DeLaval sells 10,000th automated milking machine

Automated milking systems are quickly becoming the norm as dairy producers around the globe look for greater flexibility, reliable controls and better milking performance to make their operations more sustainable. DeLaval recently sold its 10,000th Voluntary Milking System VMS™ to Glenirvine Farms in Fergus, Ontario.
“This is a huge milestone which represents the hard work of many, including engineers, product specialists, service technicians, the sales network, and of course, our customers,” said Jonas Hällman, Director of Automatic Milking Systems for DeLaval International. “What I think this achievement really signifies is the direction in which the industry is headed: towards more on-farm automation and integrated dairy farm management technology.”
As a pioneer of automated milking systems, DeLaval obtained its first voluntary milking patent in 1982, and installed on-farm milking robots in Holland in the early 1990s. The first generation DeLaval VMS units were sold in 1998. Dairy producers have come to appreciate VMS’ innovative design which allows for round-the-clock milking with record-setting milk yields and top milk quality.
Other features include accurate quarter milking, an easy-to-use touchscreen, and full system integration and upgradeability possibilities.
Glenirvine Farms will install the 10,000th DeLaval VMS at its new facility early next year. The owners, Doug and Lynda Jefferson and Andrew and Amanda Den Haan, have been milking their 50-cow herd with a double-4 DeLaval herringbone parlour for the last 40 years.