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Saving Energy. Saving Money. Powered by Purpose.

September 21, 2026

Outside of Richmond, you’ll find Scott and Denise Gathje’s family dairy farm. Not too big, not too small, the Gathjes have worked hard to maintain their family operation, provide the best environment for their cows and innovate when they can. Most recently, they partnered with Stearns Electric on an agricultural rebate to help offset the cost of a robotic milking system.

Denise and Scott Gathje purchased their family dairy farm “lock, stock and barrel” in 1995. Through a lot of planning and hard work, and a bit of innovation, the Gathjes are making the same space work for them more than 30 years later.

ROBOTIC MILKING
“We purchased the farm from non-family in 1995. It’s always been a dairy operation, but over time, we’ve changed how we take care of our cows,” Denise said.

“We wanted to keep the farm a dairy operation, even as the industry changed,” Scott recalled. “We raised six kids and knew we would be empty nesters someday.”

They recognized the need to explore additional technologies to streamline their operation and decided to consider robotic milking.

“We didn’t want a cookie-cutter barn or operation,” Scott continued. “We wanted to do it our way, and we put a lot of thought into the design and layout of the new barn. We toured other operations and loved how the animals on robotic farms seemed calm and comfortable.”

Construction on the new barn began in 2023. On March 4, 2024, the new barn and robotic milking system began operating.

“Robotic milking is really a nice way to take care of our livestock. We can see the comfort of the cows and track their output and health, all while not having to force them to move,” Denise said.

The Gathjes quickly realized they needed another robot to keep up with their cows’ demand, and a second robot was installed in November 2025. 

BENEFITS OF THE TECHNOLOGY
With two robots, the cows are milked more frequently each day than they were previously. The robots have also reduced the need for multiple people to milk twice a day. Plus, the technology has helped increase both cow comfort and milk volume.

Data collected from the robots has been very helpful, especially when it comes to tracking animal health.

“It’s been a gradual learning process of the technology and the reports it generates since you can’t learn everything immediately,” Scott said. “There is all kinds of information out there that is not being used, and we are slowly taking the time to learn it and understand it.”

In addition to increased milk output and cow comfort, the robots continue to interest the next generation too.

Of their six children, two of their sons are active in running the family farming operation.

“Robotic milking technology has made dairy farming more inviting for our kids,” Scott said. “They are especially interested in the improvement of animal handling, which impacts the volume of milk and its return.”

“Our sons are also very good at troubleshooting technology, which is very fortunate for us,” Denise added.

WHY REBATES AND ENERGYWISE® PROGRAMS MATTER
Stearns Electric Association offers a variety of rebates and programs to help our member-consumers operate more efficiently, reduce energy costs and improve overall performance.

EnergyWise® programs and efficient technologies help Stearns Electric reduce peak demand during the times of day when electricity is most expensive. Lower peak demand means lower wholesale costs from Great River Energy, which helps keep rates competitive for all members. 

“Without programs like EnergyWise®, utilities like Stearns Electric would need to invest in additional generation and transmission infrastructure to meet growing demand,” said John Pantzke, manager of energy services. “When we can work with our agricultural member-consumers to install and rebate energy-saving technologies or enroll in a load management program, it reduces overall electricity demand. That, in turn, benefits the member directly, and benefits the entire Cooperative.”

If you’re thinking of adding an innovative technology, you’re not alone. “Visit people and work with the people out there to help you,” Denise said. “You don’t have to do it alone.”

“Don’t be afraid of changes and new technologies,” Scott added. “Be a good cow manager first – there’s people out there to help you with the technology.”