For Simon and Kristina Signer of Sigview Farms, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. With four children, a strong family legacy, and a deep love for dairy farming, the Signers have embraced modern automation to achieve what many farm families struggle with: work-life balance.
A Legacy of Farming and Innovation
Simon grew up on the farm, working alongside his parents and learning the ropes of dairy farming. In 2012, he and Kristina took over the family operation, and they quickly realized that maintaining efficiency while raising a family required a new approach.
“When we took over, we had four young kids, and things were very busy,” Kristina recalls. “We needed to do something to work together while allowing time for our family. Automation became our solution.”
Since taking the reins, the Signers have made significant upgrades, including two steel silos, an auto-ration feed system, and two milking robots. These improvements have transformed the way they operate, making the farm more efficient while giving them the freedom to spend more time together as a family.
Automation can fit into any dairy farm, but you need to understand the pros and cons. For us, automation has allowed us to farm more efficiently and still have time for what matters most – our family.
The Power of Automation: More Than Just Labor Savings
For the Signers, investing in automation wasn’t just about making chores easier—it was about improving feed quality, cow health, and time management.
“We saw an improvement in milk production, but more importantly, our cows are healthier,” Simon explains. “With consistent feed quality and reduced transition stress, we avoid production drops and health challenges.”
The Valmetal auto ration system plays a big role in keeping their operation smooth. “Everything is automatically fed into the mixer. We just have to empty the mixer and feed with the feed cart.. That takes about an hour total, which is a huge time saver.”
Finding Time for Family, Sports, and Hobbies
One of the most rewarding aspects of automation is the flexibility it gives the Signers to enjoy life beyond the farm. Their children are actively involved in sports, junior fairs, and 4-H, and both Simon and Kristina have even found time to coach their kids’ soccer teams – something they say would have been impossible without automation.
“Last summer, both of us were coaching soccer,” says Simon. “I’ve been to many more of my kids’ events than my dad ever was able to,” he added, laughing.
Automation has also allowed Simon to pursue one of his greatest passions – big game hunting.
“That’s one of the biggest benefits of automation. I can take time away from the farm, and Kristina or my dad can easily run things. I don’t have to be here every minute to do the milking.”
A Bright Future for the Next Generation
With four children growing up on the farm, the question of succession is already on their minds. Their oldest is 12, their youngest is seven, and all of them enjoy different aspects of farm life.
“They love the animals, and they love spending time out here,” Kristina says. “Our oldest enjoys driving the skid steer and helping clear snow before school. The girls love the calves. It’s too early to tell who will take over, but they all love being part of it.”
Advice for Other Farmers Considering Automation
For farm families considering automation, the Signers emphasize the importance of research and dealer support.
“Automation can fit into any dairy farm, but you need to understand the pros, cons, and costs,” says Simon. “For us, automation has allowed us to farm more efficiently and still have time for what matters most – our family.”
With their blend of tradition and technology, Sigview Farms stands as a testament to how dairy farming can be both productive and family-friendly. Thanks to automation, the Signers aren’t just building a successful farm, they’re building a life they love.