According to the state’s agricultural officials, the number of Wisconsin dairy herds has declined by nearly 50 percent in the last 14 years, with the largest number of farm closures happening this year.
Some farmers, like Molly and Jake Gehring, of Hartford, hope their use of robots will help cut down on long-term labor costs and allow for continued farming.
«It’s difficult thinking about all the people who put their entire lives and generations into this and they’re not able to continue,» Jake Gehring said. «It’s a very sensitive issue for all of our family members and our friends.»
The Gehrings currently have hundreds of cattle but just two full-time employees. Still, Jake Gehring keeps a day job that provides extra income and health benefits.
