Pellon DataService brings relief to herd feeding by Tuula | Mar 17, 2026 Korkiamäki farm Etusivu|Pellon DataService brings relief to herd feeding Pellon DataService brings relief to herd feeding 17.3.2026 Since last autumn, Juhani Korkiamäki has been using Pellon Group’s new DataService remote feeding management system in his cowbarn. After half a year of use, his experiences have been very positive. The system enables real-time monitoring of feeding equipment, remote control, and analysis of feeding history, while also saving labor. In 2009, a one-robot cowbarn was completed for Juhani Korkiamäki in the Asemanseutu area of Ylistaro, and it was expanded into a two-robot cowbarn in 2010. From 2014 to 2020, he was a partner in a joint operation, after which he sold his share and once again focused on his own milk production. The current total number of cows is approximately 120. Originally, the feeding was done as separate silage feeding, but in 2010 he switched to total mixed ration feeding (TMR). The original belt feeder is still in use, and only a few components, such as the scraper and one belt, have needed replacement. “At first, TMR feeding was done with a stationary five-cubic-meter mixer and two filling tables, but in 2023 I replaced it with a fixed 22-cubic-meter mixer. I removed the filling tables and instead load the silage directly into the mixer with a front loader, as it turned out to be a faster method,” he explains. However, the full capacity of the new mixer could not initially be utilized, as it is challenging in a four-row cowshed to provide enough feeding places for the entire herd. As a result, the cows were not always able to eat when they wanted. “With certain space and pen layout solutions, I was able to eliminate the problem and add more feeding space.” Mixing feeds for optimal production Korkiamäki prepares the TMR in the mornings and distributes it to the dairy cows twice a day, following the principle that there is always feed available on the table. Leftovers are not left on the table but are cleaned away daily. Every other day, he also prepares other rations, such as those for dry cows, heifers, and calves. As a basis for feeding plans, he wants to know exactly what kind of forage from the three harvests during the growing season ends up in the silos. “For example, last summer the first cut was good, but the following ones were somewhat weaker. By mixing them together, I aim to optimize the best possible feed so that daily milk yield remains as high and steady as possible,” he states. Next summer, his goal is to harvest about 15 hectares of grassland approximately one week earlier than usual to obtain a very high-energy forage. Based on analyses, the remaining second cut from 2025 requires such a forage to complement it in order for the feeding to work as intended. Ylistaro-based milk producer Juhani Korkiamäki has been using the Pellon DataService remote feeding management system since last autumn. According to him, remote use is one of its key features, as feeding distribution times can be adjusted alongside tractor work without visiting the feed storage building. This will become particularly important during peak fieldwork seasons. Versatile benefits gained from DataService Korkiamäki has worked closely with Pellon Group ever since the cowshed was built. He began using Pellon’s new DataService remote feeding management system last autumn. One of the key features of the system is the ability to monitor the operation of feeding equipment in real time, either via a computer or a mobile phone. All settings—such as editing group information or feed mixes—can be managed remotely without extra visits to the feed storage building. This is particularly important during busy work seasons. In addition, the system records and analyzes feeding history: what was fed, when, and to which animals. Korkiamäki has already noticed how much the remote management system has eased his work, increased flexibility, and provided diverse information about feeding. “Feeding history is one of the system’s most important features. I can immediately see what components were used yesterday or over an entire month, what kinds of TMR batches were made, and what was distributed to each pen or animal group.” “Feed data are important records, especially since there are three of us preparing the TMR. If I’m away for the weekend, I don’t need to ask the others what size batches they’ve made. That frees up a lot,” Korkiamäki emphasizes. The software also brings direct savings, for example when an agricultural supplier has a one-day offer on rapeseed meal. Even if Korkiamäki is up in the snowy landscapes of Kuusamo, he can immediately check from the feeding history how much rapeseed has been used, how much space is available in the silo, and place an order for the discounted amount right away. In Juhani Korkiamäki’s cowshed, the original belt feeder installed in 2009 is still in use, feeding a herd of approximately 120 cows. When working under the belt feeder was not sufficiently well lit, LED light chains were installed beneath the feed belt. This not only improves work safety, but the cows also seem to appreciate the light—feed intake has increased since the lights were installed. Korkiamäki’s Pellon Feedline feeding system is controlled via its own G-Pro2 control unit. The complementary DataService remote management system can also be operated remotely, for example via a smartphone. Remote use is a major benefit, especially during silage season Real-time functionality is a major advantage in feeding, Korkiamäki illustrates. “In automatic feeding, the finished TMR batch prepared in the morning is waiting for its programmed distribution time. If I see on the camera that the batch could be distributed earlier so that the table doesn’t become completely empty, I can now change the distribution time remotely.” Especially at the feeding places next to the robot, the feed table is cleared first. A separate batch can also be programmed specifically for those areas. “For these changes, there is no need to come to the cowshed. Being able to change feeding times remotely will significantly ease work, especially during peak fieldwork seasons such as silage making, since we produce most of the feed with our own machinery—regardless of where I happen to be.” On a weekly basis, Korkiamäki also sieves and washes manure to determine the dry matter content of the remaining solid mass. He forwards the data to the feeding planner, with whom he reviews whether changes are needed in the feeding plan. “I’m a bit of an impatient person and like to make changes immediately so that the next TMR batch already follows the new plan. Thanks to this program, changes made to TMR recipes are transferred directly into the system,” he explains. He also monitors the cows’ dry matter intake by measuring feed moisture. In the future, the goal is to use the program to transition to dry matter–based feeding, meaning that recipe components are entered as kilograms of dry matter, allowing feeding to be fine-tuned even further. Pellon DataService is compatible only with Pellon Group’s own feeding systems and is available for systems equipped with the G-Pro2 control computer. The software update is easy to install from a USB memory stick and takes about 15 minutes. Korkiamäki’s herd is fed with TMR prepared using a fixed 22-cubic-meter mixer and distributed with a belt feeder in the dairy barn. Interested in our solutions? Contact us to find out more about all an automated feeding system has to offer. Sales contact information See our other customer stories Text and photo Arto Takalampi
