Windstott Farm

Genoa, NY

230 acres

110 milking cows

The robots are here

The world is always changing and dairy farming is no exception to that rule. Among the most fascinating developments over the last decade has been the spread of robotic milking machines that provide efficiency for the farmer and great care of the cows. Bill Kilcer was an early adopter of this cutting edge technology, which has enabled him to keep farming as he ages. Robotic milking systems are helping many dairy farms stay in business.

Happy cows

With the help of robots, each cow in the herd can choose to be milked basically on her desired schedule and, each time, weight and temperature are checked keeping a thorough health record. Windstott cows also have constant access to brushes so they never have an itch they can’t scratch. They even have waterbeds. Dairy farmers and others have come from all over to tour the farm and learn about this system.

You have to love farming and love being outdoors. That's me in a nutshell.

- Bill Kilcer

Moving but rooted

Bill Kilcer’s father started farming in 1953 in Stottville, New York. Bill moved the farm about 200 miles west to Genoa, NY in 1992. He and his wife Trina raised their three children on the farm and she pitches in when not working for the postal service. They have always been involved in their community and Bill served as a volunteer fireman for close to four decades.

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