The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s South West Dairy Development Centre (SWDDC) offers state-of-the-art facilities for research, development and demonstration. With a focus on optimising productivity, the centre gathers more data points on individual cows than any other herd in the country to trial agri-tech and new approaches, all while upholding the highest standards of animal health and welfare through technological integration.
SWDDC is home to Steanbow Farms’ herd of 200 dairy cows, which makes up an all-year-round calving herd. The data points collected at the centre give a holistic view of the impact that emerging technology has on cow health, welfare and production. Herd fertility at the centre is excellent, which is reflected in current fertility KPI’s with a submission rate to AI at 80%, current conception rate at 45% and an above industry standard pregnancy rate of 35%.
The cows make their own decisions on when to eat, sleep and get milked, which leads to a calm, contented herd and an efficient system that helps to enhance cow health and welfare. Mike Jones, Dairy Technical Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, compares the barn and herd to a “happy family on a cruise liner holiday”.
The precision grazing system at the SWDDC is a model of efficiency, managing grazing with cow tracks, electric fenced paddocks and a grazing gate across a 42-hectare (104-acre) platform. SWDDC boasts the UK’s first fabric-roofed building, featuring a translucent roof material that transmits 20% of natural light and lightweight steel uprights.
A significant upgrade in 2022 saw the relocation of robots to enhance operational efficiency. An upstairs meeting room allows visitors to observe the herd from above, watching them being fed automatically and seeing the cows in a relaxed and calm state.
The facility provides an unparalleled environment for developing, testing and demonstrating new technologies and techniques. It supports sustainable, efficient, high-health and welfare and cost-effective milk production.
The centre is involved in various innovative projects, including:
- Grassland Modelling
- Cattle Hoof Monitor
In 2024, the centre welcomed 1,039 visitors who witnessed firsthand the power of robotics and sensor technology combined with state-of-the-art housing and precision grazing.
