E316 The Robotic Milker Hangover: The Hard Truths About Automation Your Dealer Won’t Tell You

While equipment dealers showcase glossy automation success stories, the reality behind robotic milking systems tells a dramatically different tale. With 70% of large US dairies choosing new construction over retrofits and payback periods stretching 5-10 years instead of the promised 3-5, this episode exposes the hard truths your dealer won't discuss. Discover why top-performing managers extract 42% more output from identical robots than their neighbors, and learn the critical decision framework that separates automation success from expensive disappointment.

Key Takeaways

• Labor Reality Check: Why $18+ hourly wages and 3.6% annual increases make automation inevitable, not optional
• Hidden Cost Analysis: The real $37,800 annual savings potential vs. overlooked maintenance expenses that can h ...