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About

Herman W. Barkema is a prominent veterinary and dairy science researcher whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of automated milking technologies and their real-world impacts on dairy farm management. His research focuses primarily on the adoption and integration of automatic milking systems (AMS) within the Canadian dairy industry, examining how these technologies reshape labour practices, milk production, cow health, and producer quality of life. Barkema's most influential contributions stem from a series of large-scale national surveys conducted in collaboration with Canadian dairy producers. His 2018 study on AMS labour management and milk quality has garnered 91 citations, establishing it as a key reference for researchers and industry professionals evaluating robotic milking transitions. A companion study from 2017, with 76 citations, provided critical insights into how producers perceive farm management changes and cow health outcomes following AMS adoption. A third notable work documented the practical challenges of cow training during transition and reported meaningful improvements in producer quality of life. Collectively, these contributions have shaped evidence-based guidance for dairy producers considering automation investments, making Barkema a leading voice in precision dairy farming research and agricultural technology adoption across Canada and beyond.