Collecting and measuring information from thousands of data points throughout a dairy operation is no small feat. Fortunately, today’s advances in on-farm technology make it easier to gain actionable insights into dairy herds.
A Farm to Develop New Technology
Officially opening in July 2021, the WKU SmartHolstein Lab was designed through a strategic partnership between the Holstein Association and WKU’s Department of Agriculture and Food Science. A herd of 50 Holstein cows is at the center of the premier dairy research, development, and demonstration center. Today, the lab is utilizing over 30 different technologies to help educate students and dairy producers on the potential for new data and technology in the dairy industry. Dr. Bewley said he hopes the lab also provides a place where startup companies can test their latest innovations and ease the challenges of developing new technologies before they are implemented on commercial dairy farms. “We also want to explore how we can use new types of data and multiple data sources to support the industry,” Dr. Bewley said. “The Holstein Association is very interested in exploring the potential for new phenotyping information that can eventually be used in genetic evaluation.”
Partnering to Explore More Possibilities with Data
The capabilities of Cainthus first caught Dr. Bewley’s attention several years ago. His primary focus during his doctorate studies was automatic body condition scoring in dairy cattle. As a result, Cainthus’ computer vision technology was essential for Dr. Bewley to include in the SmartHolstein Lab.
Launching the Lab Event
The official grand opening of the SmartHolstein Lab is Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, at the WKU Ag Expo Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dr. Bewley said the event is a perfect opportunity to see many technologies in use in one place. “We’ll have a tour where people can see the technologies working together, live,” Dr. Bewley said. The event will include a general overview of technologies and a technology showcase where each partner will present their technology to the audience, including industry professionals, farmers, and students. Students will also share their experiences from working in the SmartHolstein Lab. “This is only the beginning. We are starting projects and moving on to working with the data and seeing how we can open new doors to dairy data.” Dr. Bewley said.
Learn more about how Cainthus by Ever.Ag can help you keep infinite eyes on your farm and your future.
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