Automated milking systems are recognised as a more humane solution for both cows and farmers – but they take some getting used to Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter Last October, Dixie farmer Darren Vickers completed construction of the 2.8-acre open shed that will house both his new dairy and 600-strong milking herd. 25 kilometres away in Timboon, Simon Schulz is also building a new pasture-based shed for his 450 cows, due to begin operating in May. Inside these sheds, their thousand cows will be milked not by humans, but by robots. Robotic milkers – known in the industry as Automated Milking Systems (AMS) – are set to transform the farmers’ daily lives, which previously revolved around morning and evening trips to the dairy. Sign up to receive Guardian Australia’s fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...