The Rapid Rise of Technology across the Dairy Sector

By Megan Glen

In recent years, within agriculture, the dairy sector has undergone a transformative journey, revolutionised partly by the integration of cutting-edge technology and software. This revolution hasn’t just reshaped the way farms operate, it’s also significantly benefiting those on and off farm across the industry.

One of the key advancements in the UK dairy farming sector is the implementation of precision agriculture, an area of the market that is anticipated to grow in value by 77% before 2028 (Price Bailey Chartered Accountants, 2023). Precision agriculture is something that has been used across many sectors of agriculture, in particular, arable, for some time but has seen a real boom in the dairy industry recently.

This form of technology involves the use of advanced sensors, GPS technology and data analytics to optimise various aspects of farming, such as feed management, herd monitoring and resource allocation. For dairy farmers, precision agriculture has become a game-changer for enhancing both efficiency and sustainability and herd and human well-being.

A prime example of this rise is the adoption of smart sensors to monitor the health and well-being of dairy cows. These sensors are designed to track vital signs, activity levels, eating habits, and body temperature, providing farmers with real-time data to identify potential health issues early on or key times for gestation and calving.

Utilising this technology allows farmers to act promptly and accurately, ensuring the overall health and productivity of their herds. This not only improves animal welfare but also contributes to increased milk production.

In addition to improving herd health, precision agriculture has enabled dairy farmers to optimise their use of resources and overheads. Smart irrigation systems help conserve water by delivering precise amounts when and where it is needed. Efficient nutrient management, facilitated by technology, ensures that grass and crops receive the right amount of fertilisers. These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the long-term viability and sustainability of dairy farming operations.

The rise of automation in the dairy industry is another ever-growing aspect of the technological surge. Automated and robotic milking systems, have, for as many as 4 in 10 farmers (Ingenia, 2017), revolutionised the milking process. These systems not only reduce the physical strain on farmers but also improve overall efficiency. With automated milking, cows can be milked at their own pace, leading to typically increased milk yields and enhanced animal welfare.

On top of all of these other technologies, farm management software and data analytics tools provide farmers with valuable insights into their businesses operations. From financial planning to resource management, these tools empower farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately boosting the overall productivity and profitability of their farms.

The benefits of technology in the UK dairy farming sector extend beyond the farm gate. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the origin and production methods of the food they consume. The transparency that can be offered by technology allows dairy farmers to provide consumers with real-time information about the journey of their products from farm to table. This not only builds trust but also satisfies the growing demand for ethically produced and traceable dairy products.

But, what does the rise of technology in the UK dairy farming sector, and the way it has revolutionised farm operations, mean for those currently working in or looking to move into agricultural technology to improve farm efficiency, sustainability and overall productivity.

From precision agriculture and automation to data analytics and farm management software, all of these technological advancements require experts in both agricultural and technology to design, develop, maintain and educate farmers and many others in the dairy industry.?

At Noble Futures, we are able to attest to this growing demand for skilled experts from both within and outside of agriculture for this growing area as we continue to place individuals across a broad range of positions within agricultural technology and precision agriculture businesses.

This is a truly exciting and ever-growing sector within farming and will continue to offer rewarding job opportunities to those both from and outside of agriculture. If you would like to speak further with one of the Agricultural and Equine Team at Noble Futures to discuss the exciting opportunities available in Agri Tech or your hiring needs in this specialised area, please contact us today at:

[email protected] +44 (0) 161 820 3510 +353 (0) 1 5241929