(WNY News Now) – In a groundbreaking step for dairy farming, Nichols Dairy Farm unveils its new robotic manure collector system, offering a chance for agricultural producers to explore the future of farming technology.
SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK – Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program (SWNYDLFC) is excited to partner with Nichols Dairy Farm on an upcoming robotic manure collector educational event. On Friday, January 17th at 1pm, agricultural producers are invited to attend this free farm tour to learn more about this new technology utilized by Nichols Dairy Farm, located at 220 State Route 243, Farmersville, NY 14060.
In 2024, the Nichols Family installed two Lely Discovery Collectors, robotic manure vacuums that are utilized to keep their freestall floors clean while reducing labor inputs on their 250 cow dairy farm. Funding for this project was provided, in part, through a Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center grant and were able to evaluate the technology’s impact on farm economics and animal health. At the January 17th event, the Nichols family will share their experiences and findings with attendees and CCE staff will be on hand to help answer and questions and generate discussion.
This event is free, designed for agricultural producers interested in learning more about automated manure handling, and will run from 1pm to 2pm on Friday, January 17th, 2025 at Nichols Dairy Farm, 220 State Route 243, Farmersville, NY 14060. RSVP’s are requested by calling or texting Katelyn Walley, SWNYDLFC Team Leader and Farm Business Management Specialist, at 716-640-0522. Please note – this is not a farm tour that is open to the general public.
SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844); Katelyn Miller, Field Crops Specialist (716-640-2047); and Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist (607-422- 6788). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Kelly McDonald, kmm525@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716- 652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301.
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