Holland’s floating dairy farm, 3D printing and drones as well as more familiar breeding, disease and forage-growing technologies have been confirmed among the exhibits at the brand new Dairy-Tech event, taking place at Stoneleigh Park on 7 February.

image expired

Combining the totally novel with the more familiar means that Dairy-Tech promises to be a completely new concept for the dairy sector. It will showcase ground-breaking technology from robots to virtual reality, giving farmers the chance to experience these developments first hand. But it will also host more familiar on-farm innovation such as genomics, use of drones for grassland management, management apps and pen-side diagnostics for disease detection.

RABDF managing director Matt Knight says the time is right for an event to stimulate ideas and open up the dairy sector to the kind of technologies that are shaping the future of every business. “ For example, while 3D printing isn’t yet widely used in the sector, it has the potential to print spare parts required in parlours and on farm as needed, minimising any down-time or loss of efficiency.

“And while the model of Holland’s floating dairy farm is unlikely to ever be a commercial proposition, it’s looking at important issues around nutrient recycling, carbon emissions, space utilisation and education – all of which have relevance to today’s dairy farm.”

And the perennial issue of slurry separation will be tackled by Power & Water and Coleg sir Gar.

As well as the innovation ‘hub’, there will be a dairy business focus with speakers covering a range of topics from applied genomics for progressive dairies, to busting the milk myths facing the industry, promoting dairy to the Millennial generation and advice on borrowing and funding.   Further sessions include ways to tackle the labour shortage – how technology and innovation could hold the answer – and genetic as well as practical solutions to antibiotic resistance.

Harper Adams’ Hands Free Hectare and the RAU’s Farm 491 will showcase their newest projects whilst Lely will demo its very latest automation and house the brand new Discovery scraper on its stand. 

Drone AG and Bexcopter will be showcasing their drones, highlighting disease management applications. There will also be the chance for visitors to walk around Bexcopter’s specially designed virtual reality environment.

Addressing more practical challenges, hoof trimming demonstrations will be carried out by National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers chairman Steve Paul; demonstrations will include both knife and grinder techniques as well as showing correct methods for sharpening trimming knifes.

Full speaker timetables can be found online alongside information on new products.  Tickets are now available, costing £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk or are free for RABDF members – those wishing to join can sign up here.  All pre-purchased tickets are eligible for a personalised itinerary, a copy of which will be emailed out ahead of the event to help visitors utilise their time efficiently by suggesting the most relevant stands, seminars and workshops to attend.