Robots replace workers on smaller dairy farms, upping milk production and cutting costs

Robots have taken up residence in barns at some small- and medium-sized dairy farms across the country.

Automated milking systems provide reliable and more efficient labor. They also help the family farms remain viable and encourage more milk production.

Dairy operations here and abroad have used robotic milkers for over a decade. But with more manufacturers and dealerships emerging in the U.S., the number of farms in Iowa with the technology has doubled since 2013 and smaller farms in the Northeast are plugging in.

Jennifer and Jesse Lambert have two robots at their organic dairy farm in Vermont and are saving $60,000 a year that used to be for employees and their cows are producing more milk.