Robotic milking is now a feature of many new dairy barns in the main European milk producing countries. But processors are getting nervous about the effects on milk quality. Switzerland is the first country to consider penalizing farmers who choose to go automatic
by NORMAN DUNN
There’s no argument that robotic milking has changed dairying completely, especially on family farms throughout Europe. But have side-effects on milk quality been ignored too long?
Certainly the Swiss Society of Cheese Makers (FROMARTE) is already considering a ban on automatic milking systems (AMS) for its milk suppliers.