Future Proofing: 2026 & Beyond – Milking Systems

Investing in a new milking system is about more than replacing worn-out equipment — it’s about future-proofing your farm. From labour efficiency and cow comfort to energy use and data-driven management, discover how to choose the right parlour to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

Labour shortages, environmental regulations, succession planning and infrastructure constraints are all challenges that producers continue to face as they strive towards greater milk production efficiency. And they also impact decision-making when investing in a new milking system, adding increasing complexity to the process.

“It’s not only about replacing what’s worn out, but also about future-proofing the farm business,” says  Derrick Davies – Dairymaster UK Business Development Manager, who, as a producer with more than 30 years of experience, has seen this shift firsthand. “Many units still have parlours that are between 20 and 25 years old. But technology has moved on, and our understanding of cow behaviour and the milking process has improved.”

Choosing the Right System

Producers should look beyond just replacing a worn-out parlour with like-for-like. Labour and milking time are now major considerations. “Milking has to be done well but also efficiently and quickly. A four-hour milking is just too long these days,” says Derrick. That’s where milking system choice becomes critical. Herringbone parlours, while familiar and reliable, may not offer the efficiency needed for larger herds or future expansion. For farms where space is limited but reliability is key, Dairymaster Swiftflo Swing provides a robust, ergonomic solution designed for cow comfort and operator efficiency.

For those seeking speed and scalability, rotary parlours can dramatically reduce milking time and improve cow flow. The Dairymaster DMX3 Rotary is engineered for high throughput, allowing one operator to milk large herds quickly and comfortably. Derrick recalls working with a producer milking 200 cows through a 10:20 herringbone parlour. “It was taking nine hours a day to milk – 4.5 hours, twice a day. Rather than expanding the existing parlour, they opted to switch to a 44-point rotary, meeting their criteria of one person being able to milk 200 cows in one hour. They now milk for just two hours a day. That’s a huge difference, not just in terms of time and labour saved, but also cow comfort and energy costs. Should the herd expand by 50 cows in the future, milking time would increase by only 10 or 15 minutes, without the need for additional investment,” he says.

Automation and Data

Robotic milking systems offer another alternative, particularly for producers who want to further reduce labour requirements by embracing automation. They can combine precision milking with advanced cow monitoring, delivering health, welfare and productivity benefits while reducing manual labour. “With robots, the producer’s role is more about oversight and data management — and being ready to respond to alerts at any time of the day or night,” Derrick explains. “Younger people tend to be more tech-savvy, but you still need stockmanship. Data helps, but cows still need attention.”

Cow Comfort and Flow

Cow flow and comfort are also key to system design. Cows need to lie down for 12–13 hours a day, feed several times, and drink plenty of water. Any delay in milking disrupts that rhythm and impacts milk production, health and welfare. Dairymaster’s Swiftflo parlours are designed with cow comfort in mind, ensuring smooth entry and exit so cows move quickly and calmly through the system.

Maintenance and Support

Milking systems must run 365 days a year. Any downtime can have serious consequences. “Cows love routine. If you miss a milking or delay it, it can take days for them to settle down again,” adds Derrick.

That’s why Dairymaster’s 24/7 Support and Remote Diagnostics are essential. With trained engineers and advanced diagnostic tools, issues can be resolved quickly, minimising disruption and protecting milk yield and quality.

Budgeting and Hidden Savings

Budgeting should go beyond the initial purchase price. Producers should look at total cost of ownership, including servicing, consumables, energy use and labour. “Cheap advice can be expensive in the long run,” Derrick warns. Regular servicing is often cheaper than major breakdowns. And with Dairymaster’s integrated monitoring, equipment issues can be spotted early, saving money and reducing downtime.

Data-Driven Decisions

Data is becoming central to herd management. DairyVue 360 combined with MooMonitor+ collars offer individual cow monitoring technology, helping identify issues such as mastitis or subclinical disease early. Sharing this data with vets and nutritionists supports informed decision-making and better herd health.

Future-Proofing Your Farm

Whether investing in a Swiftflo Swing, DM3X Rotary, or robotics, the right choice depends on your herd and unit. Infrastructure, labour availability and long-term goals must all be considered. “Visit other units, speak to producers about their systems and really understand the daily requirements,” Derrick advises. “Any investment in milking systems must suit present needs — and those of the future.”