Jack Mallonee: Managing an automated milking system on a pasture-based dairy and opportunities available for young people in dairy

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with fourth-generation Washington dairy farmer Jack Mallonee about managing an automated milking system in a pasture-based system, opportunities available for young people interested in getting involved in the dairy industry, the ways automation has changed the way they manage the farm, facility upgrades and what they are doing differently to increase cow comfort, and more. Jack and his dad, Maynard, have a 60-cow organic dairy farm in southwest Washington. 

Here is a breakdown of the episode:

• About the farm [~1:20]
• Dairy breeds [~2:35]
• Why they chose an automated milking system vs. traditional parlor [~3:55 ]
• Other automation on the farm [~4:42]
• How they incentivize cows out on pasture to visit the barn to be milked [~5:25]
• How the automated milking system has changed the way they manage the farm [~5:50]
• Utilizing data from automation in management decisions [~6:55]
• Managing robots in a pasture-based system [~8:40]
• Their greatest challenges with their automated milking system [~10:57]
• Preparing springers for the automated milking system prior to calving [~12:35]
• Advice for other grazing dairies considering adding an automated milking system [~13:45]
• Matching herd size with land base on an organic dairy [~15:25]
• Jack’s inspiration to return to the farm after graduation [~16:40]
• Opportunities available for young people to get involved in the dairy industry [~17:15]
• How industry organizations can help young people make connections in the industry [~18:40]
• Facility upgrades [~20:18]
• Building barns for cow comfort [~21:10]
• Future goals [~22:50]
• Rapid fire questions [~25:10]