Agri-EPI Centre recently hosted a member community online special interest group, bringing together farmers, researchers, and tech developers from across the agri-tech sector to discuss the power of data in cattle production and livestock farming. The event, titled “Data Collection from Livestock,” aimed to explore the various ways data-driven innovations can support the challenges faced by the industry.
Chaired by Ross Robertson, Head of Agri-tech (Mixed) at Agri-EPI Centre, the discussions were led by industry experts including Carol-Anne Duthie, Head of Beef and Sheep Research at SRUC, Andrew Gardner, Technical Director at Galebreaker, Jose Chitty, COO at SmartBell, and Sion Williams, Farm Manager at Bowhill Farming.
Carol-Anne Duthie kicked off the conversation by highlighting the technologies being developed at SRUC’s Sheep and Beef Research Centre. These include imaging systems, 3D imaging systems, GPS systems, and more. She emphasized the need for technologies that are supported by robust evidence, accessible, and user-friendly, considering the pressures around efficiency, net zero, and antimicrobial resistance.
Andrew Gardner then discussed the challenges of commercializing technology. He touched upon in-house learnings, engaging sales channels, forming new functions embraced by technology, the costs of data subscriptions, and understanding data ownership. He emphasized that the commercial offering of data is a service rather than a product, and it is crucial to demonstrate the value proposition to farmers.
Jose Chitty introduced SmartBell, an animal health monitoring and management system that provides unique data insights focused on detecting health issues in calves. The technology simplifies data gathering and presents insights directly on a phone, enabling farmers to spot problems faster, create benchmarks for tracking changes, and improve profitability, animal health, and access to funding.
Sion Williams, an innovation farmer at Bowhill Farm, shared his experience of utilizing technology to improve production. He highlighted the importance of animal genetics, grassland genetics, and soil as key focus areas for enhancing farm productivity. Sion emphasized that technology makes life easier in livestock farming.
The event concluded with an audience question and answer session, delving deeper into topics such as tech adoption on farms and data usage and interpretation. It became evident that there are numerous opportunities for livestock data collection. Agri-EPI Centre’s focus is on identifying these opportunities and exploring them with their network and farmers to ensure the sector continues to deliver successful solutions for sustainable and innovative food production.
The discussions held during the online special interest group shed light on the potential of data-driven technologies in cattle production and livestock farming. By harnessing the power of data, farmers can make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and address challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and achieving net-zero goals. The key takeaway from the event was the need for user-friendly and evidence-based technologies that deliver tangible value to farmers. As the agri-tech sector continues to evolve, collaborations between farmers, researchers, and tech developers will play a crucial role in driving innovation and shaping the future of sustainable food production.
