Producers with automatic milking systems (AMS) were surveyed to explore the impacts of AMS on their cows and to determine how producers experienced the transition. Producers perceived their transitions to AMS as successful and would recommend it. Cleaning and feeding practices stayed the same. Farms increased herd size, but decreased the number of employees and time devoted to milking labour management. There was little perceived effect on milk quality and cow health. Producers changed health

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... nagement practices, but majority found health detection easier. Only 20% of producers referred to the Dairy Code of Practice when making plans to adopt AMS. Participation in Dairy Herd Improvement programs decreased. It took on average 7 d to train a cow/heifer to use AMS and 30 d for an entire herd to adapt. Despite some challenges, producers reported that AMS improved profitability, quality of their lives and their cows' lives, and had met expectations.