51AVÊÓÆµ

Free access vs guided robotic milking: Which system is right for your dairy farm?

For UK dairy farmers considering a move from a parlour to robots, one of the first decisions is whether to run a free access or guided system but what are the pros and cons of each?

clock • 6 min read
Farmers moving from a parlour to a milking robot should consider long-term feeding strategy, forage potential and labour availability.
Image:

Farmers moving from a parlour to a milking robot should consider long-term feeding strategy, forage potential and labour availability.

About 80% of UK robotic systems are designed for free access says independent adviser Gareth Jones, of Robotic Milking Systems. He explains that free access systems allow cows to move freely between...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Dairy

Cheese and milk powder exports hit all-time high

Cheese and milk powder exports hit all-time high

Total UK dairy export volume for the first half of 2026 declined by 11% to 613,500 tonnes and value declined by 12% to £973m

Alex Black
clock 04 September 2026 • 2 min read
From Northern Ireland to South Dakota: Lessons in building a resilient dairy business

From Northern Ireland to South Dakota: Lessons in building a resilient dairy business

At a recent AHDB event, dairy farmers heard the story of Drumgoon Dairy in South Dakota and were offered advice on how to build a resilient dairy business.

Katie Fallon
clock 02 September 2026 • 8 min read
Dairy Talk: Stuart Sadler - "Food security is a term often banded around by politicians but with no real substance behind anything they say"

Dairy Talk: Stuart Sadler - "Food security is a term often banded around by politicians but with no real substance behind anything they say"

Stuart Sadler is a fourth-generation farmer on the 56-hectare (138-acre) Yew Tree 51AVÊÓÆµjust south of Chester in Aldersey. In partnership with his parents, Stuart milks 75 predominantly Friesian cows, calving all year-round and supplying Arla C.A.R.E.

clock 29 August 2026 • 3 min read