Robotic milking with dairyman Jacob Twohey

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Walt Cooley is joined by Jacob Twohey of Twohey Dairy. 

Like 95% of farms in Olmsted County where they dairy, their farm is family-owned, and Jacob represents the next generation taking over the operation. They milk 260 cows and have transitioned to robotic milking.

Jacob explains the single deciding factor behind what brand of milking robots he chose and the one thing he’d definitely do differently if given the chance. He also shares the three key metrics he tracks to monitor robot performance and reveals what he’s discovered decreases robot efficiency.

The Twoheys are also working to lower feed costs by growing and storing more of their own feed. You’ll hear their first-out-of-the-gate experience feeding high-oleic soybeans through their robots and what they’ve learned along the way.

Here is the episode breakdown: 

• ~1:45 About the farm 
• ~3:00 Why the decided to milk with robots and what brand
• ~5:15 What he would change about his robot install
• ~6:20 How he’s using data on a day-to-day basis
• ~8:00 What a typical day working cows looks like with robots
• ~10:45 What do you do when you’re not working
• ~12:00 What’s next for your farm
• ~13:20 How are you doing hoof care with robots
• ~15:30 What metrics do you pay attention to 
• ~19:15 What technologies pique your interest
• ~20:10 What are your current goals on the farm
• ~21:30 What did you learn about how to feed high-oleic soybeans
• ~25:00 What’s a decision you are currently weighing
• ~26:05 How do you prevent data overload
• ~28:30 What are your thoughts on whole-life monitoring
• ~29:50 What do you hope is your contribution to your farm’s legacy