Lely Vector Mixing Feed for Dairy Cows

[@chevyguy-hf1yq]

What a game changer. Happy semi retirement Dad!!!

[@bobdevine4906]

Hey Eric, needed a little James Bond music for that door exit! 😊

[@Gus123]

As someone who hasn't seen your vids for a few years. This is an amazing change from what was the process. Great to see.

[@TimAlonzo-b1y]

You need to go back and catch the silo building! Very cool!

[@zachward9242]

I appreciate the content even during the slower months. Feeding video are some of my favorite, those and the milking. The more cow interactions the better. You and your family do such a great job. Thank you for the window you allow us to view through.

[@jamesmisener3006]

That was a great tour of the feeding system. Your investments on the farm will pay off even more as you move forward. As a retired carpenter who has built quite a few work shops over the years for farmers, welders, car guys etc I'm looking forward to when you and your Dad build a new one. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@johnquinn3899]

You and your family have made an incredible investment to your farm and I know you all put in a huge amount of thought into your operation. I’ve enjoyed every video and learned a lot. Thank you Eric.

[@bjharrison4460]

Really impressed with how well thought out everything was as well as the decision to improve labor efficiency so as to allow you to put more thinking time into your operation. Very, very wise move in my opinion.

[@BruceHubbell]

Hey Eric …thanks for showing us the whole mixing process … very informative and so interesting … you’re doing such a great job … love your channel ..

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

This is crazy. Been a longtime viewer I never imagined how this robot system would work. It’s amazing.

[@sherryoverbey9938]

Enjoy every video you do. My husband and I have been watching for a long time and have gone back and watched the videos we missed.

[@diamondjim7560]

With the heavy winter storm coming through today it will be interesting to see in the next video how well the robots did with the snow depth.

[@markweiler8172]

I’m local to Eric 11:30 AM So far Inch and a half Or so

[@NorthwestValleyHomestead]

Also does the metal tracks interfere with removing snow off paths and what about ice on the paths, would the wheels be slipping?

[@stuartsplace100]

I have followed you on your whole journey and it’s been awesome

[@Kevin986_]

The future is bright. Thank you Eric.

[@ezone913]

-What protects the system from lightning strikes and power surges? -What are the provisions for extended power outages? Will the old PTO Genset cover the new demand? -Is Lely going to demo the updated manure scrapers for us? Surely, they've solved the issues you were having with the secondhand system. -Did the Hoof Trimmer see any changes after the scrapers were taken off-line? -Are you still going to restore the old feed tractor? Yes, Please. -What's next for the 10th Gen Family?! Nice editing, thanks for sharing another chapter, Eric. -EZ

[@johnbeam-d3v]

Amazing technology. Such a change from 60's 70's and 80's when i was milking full time. Thanks for the ride my friend.

[@MichaelCuthbertson-zl6in]

I LOVE watching your feed robots working, and listening to your commentary! You are a LEGEND Eric. Blessings from Australia.....❤

[@jrbpa5775]

Back in the day we fed the dairy herd out of Harvestore silos and we used molasses to keep the wood feed bunks from becoming bitter from the silage. Stored the molasses in 55 gallon drums and filled metal buckets to pour on the feed bunks. Thx for the video !!

[@jdschini]

Thanks for the informative tour of your newly completed automated robotic feeding system. I am so happy to see how well it is working out for you, And more importantly, how you are seeing improvements in your milk production. I can only imagine how much planning and work you and your family went through to complete this project. I bet you do not miss having to start up a tractor three times a day to feed cows. You have a beautiful dairy operation! And I appreciate how willing you are to make and post great videos for all of us enjoy and learn. Have a happy and blessed New Year!

[@conneill8190]

You're the only farming family on KZbin that always does what is best for the cows.. it's always about the cows. Always hello from Ireland..

[@godoftheinterwebz]

Not true. Most dairy farmers care. I recommend you check out Rohrer Dairy Productions and Kyndra Not Kendra

[@daveklein2826]

ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE...... try watching some other channels

[@stevecraig3004]

I should think that any dairy farmer worth his salt would be intensely interested in the health and welfare of his herd, considering that better care equals better production.

[@jacobrowland9134]

That's not true. As someone from a ranch, anybody that is in a livestock industry doing it right cares about the health and comfort of their animals. The better the health and comfort the better production. Simply stated, you make more money when the animals comfort and health is prioritized.

[@subzjc]

You could mount a camera on a robot and mainly show when it enters a barn til when it leaves. I love seeing the cows up close and just watching them do their thing. You wouldn't need to do a intro or outtro. Put one up once a month and start a numbered playlist of them. I loved watching you putting feed in with the tractor and just seeing the cows up close. Best

[@user-iu3fo7gr9q]

Although not an expert I know that a happy contented cow will produce more milk and with a higher cream content so in saying that, your Lely feeders would be a lot less stressful for your cows than the large noisey mixer you used to use. This alone would have to contribute in a major way to the end product. Keep up the great work and the great videos and thank you for them which I enjoy immensly. Takes me back to my youth.

