LAKE NORDEN, S.D.(WNAX)- Drumgoon Dairy near Lake Norden, South Dakota has expanded and become one of the largest robotic operations in the state.  Hundreds lined up for their open house on Saturday to see the new technology.  Owner Rodney Elliot says they installed 20 robots which each milk about 75 cows a day.

He says they converted to the robotic system in part because it is more efficient and helps improve the productivity of the cows.

However, Elliot says the robots also fill a growing need they have for labor.

Don Mayer, District Manager for DeLaval (dee-la-vel) says the voluntary milking system not only increases milk production but provides a low stress environment for the cows.

Elliot says the $12 million project will have a positive economic impact on the area.  With this expansion Drumgoon Dairy now milks 5,500 cows in the 3 milking cow barns on site.