Natural Resources
November 20, 2014
Supporting Technology to Improve the Dairy Industry
Governments Invest $345,000 in Robotic Milking System
The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, and Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced a $345,000 investment in an innovative robotic milking system for Pure Holsteins Ltd. The technology is a first for Newfoundland and Labrador and is being used to improve milk production at the farming operation in Little Rapids.
“The Provincial Government is committed to further growing the dairy industry which has become one of the most successful industries in the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sector. Investment in innovative technology like the robotic milking system is another step in helping the industry become more efficient and competitive.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
The robotic milking system was funded through the Growing Forward 2 Innovation Fund and will serve as a model demonstration for the local dairy industry in Newfoundland and Labrador which will benefit tremendously from its introduction.
“The dairy industry is an important contributor to the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Our Government remains committed to investing in innovative projects to help strengthen the sectors productivity, profitability and competitiveness.”
- Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
The innovative system uses two milking robots that cows visit freely throughout the day rather than relying on set schedules for milking. This results in higher milking frequency, averaging approximately three times per day, which translates to increased milk production and less stress on the cow. In addition, labour that would have been required for milking can be devoted to other tasks such as feeding and herd management. In four weeks, Pure Holsteins Ltd. has seen an 18 per cent increase in milk production per day.
“Sara and I are very proud to be such young farmers embracing this new technology in Newfoundland and Labrador. The robotic milkers have given us the time to be able to focus on the development and overall well-being of the herd and not to mention more family time. This project would not have been possible without the support of Growing Forward 2.”
- David Simmons, Owner/Operator Pure Holsteins Ltd.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, and the Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced a $345,000 investment in an innovative robotic milking system for Pure Holsteins Ltd. through the Growing Forward 2 Innovation Fund.
- The technology is a first for Newfoundland and Labrador and is being used to improve milk production at the farming operation in Little Rapids.
- The dairy industry is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest agricultural sector, employing more than 1,200 people and valued at approximately $125 million.
- Under Growing Forward 2, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Provincial Government have committed $37 million over five years for programs that will benefit the local industry.
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Media contacts:
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Emily Hogeveen Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 |
| Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 |
Dave Simmons Owner/Operator Pure Holsteins Ltd. 709- 660-0434 |
2014 11 20 11:50 a.m.