November 20, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, and Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced a $345,000 investment in an innovative robotic milking system for Pure Holsteins Ltd. The technology is a first for Newfoundland and Labrador and is being used to improve milk production at the farming operation in Little Rapids.
The robotic milking system was funded through the Growing Forward 2 Innovation Fund and will serve as a model demonstration for the local dairy industry in Newfoundland and Labrador which will benefit tremendously from its introduction.
The innovative system uses two milking robots that cows visit freely throughout the day rather than relying on set schedules for milking. This results in higher milking frequency, averaging approximately three times per day, which translates to increased milk production and less stress on the cow. In addition, labour that would have been required for milking can be devoted to other tasks such as feeding and herd management. In four weeks, Pure Holsteins Ltd. has seen an 18 per cent increase in milk production per day.
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 709-631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Dave Simmons
Owner/Operator
Pure Holsteins Ltd.
709- 660-0434
