Leading with Innovation: The Vagg Family’s Robotic Dairy Success in Victoria
At Bonnay Jerseys Dairy in Victoria, the Vagg family with Silvia, Gordon and their son Benjamin is setting a new benchmark in robotic dairy farming. Since April 2025, they’ve been milking over 600 Jersey cows using eight GEA DairyRobot R9500 units—embracing automation to boost farm efficiency, cow wellbeing, and sustainable dairy practices.
Smart Investments for a Smarter Dairy
To future-proof their operations, the Vaggs have adopted a range of advanced dairy technologies from GEA:
8 GEA DairyRobot R9500s
Featuring In-Liner Everything® technology, these robots complete every step of the automated milking process—teat cleaning, stimulation, milking, and post-milking—within a single attachment. This ensures exceptional milk quality, hygiene, and cow comfort.
AutoSelect MI Gate
A smart cow traffic management system that enables efficient animal selection and flow, helping streamline daily routines and reduce labour demands.
CowScout Heat Detection & Health Monitoring
This wearable technology provides real-time insights into each cow’s reproductive health and wellbeing, allowing for proactive herd management and improved breeding outcomes.
Effluent Management System
A comprehensive setup including a Hog Pump, Electromix Agitator, FlushPump on Pontoon, Flush Valves, SlopeScreen, and SW Series Cable Scrapers. This system supports sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship across the farm.
A Game-Changer for the Farm and Family
“It’s been a game changer! The cows come in whenever they want — and that freedom has allowed me to spend more time with our young animals, because they’re the future of our herd.”
By embracing smart farming technologies, the Vagg family has not only improved operational efficiency but also created a more balanced and rewarding lifestyle—paving the way for the next generation of Australian dairy farmers.
