COCKEYSVILLE, Md. — A Perennial Pasture Walk and Milking Robot Demo will be held by Future Harvest — Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture on May 31 from 2 to 4 p.m.

St. Brigid’s Farm has long been an innovator in creating and maintaining healthy perennial pastures for their herd. Now they’re innovating again as one of the first grazing operations in the region to add a milking robot to their operation. The result: happy cows and happy farmers.

Judy Gifford’s and Bob Fry’s 62-acre farm, planted in permanent pasture of perennial ryegrass and clover, features 200 animals consisting of milking cows, replacement heifers, steers and veal calves. Judy and Bob began milking their cows with the new robot this spring, allowing their cows to choose when they are ready to be milked. St. Brigid’s Farm is the second in Maryland to install a voluntary milking system. Learn about perennial pasture management and hear Judy Gifford talk about caring for her herd, marketing her products and the lifestyle change robots can provide dairy operators.

To register, click here.

The cost is $10 for FHCASA members or $15 for non-members. St. Brigid’s Farm is located at 12246 Locust Grove Rd, Kennedyville, MD 21645. Questions? Please contact Niamh Shortt at niamh@futureharvestcasa.org.

— Future Harvest — Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture