Valleyville Farms Testimonial
The Frizzell Family Enjoys High Productivity
At Valleyville Farms near Glen Valley, Prince Edward Island, Chris Frizzell milks 260 cows on his dairy with the help of four BouMatic GeminiUP milking robots, two doubles and two singles. For Chris, adopting robotic milking wasn’t just a business decision, it was a lifestyle shift.
“Life gets busy,” Chris says. “My kids are in baseball, and I want to be there for them. My father worked in the parlor every day, never got to see our hockey games. Now I get to go to all my kids' activities.”
Chris made the switch to robotic milking 11 years ago and hasn’t looked back, replacing a double-10 parlor in two phases, both retrofit installations. “The first time around was a big change, but the second was smooth. The cows were already used to it. We shut off the old
robots at 7 a.m., had the new ones installed, and by 7 p.m., we were milking.”
The decision to go with BouMatic was based on more than just equipment specs. It was also about the people. “I really think your service and dealership makes a huge difference. Our BouMatic dealer, [Red Isle Dairy], is hands-on, available with a really good hotline, and they really know what they’re doing; the best dealership in the area.”
In addition to dealership support, Chris points to several standout features that made BouMatic the right choice for his farm. “I like the way BouMatic robots milk from behind. It’s more natural for the cows. And the MilkGenius was a game-changer.”
Since upgrading to the GeminiUP system, Chris has noticed clear improvements. “The new central wash system is more efficient, only two washes a day instead of three, using less water and heat. It uses a slug and loop system instead of a single-shot wash, which reduces the chance of improper cleaning. Plus, the water doesn’t need to be as hot, which qualified us for government funding because it’s more energy efficient” he explains. “The way milk is measured is better now, too, there’s no meter, which means no air leaks. The doors also allow for easier access for cows to get in and out, with the hinges taking up less space.”
The benefits extend beyond the equipment. “Mastitis treatments are down to just 15% (speculated) of what they were before. Cows are healthier because they’re not standing in holding areas; now they come and go when they want. We’re averaging 45 kilograms of milk per day per cow with three milkings. Before robots, it was two milkings and a lot more stress on
the animals.”
Robotic milking has also transformed herd management. “We get way more data conductivity, and it’s easier to act on it. MilkGenius gives you insight into cow health every day. You still need to watch your cows, but you’re managing smarter.”
Labor on the farm has improved as well. “We’ve gone from juggling part-time shifts in the parlor to having one person manage a full shift on the robots. Hours are more consistent, and it’s a better setup for our team.”
Looking ahead, Chris is happy with where things stand. “We’re making around 13,500 kilograms per cow per year. We’re in a good place and focused on supporting the next generation. We’re growing crops, keeping the dairy strong, and leaving room for the future.”
His advice for other farmers considering robotics? “Don’t assume it runs itself. You’ve got to stay on top of it, maintain it, and understand the technology.”
Would he recommend BouMatic robots? “Absolutely. I already have.”