By Faridat Salifu
The rise of robotic milking and precision agriculture technologies is reshaping the economics of dairy farming in the United States, according to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.
The report, co-authored by Zach Raff, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics at NC State University, examines data from 2000 to 2021 on the adoption of technologies such as voluntary milking systems, computerized feed delivery, and robotic milking, highlighting their impact on farm profitability and operational efficiency.
“Investing in robotic systems is costly—around $200,000 per unit but the potential benefits for productivity and cow welfare are significant,” Raff said.
The USDA analysis shows that farms adopting advanced technologies can improve milk output, reduce labor constraints, and optimize herd management, though maintenance and monitoring remain crucial.
Precision agriculture technologies also allow farmers to gather detailed data on individual cows, feeding patterns, and production cycles, enabling more informed decision-making and reducing operational risks.
At G.W. Bell and Sons Dairy in North Carolina, the transition to fully robotic milking systems illustrates these trends.
The farm’s four robots now serve 230 milk-producing cows, helping reduce stress for animals and easing labor shortages, though workers are still required to manage equipment and interpret data.
Farmers like Marybeth Black, co-owner of G.W. Bell and Sons, see robotics as part of a broader shift toward modernized dairy operations. “Technology allows us to focus on herd health and productivity while preparing for the future of farming,” she said.
The USDA report emphasizes that while the upfront costs of automation are high, precision agriculture represents a strategic investment that can increase efficiency, sustainability, and long-term profitability in the dairy sector.
