Good morning. It's going to be a gloomy weekend, but on a brighter note, strawberries are expected to taste better this year due to the delayed warm weather. Despite the dreary forecast, Britain can look forward to enjoying delicious strawberries this summer.

In todays email:

• Hoofcount has unveiled Pedivue: A revolutionary lameness detection device designed to automatically identify digital dermatitis (DD) in cows.

• The future of farming: How AI, sensors, and robotics can address traditional agriculture's key challenges.

• Waitrose launches the creamy and foamable ‘Oato’: Waitrose has announced the launch of a fresh oat milk in store, which comes in similar packaging to cow’s milk.

Lameness technology offers rapid and precise detection.

Hoofcount has introduced Pedivue, a groundbreaking lameness detection device that automatically identifies digital dermatitis (DD) in cows, enabling faster treatment of lesions.

In the UK, 30% of cows have DD lesions, which are often hard to spot. According to Anthony Marsh from Hoofcount, only one-third of lame cows are correctly identified by farmers. Pedivue aims to help dairy farmers address this issue.

Developed by Hoofcount in collaboration with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, the South West Development Centre, and the Centre for Machine Vision at the University of the West of England, Bristol, Pedivue is the result of a two-year, £250,000 project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Unlike expensive thermal imaging cameras, Pedivue uses a consumer-grade camera to capture high-quality images of cow feet as they exit the Hoofcount footbath. A "windscreen wash" system keeps the camera clean, and automatic lights ensure clear images. A computer algorithm then identifies which foot is lame and the stage of DD.

How it works

On trial farms, Pedivue has been 80% accurate in identifying active DD lesions. The data is analysed and sent to a dashboard within two to three days, providing a treatment list for farmers. Vet Nick Bell from Herd Health Consultancy calls the technology "ground-breaking," noting that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for quick recovery and preventing the spread of infection.

Cost

The camera costs about £3,000, with a subscription fee of £1 per cow per year, which includes four mobility scoring sessions annually. Currently, Pedivue is only compatible with Hoofcount footbaths, but there are plans to retrofit it onto other footbaths in the future. Hoofcount's Excel 3.7m footbath costs £7,600.

For more information check out Hoofcount.

AI, Robotics, and Sensors: The Future of Farming.

Challenges in Traditional Agriculture

Traditional agriculture faces many challenges: inefficient supply chains, low productivity, land degradation, declining soil fertility, heavy reliance on inorganic fertilizers, water resource issues, and pest resistance. These problems threaten long-term viability and make it difficult to meet the demands of a growing population.

Smart Agriculture Solutions

Smart agriculture offers solutions by optimizing production processes and adopting eco-friendly practices. It uses advanced technologies like AI, robotics, IoT, data management systems, and intelligent decision-making algorithms to monitor and control agricultural production, improving soil health, water usage, crop management, pest and disease control, and weather patterns.

Significance

AI, sensors, and robotics can address traditional agriculture's key challenges, improve product quality and safety, and enhance farmers' incomes. However, challenges remain, including high costs, complexity, reliability, interoperability, scalability, security, privacy, ethics, and social acceptance. Further research and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to promote adoption and innovation.

Applications

• Precision Farming: Tailored recommendations based on data analysis.

• Autonomous Machinery: Efficient and precise task execution.

• Crop Monitoring: Tracks growth, health, and quality.

• Pest and Disease Detection: Provides early warnings and prevention.

• Yield Prediction: Aids in planning and marketing.

• Irrigation Management: Reduces water waste.

• Harvesting: Enhances efficiency and precision.

• Post-Harvest Processing: Ensures product quality.

• Supply Chain Management: Optimizes product flow from farm to table.

Conclusion

AI, robotics, and sensors are shifting agriculture towards smarter, more sustainable practices. Continuous research, development, and stakeholder collaboration are essential for successful integration.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

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🎥 Creators on Farm

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🛒 Under 1k

Cultivator, rotary hand soil scarifier cultivator with handle, 41cm / 16in wide, gardening and farming tool.

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🧀 Farm to Fork

Experts warn that a scarcity of organic cows is putting pressure on UK milk supplies.

Waitrose Launches Fresh Oat Milk in Dairy-Like Bottles.

Doctors urge government to withdraw ‘misleading’ campaign promoting meat and dairy consumption.

The Newt’s high-tech new butcher shop signals the return of meat, now more sophisticated than ever.

A Neurosurgeon eats this type of cheese for brain health.

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