Ben Smink
Papers
2
Total Citations
87
H-Index
2
About
Ben Smink is a leading researcher in precision dairy farming, with a primary focus on optimizing automatic milking systems (AMS) to enhance both animal productivity and farm management. His major contributions lie in identifying the key factors that drive milk production in AMS environments, providing data-driven insights that help farmers maximize output per cow and per robot. His most influential work, “Factors associated with increased milk production for automatic milking systems” (2016), has garnered 74 citations and stands as a cornerstone study for the industry. In this research, Smink analyzed 635 North American dairy farms, using multivariable models to pinpoint actionable risk factors for improved performance. He further advanced the field with “Customized recommendations for production management clusters of North American automatic milking systems” (2016), which introduced a novel approach to benchmarking by clustering farms based on management practices and regional challenges. This work enables tailored, rather than generic, recommendations for producers. Smink’s research is highly valued for bridging the gap between big data analytics and practical, on-farm decision-making, making him a pivotal figure in the modernization of dairy science.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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