Source: FarmingUK.com

September 27, 2013 — Tracking animal behavior, improving heat detection, picking up subclinical disease, improving grazing outputs and reducing lameness will all be discussed at a one-day event showcasing the latest innovations and new technologies in the dairy sector.

Organized by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, this event is part of the Precision Livestock Initiative which is demonstrating practical applications of precision farming on livestock farms across the country.

The event will be held on Tuesday 15th October, 10am-4pm at Iron Acton, Bristol and will cost £15 (USD=24.18) for farmers to attend with lunch provided.

Regardless of the size of operation, monitoring and measuring various traits on farm can help make more informed management decisions leading to improved performance.

Mike King, who runs an expanding 450-cow dairy unit near Bristol is hosting the farm visit and has invested in a number of precision technologies.

“Mike is an inspirational dairy farmer looking at cutting edge technologies and tools to drive his business forward,” says Charlotte Johnston, livestock technical specialist for the RASE.

“This is an opportunity for other dairy producers to come along and discuss the pros and cons of investing in precision technology.”

Barclays is delighted to be supporting these events, bringing you access to real life examples of where precision innovation can play a role in farming systems.

Martin Redfearn, National Head of Agriculture said: “The more successful businesses in UK agriculture have a considerable track record over many years of innovation and early adoption of new technology to enhance their success. The pace of change and range of opportunities are unlikely to diminish in the future and we believe it is vital for all farmers to keep in touch with innovations and understand how they can be applied to their farming businesses to enhance their management and physical and financial performance.

“We are committed to supporting events like these because they offer valuable education opportunities, and inspiration for farmers to help them find technical and practical solutions to grow and expand their businesses individually, and the agriculture industry as a whole.”