UMaine unveils 3rd robotic milking barn in Maine

OLD TOWN, Maine (WABI) - After years of planning and hard work, the University of Maine has another complete project on Witter Farm.

Their new robotic milking barn was built from the ground up and university officials cut the ribbon!

University leaders including the president of the university came to see how this new technology will change the dairy industry in Maine and nationwide.

“We are just so excited that we’re going to be able to demonstrate this fantastic technology with our dairy herd for the farmers of Maine,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

Given the current farmer shortage across the state, a lot of uncertainty has fueled conversation regarding future funding but the president of UMaine said they’re in a great position with this completed project.

“The combination of federal, state, university funding, donors who have been a part of it,” said Ferrini-Mundy.

“Everybody pitching in and coming together to say we need this for the state of Maine and for our university and for our students, it is a very happy occasion at the time when there is other uncertainty.”

The technology will offer hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for a wide range of careers in agriculture, farming, research, and development and so much more.

“It’s really important for young people especially like us, the other generations, some of my students are standing right back there, it’s so important that they get involved and that people realize that they couldn’t live their everyday lives or continue the farming and get their products without the agriculture industry,” said Carlee Raepapenhausen, a senior at UMaine.

The new barn also improves cow comfort by allowing voluntary milking.

The cows have the ability to set their own schedule, and they’re always greeted with a yummy treat.

It’ll also allow for other farmers to view the technology at the university where leaders will educate them on how to grow with the dairy industry.

To learn more about the College of Earth, Life and Health Sciences at UMaine follow the link to their website.

UMaine also has information on the School of Food and Agriculture for students interested.

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