A livestock weighing system developed in Armidale has been recognised on the global stage, winning the “Herd Management Solution of the Year” at the 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Awards. The annual program, which evaluates thousands of nominations across farm management, robotics, and food technology, singled out Optiweigh for its innovative approach to precision livestock management.
Founded by Bill and Jacqui Mitchell, Optiweigh offers producers an automated, in-paddock weighing system that eliminates the need for traditional yard weigh-ins. The portable unit can be set up in minutes, capturing liveweight data and sending it directly to producers’ devices. Using an attractant to lure cattle onto the unit, the system records electronic identification and front-foot weight before an algorithm calculates total body weight. Updates are provided multiple times a day, with daily email summaries and additional insights available via the Optiweigh website.
The implications for producers are significant. Traditional livestock weighing requires mustering, yarding, and manual handling—processes that are time-consuming and stressful for both animals and farmers. Optiweigh’s real-time monitoring reduces labour costs, minimises stress on livestock, and provides continuous data to inform management decisions. This can lead to better feed efficiency, improved breeding programs, and earlier intervention for health issues.
Beyond weight tracking, Optiweigh has expanded its capabilities by partnering with Agscent to integrate methane emissions monitoring—the first system of its kind to measure methane while animals are being weighed. The data is delivered remotely and in real time, offering producers a clearer picture of their herd’s environmental impact alongside performance metrics.
Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of AgTech Breakthrough, highlighted Optiweigh’s practicality in a sector often dominated by complex AI and smart technologies. “While many precision agriculture solutions promise data-driven insights, few translate into practical, real-world benefits,” he said. “Optiweigh stands out by delivering immediate, accurate insights into both performance and environmental impact.”
For the Mitchells, the award validates years of development aimed at making precision livestock management accessible. “We’re proud to deliver a game-changer that enables data to aid decision-making, increasing productivity, sustainability, and profitability,” they said.
The recognition comes at a time when the agricultural sector is increasingly focused on efficiency and sustainability. Tools like Optiweigh not only streamline farm operations but also provide measurable data to support environmental stewardship—a growing priority for producers and consumers alike.
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