Robotic Milking in focus: Insights from the Latvian AMS Seminars

Automation is transforming the dairy industry, with robotic milking systems (AMS) leading the way. These technologies improve efficiency and animal welfare while reducing labor needs by 800 to 1,000 hours annually (FAO). However, success with AMS requires more than just technology—it demands strategic management, optimized feeding, and data-driven decisions. To support farmers on this journey, Vilomix Baltic and Baltic Agro organized a seminar series in Latvia, bringing together leading experts, including Hankkija Finnish Feed Innovations (FFI), to share insights.

What made Latvian seminars special?

Last week, Hankkija FFI participated in two seminars in Latvia, hosted  Vilomix Baltic and Baltic Agro. The focus? Keys to successful milk production and farm management in robotic farms. This topic sparked immense interest among Latvian dairy farmers, eager to learn how AMS can boost their operations. The event was an inspiring opportunity for farmers, veterinarians, and industry experts to come together and exchange valuable insights on feeding practices supporting efficient milk production, and fertility management in AMS systems.

Sharing Finnish expertise on AMS farming

What makes Finland’s AMS experience so valuable? Finland was among the early adopters of robotic milking systems in the early 2000s and has since gained extensive experience in AMS farming. With a high adoption rate and ongoing research in smart dairy solutions, Finnish farmers and experts continue to refine best practices for efficient AMS management. As Hankkija FFI ruminant specialist, I led a presentation that shared these valuable insights with Latvian farmers. Finland’s advanced use of AMS allowed me to offer practical tips and real-world examples of successful feeding practices. The audience was particularly interested to hear about industry trends, glucogenic feeding of early lactation animals and key parameters of milk production in AMS.

Tackling Negative Energy Balance with Acetona Energy

One of the most engaging topics discussed at the seminar was negative energy balance—a critical issue that impacts cow fertility, milk yield, and overall wellbeing. Why is it so important to address this in AMS systems? Because fresh cows are at risk, and understanding the science behind it is crucial for improving the longevity and productivity of the herd. Hankkija FFI also introduced Acetona Energy, a glucogenic energy feed that’s proven to support fresh cows through these challenging periods. Several Latvian farmers have been loyal users of Acetona Energy for years, and hearing their positive feedback was truly rewarding. Interested in learning how Acetona could help your herd? Stay tuned for video interviews where farmers share their experiences.

Valuable presentations from other experts

The seminar also featured insightful presentations from other leading experts:

• Dr. Andrejs Elksniņš, a well-known Latvian veterinarian, shared his expertise on reproductive planning in robotic farms, helping farmers understand how and for which reasons it affects milk production and overall herd health.
• Antra Gražule, Vilomix Baltic Customer Consultant, shared knowledge on the key success factors for AMS farms, supported by real cases from Latvia.
• Baltic Agro specialists, Sandra Brake, Nora Berzina and Aivita Moroza, discussed how to achieve farm goals, emphasizing the role of silage quality, harvest management, and seed selection in livestock farming.

Knowledge sharing: a path to growth

The seminar reinforced just how important it is to share knowledge and exchange experiences. By learning from each other, both farmers and experts can overcome challenges, make better decisions, and improve farm performance. With AMS adoption growing across Latvia, these events play a crucial role in shaping a successful future for the industry.