Advancing Dairy Innovation: Teagasc Hosts Milking Robot Demo Day in Ireland
On 10 September 2025, another successful QuantiFarm demo day was held, organised by Teagasc and focused on Milking Robot demonstrations. The event took place in County Tipperary, Ireland, bringing together farmers, advisors, researchers, and technology providers to explore how digital innovations and automatic milking systems (AMS) are reshaping the future of dairy farming.
The event attracted 50 participants from across the Irish and European dairy sector. It showcased the use of DeLaval and Lely milking robots, alongside the QuantiFarm Toolkit, including the Farmer Recommendation and Cost-Benefit Analysis tools, helping participants better understand how data-driven solutions can enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability on dairy farms.
Demonstrating Smart Dairy Solutions in Practice
Held across two commercial farms, Donaskeagh Farm (hosts: Liam and Marian Croke) and Higgins Farm (host: Charles Higgins), the demo day offered participants a hands-on experience of how milking robots function in real, pasture-based systems.
The programme combined farm walks, live demonstrations, and open discussions, offering a rare opportunity to see robotic milking technology operating under authentic farm conditions. Advisors from both public and private sectors guided attendees through each stage, focusing on how AMS technology integrates with grassland management, infrastructure planning, and data-informed decision-making.
Participants also explored automatic calf feeding systems and engaged with the QuantiFarm digital tools, designed to evaluate both financial and operational impacts of adopting new technologies.
Insights and Farmer Perspectives
The audience was diverse — from experienced dairy farmers already using robots to those considering automation for the first time. Several participants shared that they were in the process of installing robotic systems by the end of 2025 and that the knowledge gained during the event would directly inform their investment decisions.
Feedback reflected strong appreciation for the informative nature of the demonstrations. As one participant noted:
“It was really interesting to see everything firsthand on a commercial farm instead of on a video or from a booth at an agricultural fair.”
Others emphasised the importance of grassland management and farm infrastructure in maximising robotic milking efficiency, especially within Ireland’s pasture-based model.
Learning and Engagement in Equal Measure
The day’s interactive format was particularly well-received. Participants rotated between demonstration stations, each focusing on a different aspect of digital dairy technology. While enthusiasm occasionally delayed transitions between groups, this reflected the deep engagement and lively discussions that characterised the event.
Organisers highlighted how the collaborative approach between farm hosts, advisors, and technology representatives ensured a dynamic and valuable experience for all attendees. One participant summarised:
“The event was very well organised and obviously took a lot of planning. It was a good day out — well worth the trip.”
Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Beyond Ireland, representatives from KGZS, ITACyL, and Horta attended as part of a cross-visit exchange, contributing valuable European perspectives to the discussions. The event also featured video coverage by Teagasc advisors and a DeLaval representative, ensuring that its outcomes and insights reached a wider audience.
Reflections and Next Steps
In the end, the Milking Robot Demo Day exemplified how collaborative, hands-on learning can accelerate the transition toward smarter, data-driven dairy farming. By bringing digital tools and automation technologies directly to the field, QuantiFarm continues to bridge the gap between innovation and practice — empowering farmers to build a more efficient and sustainable future for European agriculture.
