Robots or a rotary parlor? As this question continues to be debated nationwide, Progressive Dairy Podcast host Matti McBride sits down with Torie Little of TDSG and Stephanie Schroeder of Boumatic to identify key points that dairy producers need to understand when investing in an automated milking system. Listen to learn about attributes of successful transitions, questions asked during the process and how certain management styles fit different technologies.

Here is the episode breakdown:

• 2:00 – What do producers need to understand about purchasing a new automated milking system?
• 3:30 – Common questions asked during the process
• 5:25 – The importance of touring dairies with automated milking systems installed 
• 7:15 – Questions to ask producers who have installed the product you’re looking at
• 13:05 – “Who am I marrying?” Understanding this purchase will tie producers to a product/dealership for many years
• 18:00 – Comparing products
• 24:50 – Components of a successful transition
• 28:45 – Tips for a successful startup
• 33:20 – Rapid-fire questions