South West Dairy Development Centre Trials Advanced Dairy Technologies

The South West Dairy Development Centre, located in Somerset, has announced the commencement of new trials focusing on the latest advancements in dairy technology. The centre, managed by Mike Jones, a dairy technical manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, is providing its state-of-the-art facilities to farmers and agri-tech developers.

Steanbow Farm, which owns the 200-cow herd at Beard Hill Dairy, allows for the testing of various technologies under commercial yet controlled conditions. These technologies include automated milking and feeding systems, precision grazing, and AI-driven hoof health monitoring.

According to Jones, the centre is not only focused on innovation but also on maintaining a relatable connection with the current dairy industry in the UK. The herd currently produces an average of 12,000 litres of milk per cow, with 4,000 litres derived from forage. The open-sided barn is equipped with fans to alleviate potential heat stress during summer, enhancing animal welfare.

The centre collects extensive high-resolution data on individual animals, supporting trials in robotics, chemical-free milking, AI hoof health detection, sensor integration, grassland modelling, and immunity research. A specific technology in use is the HoofCount Pedivue Footbath, which captures images analyzed by AI to detect digital dermatitis, with the footbath replenishing every 150 cows.

Additionally, the South West Dairy Development Centre hosts demonstrations for farmers, investors, and industry groups, offering insights into emerging technologies and their practical impacts on productivity, health, and welfare.