Goodwood is proud to introduce an exciting new advancement in dairy farming with the launch of its state-of-the-art robotic dairy milking machines. This innovative ‘Astronaut A5 Next Milking Solution’ system, supplied by Lely, is an enhanced cow and farmer friendly milking system that allows the cows to choose when they are milked, enhancing animal welfare and efficiency.
The robotic dairy has been introduced as part of Goodwood’s ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting animal wellbeing. By integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional farming values, Goodwood is not only improving the efficiency and quality of milk production but also ensuring a healthier, happier herd. This innovation supports the Estate’s broader sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint associated with manual milking processes and optimizing resources across the farm.
The launch of the Astronaut Milking Solution not only marks a milestone for Goodwood but also signals a positive step forward for the UK’s dairy and milking industry, showcasing how innovation can support sustainability, productivity, and animal welfare simultaneously.
The cow enters the system and is recognised from identification responder, which begins the process. The system can access historical data of each cow and knows the position of the teats and determines the concentration of feed to provide the cow which is determined by the milk production and lactation phase the cow is in. A 3D camera and laser-guided system detect the cow’s teats, while soft brushes clean them to ensure optimal hygiene and encourage the start of the milking process.
The robot’s arm then attaches the milking cups with exact precision from the lasers and adjusts in real-time to the cow’s movements. Throughout the process, sensors monitor the milk flow, quality, temperature, and other key health indicators, all without any need for human handling. Once milking is complete, the cups detach, and the cow exits at her own pace. The system then resets to welcome the next cow, providing a smooth, efficient cycle.
The entire system is powered by Lely Horizon, an advanced farm management platform that collects and analyses data on each cow’s behaviour, health, and milk production. This data is available in real time, giving farmers valuable insights to support proactive, data-driven herd management.
The milk is collected through tubes in the robotic arm and stored in a tank within the milking system. From there, it is transported to the dairy, where it is pasteurised and processed into our range of organic milk products - raw, skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole and kefir. In addition to bottled milk, it is used to produce our award-winning cheeses, including Charlton, Levin Down, Molecomb Blue and St Roche. These are then made available for purchase at the Goodwood Home Farm Shop. Additionally, our milk is supplied to restaurants and cafés across the Goodwood Estate, following our farm-to-fork philosophy and ensuring fresh, high-quality dairy is enjoyed throughout the community.
Installing the Robotic Dairy system at Goodwood offers a wide range of benefits that align with the Estate’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high animal welfare standards. By allowing cows to control their own milking schedule, the system significantly reduces stress. During the milking process, other cows can approach, enhancing comfort for the cows. The calm environment, gentle cleaning system, and quiet operation all contribute to improved animal wellbeing and udder health.
The system enhances productivity as the cows are milked more frequently and consistently often produce more milk, and of higher quality. Continuous monitoring also ensures that any issues with milk quality or cow health are detected early, allowing for fast and targeted intervention. The system can detect the colour, temperature, fat/protein, lactose, conductivity and milk speed. This precision not only protects milk quality but also minimizes unnecessary waste, ensuring that more of the milk produced meets safety and quality standards for consumption.
It also brings major labour efficiencies. With no need for manual milking routines, farm staff are free to focus on animal care, pasture management, and other high-value tasks. The robot runs around the clock with minimal human input, providing both flexibility and reliability for staff.
The detailed data collected by the Lely Horizon software allows farmers to make smarter decisions when it comes to feeding, breeding, and veterinary care, resulting in a healthier, more productive herd. By leveraging this advanced data, the system can detect health issues earlier than human observation alone, enabling faster intervention.
The systems efficient energy use, reduced water waste, and long-term cost savings make it a smart investment for the future. By embracing this technology, Goodwood is helping to set a new standard for modern, ethical, and data-driven dairy farming in the UK.
