Its’ Monday. Get ready for sunny spells and scattered showers today. Some showers may be heavy, but many areas will stay dry. Expect fewer showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will feel warm in the sunshine, and the winds will be easing.

In todays email:

• GreenTech amsterdam: Leading trade show for horticultural technology and innovation

• Agrillo: Streamlined management of farm pesticides and chemicals.

• Multi-million pound on marketing: Shaken Udder invest millions in a marketing campaign for their milkshakes.

Robotic milker saves the day for this Wisconsin dairy farm.

In the hills of Monroe County, the Witt Family Farm now uses a robot to milk their cows, which was the highlight of this year's Monroe County Dairy Breakfast.

Wisconsin, known for its cranberry and dairy farming, has lost 10,000 dairy farms in the last 20 years according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Craig and Kathy Witt bought the farm in 1983. Now, they run it with their son Eric, his wife Lisa, and their four children. The farm has about 60 cows and covers 450 acres.

Milk prices are low, so the Witt family relies on off-farm income. Eric and Kathy work at a local bank, Lisa runs a daycare, and Craig helps with machinery repair and a neighbouring farm. "Off-farm income is crucial for small farms," said Eric. "We got the robot because we can't afford to hire labour."

Their goal is to eventually pass the farm down to Eric and Lisa's children.

Milking robot

In March, the family installed a Lely A5 milking robot, along with a manure vacuum, automatic brush, and footbath. They saw the robot at a farm show and decided to invest to reduce the physical strain on Craig and Kathy. The robot, installed in their old barn, should pay off in about seven years.

The first few months with the robot were challenging, but now the cows adapt quickly. "After the transition period, it's much easier," Eric said.

Despite the rain on June 1, thousands attended the annual Monroe County Dairy Breakfast at the Witt Family Farm. Visitors watched the milking robot in action. Eric said, "It's great to see so many people interested in the farm."

Exploring the Future of Horticulture at GreenTech

GreenTech Amsterdam, a top trade show for horticultural technology and innovation, is currently underway. It brings together professionals from the horticultural industry, including growers, breeders, and suppliers. This event not only showcases current innovations but also discusses future trends like energy transition, data integration, and sustainable horticulture.

RoboCrops, a leader in greenhouse horticulture automation, is presenting its latest advancements. Companies like 30MHz from Rotterdam, which offers a data platform for growers to monitor crop conditions, are also participating. International companies, such as 4AG Robotics from Canada, which specializes in mushroom-picking robots, are in attendance as well.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

King Charles III's portrait targeted by animal rights activists.

Alec Newlove, from Louth, Lincolnshire. A young farmer’s death highlights mental health crisis.

Farmer’s urge next government for a sustainable future.

New app to streamline pesticide recording and assurance compliance.

Labour must provide greater support to British farmers facing Brexit border checks.

🎥 Creators on Farm

Sophie (Aplin) Gregory Enjoy her day at the Open Farm Sunday.

Tania Coxon shows a flashback to the sim day at Carswell Farm last month.

Karl Franklin promotes The Royal Three Counties Show where he’ll appear as a panellist.

Olly’s Farm skips Cereals 2024 to make silage on the farm.

🛒 Products Under £1000

Easipet stock fencing L8 livestock fence 50m long 80cm high galvanised 74231.

Buffalo LS800 log splitter offers exceptional value, delivering top-notch reliability and convenience.

Roughneck Dutch sharp-edge hoe. Heavy duty carbon steel with corrosion-resistant tumble lacquer finish and tough, durable fibreglass handle.

Buffalo compact tractor spring tine cultivator.

🧀 Farm to Fork

Sainsbury’s predicts a 400% surge in vegan population.

UK red meat exporters look to rising demand for animal protein.

Egg producers urge next government to ban low quality imports.

Multi-million-pound marketing campaign for Shaken Udder milkshakes.

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