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Glad to see you. Was getting worried. The new feeding system seems to be a really great asset to the farm. Really fun to watch, thanks.

[@flossdaly8274]

Great video Eric. Thanks for showing us the feeding system from start to finish, and from where each ingrediant flows. I think that the cattle having a constant feed supply throughout the day will certainly show up in your milk production. With anything mechanical you're going to develop problems from time to time, I'm sure you know. I assume you considered that when deciding to go to this system and have developed a "plan B" should you need it. I'm looking forward to what you have planned for the upcoming new year.

[@jasonvogel211]

Eric, I see you're in the middle of the real winter test on the same day this video is posted. Hopefully it's not too bad for you & your dad. Good luck in keeping things operating. If nothing else, it'll help prepare for future weather events..

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Sounds like the system is doing great for your farm. Congratulations for a great outcome, I know you will keep us updated with the good and not so good going on. Thanks!

[@tkinvy9750]

So cool to see this set up as a dairy farmer in Australia. So foreign but so practical. I love your channel. Keep up the content please

[@andybrady9561]

Been watching your content for years and found how different dairy farming is from Ireland 🇮🇪 , a huge investment for you 🤔 but paying for itself already 👍

[@Mike-zs7bk]

Being retired myself I watch a lot of farming videos from all over, must say it's heartening to see you invest in the future so much I know it has to be a tremendous investment. Never was around dairy cattle very much sure seem to be a picky bunch of critters!

[@jeffmcbride469]

Having been watching from when you first told us the plan for this feeding setup, it is really cool to see it all working AND paying off for your dairy.

[@andytherooanduberridermorg9287]

I bet there’s day where anyone looking for you will find you watching the feed mixer being loaded I find it quite relaxing watching it being loaded

[@rainerborgmann7326]

24hr Twitch livestream of feed mixing perhaps???

[@stevecraig3004]

​@@rainerborgmann7326I can think of worse streams...

[@MrPa1971]

What a feeding system you got!And a pusher include. Im impressed how it works,and the cows like the food they get. Interessting how it works för the heffer barn

[@dennistunstall839]

thank you for not begging me to like and subscribe every video. I am so tired of most channels that do. I enjoy your content.

[@daveklein2826]

Oh because it is such a bug deal to support the channel that gives you FREE content...... Stop whining

[@Trey4x4]

Don't forget to like and hit that notification bell 😊

[@richardspeakes2883]

You must be totally crazy. Do you recognize how much work they put into each one. Have you ever made one crazy person. It’s not to much to do a simple like except for a crazy person 😊😊😊😊😊

[@db7059]

Just ignore them. No one is forcing you to like and subscribe

[@Marilyn-mo6lx]

It's nice to manage then do all the work and be hands on you doing an excellent job of mangling new technology well done Mr Eric

[@RiDankulous]

It’s good having a period at night where you don’t have to worry about anything but the most dire emergencies. Plus, the thing does still does more feeding times than you did with humans alone. It’s nice you’re able to do some work on the feeders. It’s important to keep operations running smoothly and be more independent of mechanics and specialists

[@Bizznichw]

Cant wait to see them in our first Snow today and how theyre doing in the colder weather. Thanks for the videos!

[@joseftrager1977]

Hey Eric, have you ever thought about an automatic milking system? We have two Lely Astronaut A5 and I have to say it is life changing. Especially for a family business. We are much more flexible, can stay seated longer at family celebrations or do not have to drive home from the fields. They also work on holidays. Heifers are milked up to four times a day. This increases performance. I realize your milking parlor isn't that old yet. But the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Mainly for the family. I am 36 years old and have three children. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany.

[@MellowYe77ow]

He has said that they're currently not interested in robot milking.

[@joseftrager1977]

@@MellowYe77ow Oh, I didn't see the video. He can change your mind.

[@drogomyslrad]

@@MellowYe77ow These robots are not cheap and they would need a few but I think they could try to install one robot as a comparison and to reduce the time of manual milking of the remaining cows.

