Automation in Dairy Farming Gains Momentum with New Lely Center
The Lely Center has been integrated into Coopatos' structure in Patos de Minas, specifically targeting dairy producers. The center's primary focus is to provide technical, commercial, and consultancy services for those looking to invest in robotics, automation, and data management in their farming operations.
This new facility is a collaborative effort between Coopatos, an agricultural cooperative in Patos de Minas, and the Dutch company Lely. It is designed to support producers through every stage of technology adoption. In addition to selling equipment, the center offers assistance before, during, and after the implementation of new solutions, ensuring a smooth adaptation to farm routines.
The initiative comes at a time when dairy farms face challenges such as labor shortages, generational succession, productivity increases, and the need for precise herd management. Coopatos identifies these issues as key drivers for establishing the new unit.
Célio Humberto Rodrigues, president of Coopatos, stated that this investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen dairy farming in the region, which is the second-largest milk producer in Brazil. He emphasized that automation and robotics are intended to enhance efficiency and performance without replacing workers.
The partnership also seeks to bring producers closer to specialized services. Edison Acherman, Lely's general manager for Latin America, noted that Minas Gerais holds a strategic position in Brazilian milk production, and collaborating with Coopatos will expand access to Lely's technologies.
Acherman further highlighted that automation should be viewed as a tool to reinforce the work done on farms. The presence of the Lely Center in the area will facilitate close support, specialized technical assistance, and continuous monitoring throughout the solution implementation process.
Coopatos reiterated that the initiative's focus remains on its members. The cooperative's president stressed that all organizational decisions prioritize meeting producers' needs and contributing to the regional dairy farming development.
