Learning from progressive dairy farmers

Tapping into farmer networks

Hundreds of Europe’s most progressive dairy farmers gathered in Chester, U.K., this year for the 2026 EDF Annual Congress. As a sponsor and technology partner, GEA joined the conversation to showcase new solutions and, most importantly, hear directly from producers about the challenges shaping the future of dairy farming.

This year’s host country, the U.K., is a case in point for the transformation of modern dairy farming. Its dairy sector includes approximately 1.85 million dairy cows across more than 10,000 dairy farms and remains one of Europe's most important milk-producing regions, as reported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. At the same time, it is characterized by remarkable diversity. Farms range from pasture-based systems focused on efficiency and low-input costs to highly automated operations utilizing advanced robotics, data analytics and precision management. Chester is home to the highest concentration of dairy cows in the U.K.

Through workshops, farm visits and discussions with farmers from across Europe, one message emerged clearly: Successful innovation starts by understanding the realities of the farm.

EDF brings together progressive dairy farmers who benchmark performance, exchange ideas and discuss the future of the industry. For GEA, participating in these discussions provides valuable insight into the challenges farmers are facing – from labor shortages and sustainability to digitalization and herd management – and helps ensure future innovations solve real-world problems.

The most progressive ideas in dairy farming rarely emerge in isolation. They develop through discussion, benchmarking and the exchange of real-world experience.

Helping farmers make better use of data

As a sponsor of the 2026 EDF Annual Congress, GEA used the opportunity not only to support the event, but also to actively contribute to the industry's ongoing conversation about the future of dairy farming through two interactive workshops led by experts from its digital solutions and milking technology teams. While the topics focused on digital herd management and milking performance, the underlying theme was consistent: Technology only delivers value when it helps farmers make better decisions and improve day-to-day operations.

As dairy farms generate increasing amounts of data, many producers are seeking practical ways to transform information into action. This trend was at the center of the digitalization workshop led by Josef Babilon, GEA Digital Solutions Product Manager, who emphasized the importance of making technology work for farmers rather than adding complexity.

Technology that supports people – not replaces them

Equally important is ensuring that innovation supports the people working on the farm. During the milking performance workshop, Jeroen Luiten, GEA Global Milking Expert, explored how optimized routines, ergonomics and management practices continue to have a direct impact on animal welfare, labor efficiency and dairy profitability, even in increasingly automated environments.

Real-world innovation on dairy farms

Beyond conference sessions, congress participants representatives also observed how innovative ideas are implemented on real farms. Among the farms visited during the EDF program were two operations using GEA milking technology with different approaches to modern dairy production.

At Huntington Hall Farm, a herd of approximately 1,000 Holstein cows is milked through a 72-point GEA T8900 rotary parlor. The operation demonstrates how high-throughput milking technology can support large-scale production while maintaining consistency and efficiency. With an average yield of around 12,500 kg per cow annually, the farm illustrates how investment in modern infrastructure contributes to productivity and operational performance.

Meanwhile, Cotton Abbotts Farm showcases a different pathway toward modernization. The farm operates 10 GEA DairyRobot R9500 units for its 570-cow pedigree Holstein herd. The robotic milking system provides flexibility while supporting high production levels, demonstrating how automation can help producers address labor challenges and optimize daily workflows.

Although the production models differ significantly, both farms share a common characteristic: a willingness to embrace innovation as a tool for improving efficiency, sustainability and long-term competitiveness.

Building the next generation of dairy farming

The future of dairy farming will not be shaped by technology companies alone. Nor will it be defined solely by farmers, researchers or industry organizations. Progress happens when these groups work together.

Events such as the EDF Congress remind us that innovation is most valuable when it is shaped alongside the people who use it every day. The conversations in Chester will help inform the continued development of GEA's dairy solutions, ensuring they address the practical needs of modern farms while supporting productivity, sustainability and animal welfare.