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From feeding and milking cows by hand to feeding and milking cows by robots, the dairy industry has overcome some significant challenges and changes over the years. June is National Dairy Month, an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the innovative progress of our dairy farmers. Kyle and Samantha Daugherty of Coshocton County are the perfect example of next generation agriculturalists embracing the world of technology on their family farm. 

The Daugherty family was milking 120 cows and farming around 1400 acres before Kyle returned home after college in 2018 to farm full time. Knowing they needed to make adjustments to be able to stay in the industry, they built a new facility to expand the operation to milk 240 cows. In 2024, the farm purchased a second dairy, and the Daughterys are currently milking 400 cows, all by robotic machines as well as farming around 1700 acres of corn, soybeans, hay and triticale.

Kyle tells us more about their operation:

About the robots

There are seven Lely A5 robots milking the cows, a Lely Vector robot that has replaced the traditional tractor mixer for feeding and a Lely Juno robot to help push the feed up to the cows around the clock. The A5 milking robot is an automatic milking system designed to allow cows to choose when they are milked. It has an automatic “arm” that detects the cows teat positions. The machine also provides real-time data on milk yields and cow health. The Vector system scans different areas of the feed bunk to analyze how much feed each pen has; when it gets below a certain millimeter, the robot will produce the proper batch of feed for that group of cows. The Juno robot detects when feed needs to be pushed closer to the pens and automatically pushes the feed up to the cows. 

Robotic benefits

Labor and quality of life. The robots show up to work everyday with no days off, no vacations, no sick days, no holidays and no pay raises. They save time for our employees, lower the daily equipment use and give us peace of mind while allowing us to be more present with our families. The farm is now able to milk four times more the amount of cows with about the same amount of help we started with. 

Robotic challenges

The overhead cost of switching to robotics is a big challenge because of the debt that comes with it. We look at it as prepaying our labor for the next 25 years. While we do not have to physically milk the cows anymore, we are on call 24/7 for the robots if something goes wrong. No matter the time or day, when the robot calls, we answer. The maintenance cost of robots can be tricky as well because you can go months with no bills and then one month get a massive bill for repairs, but we work closely with our dealer to manage costs efficiently.

Bridging the gap with consumers

We believe in the importance of educating the public through hosting tours at the farm because more and more people do not know where their food comes from, much less the work that goes into producing it. The tours help bridge that gap while showing the public that it is safe and sustainable. My time on the Coshocton County Farm Bureau board of trustees opened my eyes to the great things Ohio Farm Bureau is doing to help educate consumers and advocate on behalf of Ohio farmers and agriculture. 

Ag literacy opportunity 

If you are interested in engaging with youth about agriculture education, the County Volunteer Ag Literacy Volunteer Certification Program might be for you! This free, one-day training will equip volunteers with the skills and resources to effectively engage with youth about ag literacy topics. Program includes a background check, classroom materials and training to help you be prepared to communicate with youth in your local communities. The training will be held Aug. 15, 2025 . Space is limited to the first 25 members. Register by Aug. 1.

Upcoming events/deadlines 

• Growing Tomorrow Grant – a grant designed for young entrepreneurs. Apply by July 31. 
• AgriPOWER, Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite leadership development program. Apply by Aug. 1. 
• County Volunteer Ag Literacy Certification Course. Register by Aug. 1. 
• Young Agricultural Professionals competitive contests – Excellence in Agriculture, Outstanding Young Farmer, Discussion Meet, Collegiate Discussion Meet. More information to come in the fall. 
• Save the Date: 2026 Winter Leadership Experience to be held at Cherry Valley Hotel, Jan. 23-24, 2026.

Online Extra: Technology for the next generation

Note: There have been a few changes to the farm operation since the video was produced in 2021 but it gives a good overview of robotic milking and feeding.