Galebreaker marked its 40th anniversary with an agricultural conference and celebratory event, focused on enhancing livestock welfare and optimising farm productivity.  

Hosted in Ledbury, where the family-owned business is headquartered, the event showcased insights from industry leaders, including specialists from Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the Agri-Tech Centre.  

Jeremy Scudamore, Galebreaker's owner and managing director, reflected on the company's evolution from its beginnings on a Ross-on-Wye dairy farm in 1984 to a leader in exporting fabric-engineered solutions in over 30 global markets.  

"We're pioneering the next generation of smart farm building control systems, operated via mobile apps, complemented by consultancy services to protect livestock from challenges such as heat stress," Mr Scudamore added. 

Galebreaker's technical director, Andrew Gardner, discussed the current economic pressures on farmers, highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in farm management.  
"Tight margins mean farmers need solutions that deliver clear return on investment. Through our research projects, we aim to demonstrate how innovation can help farmers lower their carbon footprint while boosting productivity," Mr Gardner explained. 

He noted how increased energy costs, consumer demand for high welfare produce, and climate change create a challenging environment for UK farmers, many of whom operate on farms with poor livestock housing.  

"Animal welfare standards are constantly evolving, and facilities must keep pace," said Mr Gardner. He detailed the ACCED project, funded by Innovate UK in collaboration with SmartBell, which used AI-powered ear tags and sensors to monitor cow behaviour and adjust environmental controls to optimise housing and increase productivity.  

"By understanding how cows behaved and using the data to control our systems, it allowed us to make precise adjustments such as activating vent tubes. This led to more cost-effective and accurate ventilation, reducing heat stress and milk yield losses," he explained. 

Dr Nico Vreeburg, Lallemand's Technical Support Manager for Ruminants, North and East Europe, advocated for rethinking conventional barn design to better accommodate natural air flow, reducing heat stress and enhancing dairy cow comfort.  

"Never has one cow died from too much fresh air, but many suffer from not enough," Dr Vreeburg stated, emphasising the importance of open plan barns with automated side curtains and ventilated roofs, instead of solid walls. 

Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Tech Centre highlighted the role of emerging and established technologies like robotic milking and precision feeding systems in boosting farm efficiency.  

"Adopting advanced technologies can transform farm productivity, helping to manage resources more effectively and sustainably," said Mr Forbes. 

As Galebreaker looks to the future, the focus remains on advancing technologies and services that improve animal welfare and productivity. The addition of Chloe Rodriguez as animal health and welfare lead strengthens the company's on-farm consultancy.