When Peter, Susanne and Kevin Gretener decided it was time to modernise their Bay of Plenty dairy farm, they chose robotic milking over expanding their existing rotary. Installing six DeLaval V310 robotic milking systems has transformed labour efficiency, cow management and the family's work-life balance while supporting higher milk production. Their story explores the planning, technology and practical farm design behind one of New Zealand's standout robotic dairy operations, demonstrating how automation is reshaping the future of pasture-based dairy farming.

When Brendan and Katya Caird bought Riverholme Farm with six existing dairy robots, they planned to replace them with a conventional cowshed. Instead, after seeing how rapidly robotic technology was evolving, they chose to invest in the system — discovering unexpected benefits in labour efficiency, animal health and farm flexibility.

When Peter and Yvonne Arnold’s 46-year-old rotary reached the end of its working life, they chose a different path. By converting an existing herringbone shed into a robotic milking facility, their organic South Taranaki operation has gained valuable time, improved flexibility and unlocked new production potential.