Revolutionary 3D Monitoring Boosts Dairy Farming
A groundbreaking 3D video monitoring system is delivering significant economic, environmental, and animal welfare benefits at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi’s renowned agricultural campus. The HerdVision Smart Agriculture system, installed at the college’s working farm, combines advanced 2D and 3D infrared camera technology with intelligent algorithms and edge computing. Data captured by these cameras is rapidly processed and delivered to farmers through an app, providing immediate insights into the health, fertility, and productivity of their dairy herd.
With 280 dairy cows under daily monitoring, the technology offers precise "early warnings" of potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, significantly enhancing animal welfare and farm efficiency.
Dewi Jones, Llysfasi Farm Manager, explained: “Since installing HerdVision in September, the impact has been remarkable. It provides vital data on locomotion and body condition, influencing critical decisions around milk production, fertility, and hoof care. It complements traditional skills and observational techniques, giving us deeper insights and allowing quicker intervention when problems arise.”“The cows are assessed twice daily, and the immediacy of the data we receive is extraordinary,” Mr Jones added. “The technology has also proven invaluable for our students, aligning with our move towards precision agriculture. The detailed information on individual cows and herd dynamics significantly enhances our teaching and operational practices.”
HerdVision’s automated detection capabilities allow for prompt treatment of lame cows, significantly reducing both the cost and severity of the disease. The live mobility monitoring feature facilitates rapid response, ensuring minimal disruption to productivity and promoting swift animal recovery.
The system’s integration of digital camera analytics and cloud computing enables consistent, precise measurements year-round, supporting collaborative decision-making among farmers, veterinarians, and nutritionists.
HerdVision CEO and Co-founder Matthew Dobbs highlighted the global expansion of the technology, noting its successful adoption in countries such as the US, New Zealand, Uruguay, and across Europe. “We’re excited to collaborate with Coleg Cambria, seeing them reap the tangible benefits over recent months,” Dobbs said. “Our system delivers detailed monitoring that is particularly valuable for managing large dairy herds effectively.” Hannah Grummett, HerdVision Relationship Manager, emphasized the technology’s precision: “We monitor animal health literally down to the millimetre, providing farmers and advisors an exceptionally detailed understanding of herd welfare.”
Georgia Thresh, Chief Veterinary Officer at HerdVision, underscored the long-term implications: “Vision technology allows precise measurement of anything visible, transforming dairy management practices and shaping future veterinary and farming standards. We are eager to continue our productive partnership with Coleg Cambria and explore new advancements together.”
