“I can honestly say it was love at first sight – a passion I have for my animals, for this extraordinary work,” Michele says. Stepwise building their dairy herd, they soon grew the herd to 25 cows. They knew that further growth, on the one hand, was necessary to make a good living for their family. On the other hand, the workload on the small-scale traditional farm grew remarkably for the couple. Milking three times a day took up six hours, not to mention the other tasks from feeding to maintaining the equipment, handling the manure and managing the herd's health.
I can honestly say it was love at first sight – a passion I have for my animals, for this extraordinary work.
Michele Schneider
Fazenda Inovação Schneider Milk
Family farming plays a crucial role in the country's agricultural landscape. But especially small producers struggle to sustain operations, producing less than 50 liters per day, due to rising feed and production costs, labor costs or the amount of manual workload.
For Michele, it felt like they were living just for the cows. There was almost no time for themselves – or the children. While mornings offered a brief rest for breakfast, Michele often found herself already thinking ahead to the next set of farm tasks. Afternoons brought another round of milking, more feeding and careful checks on the herd. Even after dinner, Michele and Virlei continued into the evening with milking. It was a demanding rhythm – but through it all, they stayed committed to their farm and the animals. Still, they longed for a life with more balance, more time for each other and moments to truly enjoy with their children.
When everyone said it was too expensive, their dealer found a way
Michele and Virlei began to feel some relief after bringing on an external worker, whose support over the next 10 years helped reduce their daily workload. During this time, they also made important upgrades to their farm: transitioning to a compost barn and installing a milking pit to improve comfort and efficiency. Each step forward was made possible with the guidance and expertise of their trusted dealer and GEA.
The real turning point came when they decided to invest in the GEA DairyRobot R9500. Initially, the idea of a robot seemed out of reach due to the high costs, and they gave up the idea. However, during a routine maintenance visit, their dealership representative showed them the partnership and commitment to support them. Based on solid financial planning, they finally managed the investment. The robot transformed their lives in ways they hadn't imagined.
The thing that Michele and Virlei were most satisfied with was that the dealership proved to be a true partner who was there for them in tough times – this wasn’t just a sale but a partnership. The dealership's support was crucial in ensuring the smooth transition to robotic milking and providing ongoing assistance whenever needed.
The robot changed everything. Now, I’m more of a “mom.” I wake up, have breakfast with the kids, take them to school.
Michele Schneider
Fazenda Inovação Schneider Milk
When the robot took over, Michele got her life back
What the robot means for Michele and her family life is priceless. Now, Michele can enjoy simple pleasures like taking her children to school, having breakfast with them and even doing sports. The robot gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to focus on her health and spend quality time with her family. The farm's success also meant that her children could see a future in farming, ensuring the family's legacy.
“The robot changed everything," she says. "Now, I’m more of a 'mom.' I wake up, have breakfast with the kids, take them to school. Before, I was milking at that time. No more rushing now.”
The GEA DairyRobot R9500 didn't only improve the farm's productivity; it brought balance and joy back into Michele's life. She no longer feels bound by the routine and can finally breathe and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The investment in technology proved to be a game-changer, providing Michele and her family with a better quality of life and a brighter future.
