The last few years have seen significant change on the Mahony family property at Bookaar. Moving from an organic system to conventional milk production, to now milking up to 500 cows with seven Delaval robots (with the option to easily add an eighth).

With three of Matt and Vicky's sons, Will, Ed and Sol keen to return the farm, the decision was made to make the investment to future proof the business. After significant consideration and research, a pasture-based Voluntary Milking System was decided on.

Whilst it is still quite early days - and lets be honest, one of the toughest runs of seasons in living memory - the Mahony family has generously offered to host this discussion group day.

Along with the obvious talking point of the robots and utilising them in a pasture-based system, there is also plenty more to see and discuss. This includes the most effective use of available irrigation water, maximising milking area by growing crops on out paddocks and the pros and cons of calving three times per year.

Joining us on the day will be Ben Foster, National Service Manager for Delaval and Rajesh Sharma, nutritionist with Scientific Ag. Both will be on hand to add their professional insights and answer any of your technical questions.

We look forward to seeing you for what is sure to be a very informative and interesting discussion group meeting!

Tuesday 27 May

11.00am-2.00pm

At the dairy - 181 Goonans Road, Bookaar

Lunch kindly provided by Delaval.

Lakes and Craters Discussion Group - Mahony's Robotic Dairy