Farmers to benefit from robotic dairy appointment

Australia’s milk producers are set to benefit from the appointment of dairy expert, Dr Nicolas Lyons, to a newly created robotic dairy position based at the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in Camden. The new national position is funded by the DPI and will work closely with the University of Sydney, Dairy Australia and the Future Dairy project. DPI Manager Dairy & Intensive Livestock Industries, Tim Burfitt, said the new robotic dairy role will help the dairy industry tap into new technologies and improve the efficiency of their business. “Automatic milking systems represent a major opportunity for Australian producers to improve productivity, cut input costs and improve lifestyle and working conditions,” Mr Burfitt said. “Dr Lyons’ appointment will help drive the uptake of robotic dairy technologies across the Australian dairy industry. “The new role will also build industry networks and information systems that will assist producers weigh up the pros and cons of integrating robotic systems into their dairy farming businesses.” Previous to this role, Dr Nicolas Lyons was based at the University of Sydney researching pasture-based automatic milking systems. “Nicolas is ideally qualified for the position with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a PhD in Veterinary Science,” Mr Burfitt said. “These formal qualifications, combined with his international experience in dairy production and servicing of public and private dairy businesses and organisations, made him an outstanding applicant for the newly created position.” Dr Lyons said he is looking forward to the new role and the opportunity to work with dairy farmers on this important area. “My main aim within the DPI will be to lead the development of a program to increase the awareness and successful adoption of robotic milking systems,” Dr Lyons said.