[@agrartechnikbw9123]

Also dieses flexibel ist auch nur die halbe wahrheit , kälber müssen auch gefüttert werden und die Kühe die frisch gekalbt haben gemolken werden. Haben selber nen roboter aber feste stallzeiten sollte man trotzdem haben... und stell dir vor, ich bin das ganze jahr zur fixen uhrzeit im stall . Weis nicht warum andere das nicht hinbekommen

[@joseftrager1977]

@@agrartechnikbw9123 die frischen Kühe und Kälber kann man ruhig mal zwei Stunden schieben ohne ein schlechtes Gewissen zu haben. Zumindest mit Ad libitum Tränke. Niemand hat gesagt, dass andere das nicht hinbekommen?! Es geht hier lediglich um ein Stück Lebensqualität. Ich habe auch nicht gesagt, dass das zur Regel werden sollte aber man kann. Mit Melkstand geht das nicht. Du hast wohl schon lange nicht mehr konventionell gemolken was heißt wenn du abend um 17.00 Uhr anfägst musst du morgens um 5.00 Uhr anfangen. Und dann hast du aber den Nachteil, dass du nur zweimal melkst.

[@brianrigsby7900]

13:20 now some atto Milner is all you need! Wouldn’t need to interrupt the robot that way…just put a few stalls in each pen!

[@Token_Civilian]

Sounds like its working out quite well for you. Glad to see this intensive capital project come to fruition for your operation.

[@russellgilson4072]

Your feeding program for your cattle is impressive, your holsteins should be really content and produce lots of milk! Great video Eric

[@Lavin4411]

Feeding system is very impressive! Seems to be working great I'm very impressed!

[@albertbusscher4270]

you have done a grand job getting this together !! Happy New Year to you and hopefully a great harvest coming up. Greetings from Australia

[@jesusisGod1434]

Less stress on the cows is always good! And the automatic scrapers being gone, probably helps. Did someone buy those? I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. God bless.

[@robpersons]

This is great content, don't worry about the loss of viewers due to mixing geed. I am watching at 11 hours after you released, and their are 52K views. Not too shabby. Comment more on how you determine the nutrimental needs of the cows, heifers, etc, and how the robot feeder helps or hinders.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Amazing technology. You are a great ambassador for this product. God Bless.

[@juliemcbride8722]

Wow that really came together nicely farming had always Been so laborious there’s another reason technology has come in handy 😊

[@pamelaballard9270]

Haven’t been around a farm for 60 years and always find your blog interesting. This whole series, building out the silos, adding the cement pathways and putting in ther feeder system has been really, really informative. Questions: how long was the planning time on this and how long did it take to talk your dad into doing this?

[@bobdevine4906]

Really great video, Eric. Concise, informative and interesting.

[@glennfowler9521]

I hope you will keep these machines clean, outside and in.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Look forward to seeing the robots run through the snow.

[@MichaelCuthbertson-zl6in]

So good you have a domestic market, Eric. It seems China is reducing its imports from America in a big way. I am HAPPY for you and your family.....🙏🙏

[@TheIvalen]

I like that the molasses goes in the middle - the popcorn guy at the movie theater does the same thing with the butter! :)

[@scottsowers1175]

Another excellent, informative video. I’d like to see the system work on a snowy day like today sometime. Will you be coming up to the Farm Show at all this week? Keep doing what you do& thanks for sharing.

[@RobertKohut]

The cows are "fed up" with this system.... LOL 🙂 @19:50

[@cutlow1383]

Hope all is well during the blizzard blowing through today.

[@eddybuck4707]

Love updates on Thing 1 and Thing 2 !😅

[@billjoat]

You can tell in the manner of your voice that the lely system has definitely calmed you down; which I'm sure is a very good thing. and of course I'm no nutritionist so I googled it and it said that hay was much more nutritional that wheat straw so why change?

[@10thgenerationdairyman]

We are using it as a filler in dry cow and heifer rations to keep the animals from gaining too much weight but allowing them to eat as much feed as they want. In this case we want something with less nutritional value.

[@janetdupree6353]

Eric, thanks for this interesting video. I enjoy learning about robots and the all things mechanical. Happy New Year.

[@JHruby]

It has long been astonishing to me how cows can crap in places that it would seem impossible. Think of the maneuvering energy a cow has to expend to back out of the feed bunks, turn 180 degrees, and reverse back ro the headlocks just so they can crap on the curb. Amazing.

[@mattbatchelor6781]

Happy New Year Eric. The best farm on KZbin back for 2025. 🎉

[@jimbrown4803]

Thanks for the videos. I hardly ever post on anything but wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your all you videos.. 😊😊😊

[@sirquickly3389]

Thank you. And happy new year.

[@Zeke-yv3nw]

Looks like things are going well.

[@billpotmesil]

Pretty cool! Has been fun watching the progression of the project!

[@PrinceJ933]

They've been lying about molasses being slow in January. That molasses was moving very well.

[@mattrydalch3085]

Thank you Eric for the videos! Awesome work.

