Innovative milking automation: Rütz-Spogis milk sets new standards!

Innovative milking automation: Rütz-Spogis milk sets new standards!

In Linau, in the Duchy of Lauenburg district, Rütz-Spogis Milch KG has reached a milestone in milking technology. The innovative 2x16 herringbone milking parlor has been in operation since the beginning of 2023 and enables the management, consisting of Kevin Spogis and Thomas Rütz, to run a smooth dairy operation with 300 cows. The modern milking parlor counteracts the advantages of the flat angle, which allows better access to the udders, making the milking process more efficient.

As bauernblatt.com reports, this allows 120 to 130 cows to be milked per hour, which helps the farm achieve production goals. The milking stalls are arranged at an angle, which is seen as an optimal compromise between space requirements and udder access. The herd, which produces an average of 10,200 kg of milk per year, benefits from the light and airy design of the milking parlor.

Comprehensive equipment and technology

The equipment in the milking parlor is state-of-the-art. According to information from oekl-machen.at, the company has massive rear drivers, rubber mats, fans and a roller door, which ensure a pleasant workflow. In addition, frequency-controlled vacuum and milk pumps as well as plate coolers are installed in the technical rooms and milk tanks in the milking building.

The shift operation, which involves an early shift every four weeks, includes five permanent employees, two apprentices and three mini-jobbers. Kevin Spogis takes care of dairy farming, while Thomas Rütz is responsible for foreign trade and fodder production. Around 600 animals, including around 500 with access to pasture, demonstrate the breed diversity of the farm: Red and Holstein, Brown Swiss, Simmental and Jersey are represented here.

Economic considerations

Investing in milking robots and modern milking systems is not just a question of technology, but also of economic efficiency. As lko.at explains, the purchase costs for a milking robot are between 140,000 and 160,000 euros, although the economic viability depends heavily on the number of cows. Better milk yields can reduce the fixed costs per kilogram of milk, which is supported in Rütz-Spogis' operation by the already high milk yields.

In order to ensure long-term profitability, ongoing operating costs such as electricity, cleaning agents and regular maintenance play a crucial role. Therefore, attention is paid to constant cost control and effective management.

Farm day in Linau

To present its new techniques and high-quality products, Rütz-Spogis Milch KG invites you to a farm day on June 21st from 10 a.m. Active milking will take place from 3 p.m. and participating companies will be available to answer questions. The Linau Volunteer Fire Department ensures your physical well-being with grilled food and drinks. The address is Rütz-Spogis KG, Linau Busch 5, 22959 Linau - an appointment that you shouldn't miss.