Automated milking systems ( AMS ) are also gaining popularity in the province: about 10 per cent of Alberta farmers have them. AMS are machines that allow the cows to enter and exit the milking stall throughout the day as they please. Each cow has an electronic neck tag that the AMS reads. The neck tag contains information that helps the AMS know if it is time to milk a specific cow again. If it is time for milking, the cow will enter the milk stall, the machine will automatically clean the teats, attach the cups and start milking. If it is not time for her to be milked she will be turned away. During milking, information is collected related to milk volume, time of milking and milk flow that the farmer can use in the management of his farm. This system is less dependent on manual labour and can increase the volume of milk produced, but it is initially a more expensive option. You can watch a video featuring an AMS system on Jeff’s farm .