Modern dairy farming: A blend of automation and tradition on a fifth-generation farm
Matt McComb, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, is in the thick of corn silage season on his family’s farm that he works with his wife Shannon and parents Bob and Marion. “The timing is critical,” McComb explains, as they process the entire corn plant and store it in silos to feed their cows throughout the year. The silage, which is rich in starch and fibre, which with the addition of minerals and protein, helps ensures a balanced diet for the herd, contributing to milk production all year long.
The farm has seen significant changes over the years, including the adoption of two Lely robotic milking systems. “Before, we were using a tie-stall method, which was physically demanding,” McComb says. Now, cows visit the robots at their own pace, enticed by a treat. The robots not only milk the cows but also monitor their health through sensors on their collars, tracking step counts and rumination. “It’s like a Fitbit for cows,” McComb notes. This technology allows early detection of health issues, ensuring cows remain comfortable and productive.
The farm covers 450 acres, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Most of this is used for feeding the herd, with the excess soybeans sold to a local elevator. “We’re storing all the feed we need for the entire year,” McComb shares. It’s a demanding schedule, but with family support, McComb finds it rewarding. “My great-grandparents started this, and now we’re continuing that legacy,” he says.
Investing in a new barn was a major step, costing over $2 million. “Luckily, my parents were on board,” McComb adds. As he looks to the future, he hopes his children, Evan and Alyssa might become the sixth generation to take the reins, but acknowledges, “It’s a lifestyle; and they’ve got to want it.”
To hear more from Matt listen to the whole interview below.
Seeds of Success Fueled by Kubota.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
