robotic milking early and has proven the longevity and long-term success of the Classic Voluntary Milking System.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s regional DeLaval VMS PRO events in the United States and Canada. And a “job well done” to all of our top VMS producers!
Come see the future of VMS
With the launch of the DeLaval VMS V300, the future is now! Come out and see us at major dairy shows in Canada and the U.S. this fall where we’ll be exhibiting the new VMS robot. Don’t miss your chance to see DeLaval InSight™ – the most technologically advanced attachment system in the world – in action, or take a peek at DeLaval InControl™ – a brand new software interface designed to put key farm data at your fingertips. And of course, DeLaval PureFlow™ offers the best in udder preparation using the exclusive, transparent cup to clean and stimulate the teats. You won’t want to miss it!
Provided by DeLaval