Generational Shift and Growth
Brothers Pauli and Iivari Pirttimaa own the farm, which underwent a generational change in 2020. “That was the year we last celebrated high ECM (Energy Corrected Milk) production with cake and coffee—though back then it was in honor of the previous generation,” Iivari recalls with a smile.
They are the third generation of farmers on the farm. After the transition, milking began in a tie-stall barn with about 50 cows, which has since been renovated for young stock. From the beginning, it was clear that a new barn would eventually be built. The previous generation, Sauli and Merja Pirttimaa, had already laid the groundwork by expanding and acquiring more fields.
Both Pauli and Iivari have been involved in farm work from a young age, making the decision to continue the farm a natural one.
Transition to Robotic Milking
With the completion of the new barn in late 2022, the cows transitioned to being milked by two Lely A5 robots. “The cows adapted surprisingly well, and we didn’t have to cull any because of the change,” Iivari recalls.
The farm had prepared for the increased animal needs well in advance, using X-Vik sexed semen extensively. Most cows and heifers calved from X-Vik sexed semen, and the herd was expanded with purchased animals, mainly pregnant heifers.
Within six months, the barn and robots were nearly at full capacity. Soon after, a third robot was added in winter 2024. That summer and fall, a small extension was built to house dry cows and heifers close to calving. The barn now has 204 stalls.
When asked about future investments, the brothers smile: “Maybe it’s time to slow down a bit. Though silage bunkers and a paved yard are on our minds—especially in this wet season,” they say.