[@tammygurke7482]

Eric thank you for this video… loved the explanation on things. Happy 2025🎈❤️

[@mrbilky]

Very interesting tech wonder if offering a unit that sweeps the outdoor paths would be something to consider I mean time is money and I would think that chore could be automated a well and become something to consider, just a thought👍

[@mikerobertson2993]

I think your content is great. Keep up the good work friend

[@karencary3312]

Stay warm. Your feeding system will be tested with this new snow/ice front coming thru. Be safe. ❤❤❤❤

[@Fuso4x4]

Eric, how about a one cycle or 24 hour timelapse by a gopro stuck on the robot feeder......

[@CK-yi6pc]

Great feeding system,really enjoyed watching this whole process……😊 🇺🇸🇨🇱

[@johndavis3421]

Really like your channel. Couple of questions. 1) Since there is an open top, does it negatively affect the feed quality if there is a heavy rain while they are outside? 2) Most equipment works really good when it is new. What type of ongoing maintenance costs have other installations seen and you expect, and what are some of the parts life spans, i.e. batteries, motors, etc.? 3) Maybe you don't want to get into specifics, but what was the overall cost of the program?

[@verdagarner5112]

Great video when I eat oatmeal I put a good amount of molasses in it,so yummy

[@rogerhodges7656]

It is interesting to see that the cattle are not fighting for head space.

[@AhTechus]

Beautifully shot and professionally edited

[@tarheelpatch3386]

Well Monday morning of the 6th, should be a good test of the system. Nice snow.

[@CK-yi6pc]

That system is gonna save you so much time and make you a lot more money…… 🇺🇸🇨🇱

[@mike7435]

happy cows. wish you would post more often

[@stuartsplace100]

Happy New Year,Edward from Vermont

[@freddylove9914]

Good afternoon Thanks for the video Eric 🙏

[@chriss3235]

I think it would be a big morale boost for the cows to name the robots and paint it's name on the side. "Hey eveyone, here comes Mary Lou with our afternoon snack!" 😂

[@davidporter9556]

That’s the best way I seen robot feeding no waste. Way better than the lely kitchen

[@randybennett5417]

Now ya need a couple robot milking stations.

[@MellowYe77ow]

They're not interested in robot milking.

[@valleyviewacres9120]

you need to mount a go pro on one of them robots and do a 24 hour time lapse...., it'd be neat to see how many times those guys end up going out in a 24 hour period.

[@Scoobers-fj6jk]

Awesome 👌 👏 👍 video 👌 how have the bots delt with the snow ❄️ so far thanks for sharing 👌 👍 😀

[@robinghunt]

Would it be possible to put a roof over one of the bunkers to make a nice shed? Seems like the concrete floors and walls would be great workshop or storage shed for equipment.

[@tonymurray814]

First🤓. Hi Eric. Long time watcher. Great job!!👍

[@RealLimerickman]

The area from Tipperary to Kerry had severe snow by their standards. It should have been a red warning, alas no there was only an orange warning by met eireann.

[@nwpioneer2551]

That's a very great system. Congradulations.

[@1striperon]

You proved the system works mechanically to date. Is there a positive effect on the profitability of the farm?

[@franciscosandiego3026]

Happy New years 🎉 brother from the imperial county ca 🚜🇺🇲

[@ClaytonKort]

If you are looking for content, you could interview your dad about herd management. The only thing i know about dairy farming is what I learned on KZbin, except the week i spent on my uncle's dairy farm fifty years ago. i have lots of questions. how do cow and heifer rations differ. how is the decision made to cull an animal. how does milk production and quality change over time between calving, and over the life of the animal. how do you assess herd and individual cow health. How do you decide what semen to use, And about hundred other questions.

[@DIGGER19860]

i wonder if the feed pusher on the vecters could be used to clear snow? it would probably kill the rubber on the bottom waaay faster and wear down the batterys but if it runs often enough it could keep its pathways open.

[@10thgenerationdairyman]

Yes they say it's a decent snow pusher

[@albertjohnsonjr.2311]

If the internet failed for an extended time could you still feed the cows manually someway?

[@BoreFarms]

How is the solar panel doing? Would like an update on that.

[@gustavocestaro142]

Stupenda stalla complimenti ti sequo da anni e ai fatto tanti progressi forse sei l'unico che fai stare bene le tue bestie ciao e buon anno a te e famiglia ❤❤

[@bobbymcbobby730]

You should get one of those skid steer brush to clean those Lilly vector pads off

[@daveklein2826]

Not necessary

[@geraldskaggs3903]

Eric, have you had any problems with the mixer catching too much moisture when it is traveling to and from the mixing station during a heavy rain? It seems like there would be excess moisture in the machine, affecting the quality of he feed. Thanks for the video, it explained how your system works very well. I hope your family has a very good year in 2025. May God richly bless.

[@daveklein2826]

Not necessary..... Their old mixer was not covered

[@edmcintyre3334]

Nice system. Awesome video. Happy new year. Stay safe.

[@phil6465]

Could you mention sometime the saving on diesel usage and the increase in electricity usage.