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Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana
little IndianaStar City, IndianaHappy cows actually live in Star City at the Jones’ unique robotic dairy.
Jones Robotic Dairy: Star City, Indiana
As I said before, this is a family owned dairy. But I’m sure what caught your attention is the whole robotics part! The first robotic dairy in Indiana, 8 years later it is now one of only three in the state (though it’ll be one of four at the end of the month).
Rather than people having to hook up cows to the milking machine, it’s all done automatically. Amazing? Absolutely!
With a receiver tag worn on the cows collar, the robot can tell whether that cow is ready for a milking or not. Some cows, like number 29 (otherwise known as Betty) really enjoy it and try to go through more frequently.
But the robot knows better and doesn’t kick on–so the cow continues on its merry way.
But that’s not all that the robot can track. Weigh gain or loss, how much milk they are producing, and even different parts of the milk–like if it’s for a baby cow or human consumption.
An Indiana Dairy is Dairy Fun
Milking Time at Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana
It’s incredible how much time and energy is saved just with the simple addition of a computer.
Much like the iPads, iPods, and cellphones, even this small Indiana town robotics dairy program undergoes upgrades to let it stay on the cutting edge of technology.
That’s not to say that the people behind this Indiana dairy farm sit around all day and do nothing!
Robotics or not, there are still plenty of farm chores like cleaning out the stalls, tracking down cows that have decided not to show up and get milked, and helping birth the babies when needed, to name a few.
It’s truly amazing to watch. The cows actually get to enjoy a little sunshine and aren’t all pent up in large covered barns. The robots are easier on the cow parts, too. These? Are happy cows!
Where Robots and Dairy Collide
Betty at Jones Robotic Dairy Star City, Indiana
Just like the usual milking, the cow steps up onto the matted platform. Who doesn’t appreciate a comfy place to stand?
The robot gets to work, prepping the udder and spraying it down to clean it off. Just like a human worker–but in less time and without the worry of getting kicked!
The cow listens to the sound of a baby calf in its ear to help it “let down” and enable milk production to begin a bit more quickly.
Thanks to this awesome technology, the computer then gets to work and milks the cow in six minutes.
Domo Arigato Mr. Dairy Roboto
What an incredible look at Indiana agriculture. From petting baby cows, to the robotics section of the dairy, and the many barn cats, this fantastic family owned dairy is definitely worth the trip. You’ll moo with happiness!
See more Jones Robotic Dairy images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.
Jones Robotic Dairy Farm
6814 E 700 S
Star City, Indiana 46985
574.595.7887
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Special thanks to Sam and Pam Jones and to their daughter for their kindness and the change of clothes for Kid #2 (someone got very carsick 8 minutes from our destination!). It’s very appreciated!
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