Adam Lawson stood at the edge of North Cassingray Farm, nestled in the picturesque Scottish village of Largoward in the area of Fife. With a legacy that began over two decades ago, Adam, along with his family, has dedicated his life to dairy farming. The rhythmic sound of cows mooing fills the air as he reflects on the countless early mornings and long days spent caring for his 150 cows.
The Challenges Facing Dairy Farmers in Scotland
However, dairy farming in Scotland is not without its challenges. Brian Wilson, the Sales Director at Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies Limited, a family-owned business serving dairy farmers across Scotland since 1981, highlights some of the key issues. "The weather has not been very good for the farmers," he notes, referring to the harsh climate that can significantly impact pasture growth and cow health. The unpredictable weather patterns can lead to inconsistent feed availability, which is crucial for maintaining milk production levels.
Labor shortages are another pressing concern. "Labor's a big thing at the moment," Brian shares, acknowledging the difficulties exacerbated by the aging demographic of farmers, with the average age in the UK being around 50 to 60 years old. Research indicates that approximately 50% of UK dairy farms are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff, leading to a vacancy rate of around 12.2%. The reliance on foreign labor has also become problematic post-Brexit, further complicating staffing issues.
Farmers are responding to these challenges by investing in technology to automate labor-intensive tasks, such as milking and calf rearing. While automation can help alleviate some of the pressures caused by labor shortages, the high costs of implementing such technologies can be a barrier for many farms. This creates a perfect storm for farmers like Adam, who must navigate unpredictable weather patterns while managing a workforce that is increasingly hard to come by, all while preparing his family operations for the future.
A Day in the Life of a Dairy Farmer
Like many dairy cows in the UK, Adam's herd follows a summer grazing, winter housing system. "During the summertime, the cows come out to grass during the day; in the winter, as soon as milking is finished, I have to ensure they have enough feed in front of them for the next 24 hours.” However, this feeding process had become increasingly challenging.
Each day starts before dawn, with Adam rising around 5:30 AM. By six, he's in the milking parlour, tending to the cows. The routine is not for the faint of heart, especially in winter when the cows are kept indoors. After milking, Adam rushes to ensure the cows have enough feed for the day, often racing against time to complete other essential tasks. "It's more than enough to keep us busy," he shares, a hint of pride in his voice.
Before adopting the Sveaverken Nimbo robotic feed pusher, Adam and his family often found themselves pushing silage three to four times a day, but it was not always done consistently. “It wasn’t always getting done at the right times,” he admits, recalling the late-night feedings that cut into his family’s time together. This inconsistency not only added to his workload but also impacted the cows' feeding habits, leading to potential declines in health and productivity.
The Turning Point: Automating Feeding
The idea of automating the feeding process piqued Adam's interest when he stumbled upon a post about the Nimbo on social media. Intrigued, he reached out to Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies Limited, represented by Justin Birch, Operations Manager, and Brian Wilson, Sales Director. The Fullwoodhead team provided a hands-on demonstration of the robotic feed pusher, showcasing its efficiency in keeping feed accessible to the cows.
Jean Wilson, HR Coordinator, Customs Coordinator, and Brian Wilson, Sales Director.
Adam recalls, "I saw it in action and realized it could save us a lot of time and ensure the cows always had feed in front of them." After careful consideration, he decided to invest in the Nimbo, hoping it would alleviate some of the burdens of farm life.
Improved Feed Availability and Consistency
The impact of the Nimbo was immediate and transformative. Adam watched as the robotic feed pusher seamlessly moved throughout the barn, keeping the feed fresh and accessible. "I've certainly seen an increase in milk yield since we started using it," he notes. The cows now had consistent access to feed whenever they wanted. Though not eating more, the cows were producing more milk. “They probably were eating it when they wanted to eat it, rather than having to come and look for it whenever we were going to push it up,” Adam explains.
Brian echoes Adam's sentiments about the benefits of the Nimbo. Having guided many customers like Adam through the purchase, Brian and the Fullwoodhead team were thrilled to see the positive results. "The Nimbo is designed to save labour and improve feed intake, which ultimately leads to increased milk production," he explains. This transformation aligns with Fullwoodhead’s mission to help farmers embrace innovation in a rapidly changing industry.
Exceptional Support from Fullwoodhead
Throughout the transition, the support from Fullwoodhead was invaluable. Adam appreciated the responsiveness of Brian’s team, particularly Justin, who was always just a phone call away to troubleshoot any issues. "They’ve been first class," Adam says, highlighting how the team proactively checked in to ensure everything was running smoothly.
As the manufacturer of the Sveaverken RoboPusher Nimbo, the Sveaverken team is also within reach to minimize downtime. Brian notes: "No matter what time of the day, we can get a hold of technical support." This level of support has been crucial in helping Adam get the most out of his Nimbo.
A Future of Affordable Innovation
As he reflects on his experience, Adam encourages other farmers to consider investing in robotic solutions. "It has certainly saved a lot of time pushing silage up," he shares, noting that the Nimbo has improved feeding practices and overall productivity.
Brian adds, "Farmers are open to technology, probably more so because of labor issues." Despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, economic pressures, and labor shortages, Adam Lawson represents a large group of farmers who are committed to embracing innovation and sustainable practices. The Sveaverken RoboPusher Nimbo has eased the burden of feeding for Adam's family, allowing them to navigate the complexities of dairy farming with greater efficiency and optimism.
In a landscape where the weather can be harsh and labour is scarce, Brian Wilson emphasizes the importance of adapting to these challenges. "Farmers need to find ways to work smarter, not harder," he says. "Automation can be a game-changer, helping to alleviate some of the pressures they face." With the right support and technology, and an accessible price point, dairy farmers like Adam can continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.
Learn more about Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies Limited: https://www.fullwoodhead.co.uk/
Learn more about the Sveaverken RoboPusher Nimbo