The use of robot technology and artificial intelligence on a North Yorkshire farm has impressed Rishi.
He said the Johnson family of Low Whinholme Farm, Danby Wiske, Northallerton, was a great example to the industry for the way they have embraced technology to help run their dairy operation more efficiently and productively.
During a visit to the family farm, he saw how Ross Johnson, his father Colin and uncle Robin have used a robotic milking system and associated technology which constantly monitors the herd’s health.
The three DeLeval robots have raised the yield from their cross-bred herd of Montbeliarde cows, Friesian, British Friesian and Holstein by 300 litres per cow per year – a 15 per cent uplift.
The system is integrated with an artificial intelligence tool “DeLaval Plus” which monitors up to 320 different metrics, delivering insights into individual cow health and behaviour, pin-pointing health conditions at sub-clinical stages allowing for early intervention. This monitoring also includes cameras to assess individual cow’s body condition.
It had also helped them maximise cow comfort, allowing them to graze outdoors in the summer. The cow health indicators built into the monitoring of each cow as it is milked had resulted in decreased mastitis cases.
Ross Johnson said: “Robotic milking and the system we use has revolutionised how we operate what is a medium-sized farm. It has increased our herd’s productivity and welfare, reducing vets’ bills and generally improving the welfare of our cows. We can manage them much better.”
Rishi praised the Johnsons' approach. He said: “Small to medium-sized family farms are not always associated with embracing technology but here we can see how it can make a such a difference to the day-to-day operation and the long-term profitability of the operation.”
The Johnsons’ investment in the technology was made possible with a 40 per cent grant from Defra’s Farming Investment Fund, established under the previous Government.
