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US Congressman impressed by robotic dairy visit

Farmer Craig Finke explains the milking process to Illinois Senator Jason Plummer and US Congressman John Shimkus.

US Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois’ 15th district toured a southern Illinois dairy that has converted to robotic milking and feeding machines – and he tells Brownfield he was impressed by what he saw.

“I think I was amazed by how the cows seemed to be pretty happy. No one was poking and prodding them, they were just kind of walking around and when it was time to go in and get milked, they go in and get milked and they get fed and they lay down.”

He tells Brownfield all legislators need to see operations like Craig Finke’s     Holstein dairy in Nashville, Illinois.

“We need to get urban and suburban legislators on our farms to look at production agriculture. That automated operation is very kind and compassionate. It is a wonder to behold.”

Shimkus says he appreciates programs like Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-A-Legislator and farmers who give lawmakers opportunities to witness agriculture first-hand.

Brownfield interviewed Shimkus after a tour of the farm with State Representative Charlie Meier and Senator Jason Plummer.

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