ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — Labor strains and the pressure to milk more cows aren’t new challenges. But new milking automation capabilities can make a big difference in how you tackle them. Now you can get more from your existing facilities and team with the new GEA DairyProX, a semi-automated milking system designed to fit into your current parlor.
“With DairyProX, operators simply attach the unit and the rest of the milking process is handled automatically within the teat cups,” explains Matt Daley, president of GEA Farm Technologies, Inc. “You get the consistency advantages of robotic milking, with the speed and productivity of a conventional parlor – all at a lower investment, by utilizing your existing parlor and maintaining your current management practices.”
DairyProX redefines the operator’s role. Instead of managing multiple physically demanding steps in the milking routine, employees focus on just two: bringing in the cows and attaching the units.
The rest of the routine – including teat cleaning, stimulation, pre-dip application, fore-stripping, milking and post-dipping – happens consistently within the milking unit. The result is a predictable experience for the cow and peace of mind for the manager.
“With DairyProX, miking is a job more people can succeed at. It’s simple to train employees to use, simple to run and overall more enjoyable work,” says James Bringe, GEA milking equipment sales specialist. “When your team isn’t bogged down by repetitive, high-pressure tasks, the whole atmosphere in the parlor improves.”
GEA’s In-Liner Everything™ process controls the milking process from start to finish. It ensures every cow receives the same quality prep and sanitation – every milking, every shift, no matter who is running the parlor. Teat cleaning, stimulation, fore-stripping and dipping procedures are performed with precision. Each milking unit is sanitized between cows, which is something few farms have the time to implement today, but has demonstrated significant benefits in minimizing cross-contamination of bacteria.
This proven technology has already delivered results in GEA’s robotic milking systems – and is now adapted for use in conventional parlors.
Cows that are consistently prepped are proven to respond positively with:
- Higher milk flow rates
- Shorter unit-on times
- Fewer bimodals
- Lower somatic cell counts
- Improved teat-end health
“The system behaves like your best performing milker, every time,” says Bringe. “That consistency shows up in improved milk quality and udder health.”
DairyProX is designed to be compatible with any brand of conventional milking equipment – from basic detach systems to those with full metering capabilities. Its modular components and dealer-friendly installation make the system easy to implement, maintain and service.
“While individual return on investment will vary by farm – some may milk more cows, some may be able to reduce labor units, or some may see better milk premiums – most producers can expect an ROI in less than three to five years,” says Bringe. “We’ve engineered the DairyProX with total cost of ownership in mind – simplified parts, sanitary design and minimal downtime.”
From celebrating 100 years of the SURGE bucket milker last year to introducing next-generation automation this year, GEA continues to prove how its legacy of innovation powers the future of milking.
“GEA has a long history of meeting producers where they are with practical solutions that grow alongside their needs,” says Daley. “DairyProX is the latest example of that commitment – providing tools, technology and support to help them improve efficiency, protect animal health and sustain long-term success.”
DairyProX will be available in North America at the end of this year for parallel parlors with a subway. Additional parlor types and regions will follow.
See it at World Dairy Expo
The GEA DairyProX will make its debut at World Dairy Expo. Attend the Knowledge Nook presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m. to learn how this technology will help streamline milking workflows, improve throughput and deliver consistent results. Visit the GEA booth at EH 2101B-2305.