Our client is milking 120 cows using two Lely A5 robots within a fully housed system, supported by a Lely Vector feeding system. The farm is planning to transition to organic production and introduce grazing to meet organic requirements. Current production averages 34 litres per cow per day, with cows weighing approximately 650–700kg and producing 10,000–11,000kg annually.

Farm Assessment
An aerial review of the farm was carried out to assess the most suitable grazing layout and infrastructure.

Key Areas Discussed

Grazeway Location
A suitable grazeway location was identified to meet both cow flow and farm management requirements. The selected position provides easy access for cows and farm staff while remaining protected from harsh winter conditions, including snow and rain.

Grazing Area Requirements
As the farm grows its own soya beans as a protein source, this was considered when designing the grazing platform. Grass demand and paddock sizing were calculated to align with the proposed grazing system and the farm’s production requirements.

Roadway Layout
The most efficient routes to and from paddocks were mapped to optimise cow movement. Road width and surface quality were also discussed:

• Main roadways: 4m wide to allow machinery access when required
• Spur roadways: 2m wide to optimise cow flow

Gate handles were strategically positioned to allow easy paddock access and facilitate back fencing when required.

Water Trough Placement
Water infrastructure was discussed in detail to ensure practicality for both cows and farm management. A recommendation was made for 1,000-litre drinkers located within paddocks rather than on roadways to avoid obstruction and support demand during warmer weather.

Cow Access to Paddocks
As the farm was new to grazing systems, additional guidance was provided on how cows independently access and utilise paddocks. Supporting examples and imagery were shared to help visualise the proposed setup.

Managing Summer Heat
With summer temperatures in Wisconsin regularly exceeding 30°C, grazing strategies were discussed to improve cow comfort and performance. To reduce heat stress, the system was designed to allow cows to remain indoors during the hottest period of the day, while grazing during cooler periods.

Grazing System Selection
A typical robotic grazing system operates on an A, B, C grazing structure. However, due to the existing feeding setup and local climate conditions, a modified approach was recommended. In this case, A and B were allocated to grazing paddocks, while C was kept indoors. This allowed cows to return inside during the hottest part of the day, benefiting from shade, ventilation, and access to the existing feeding system while still meeting grazing objectives.

Fencing Recommendations
Temporary and permanent fencing options were reviewed. A scaled CAD drawing was provided outlining the recommended paddock layout, fencing design, and gate handle locations to ensure practical movement, ease of management, and flexibility for back fencing.

Roadway Specification
Roadways were identified as a critical part of the grazing system. Recommendations included:

• Main roads from the grazeway to paddocks: 4m wide
• Spur roads dividing paddocks: 2m wide

Scaled CAD drawings were provided to deliver a practical and cost-effective layout.

Roadway Materials
After reviewing options, stone roadways were recommended:

• Base layer: 4-inch stone
• Surface layer: 6mm blinding material (sandstone dust)

Conclusion
The client was very satisfied with the proposed grazing plan and recommendations. Work has now commenced on roadways and grazeway development. Ongoing support will be provided over the coming months to ensure implementation runs smoothly and any questions are addressed promptly.