Kennagri Farms Launches Australia's First Off-Grid Robotic Dairy Barn

Kennagri Farms, operated by Reinie and Bree Kennedy in Forge Creek, Victoria, has inaugurated Australia's first fully housed free-stall dairy barn. This innovative structure integrates advanced automation technologies, such as a Lely Astronaut A5 milking robot, automatic feed pushers, and manure collectors, to streamline dairy operations. The facility is designed to be off-grid, equipped with a 50 kW rooftop solar array, a 60 kWh battery storage bank, and a diesel backup generator due to the absence of three-phase power in the rural area.

The primary objective of this development is to mitigate the effects of East Gippsland's volatile weather patterns by transitioning from pasture-based grazing to a controlled indoor environment. This approach allows the Kennedys to store fodder grown under irrigation and predict feed availability more precisely, thereby reducing environmental stress on the herd and stabilizing milk production year-round.

The dairy barn prioritizes animal welfare with features like rubber-matted cubicles, overhead cooling sprinklers, and automated cow brushes. The design also facilitates voluntary cow movement, minimizing stress and improving milk yield. Initial results show an average of 30 liters of milk per cow per day, with cows voluntarily visiting the milking station approximately 2.6 times daily.

Looking forward, Kennagri Farms plans to expand the facility's footprint and introduce additional robotic systems to increase herd capacity. This project exemplifies a broader trend towards dairy automation and climate-resilient infrastructure in Australia, offering a model for similar operations aiming to maintain productivity amid changing climatic conditions.