Good Morning. Today weather brings us frequent blustery showers across west and northwest Scotland, with a few showers also across Northern Ireland and northwest England. Elsewhere, mainly dry with some sunshine. Windy in the north. As for tomorrow it will be likely to see some rain in the south with showers elsewhere. A mix of sunshine and showers over the weekend for many.

In todays email:

• Saga Robotics: Now treats nearly 10% of UK strawberries through expanded Thorvald robotic services and new partnerships.

• Genomic Testing: Increases dairy herd quality gap.

• Hawkstone: One of UK’s fastest-growing companies.

Next-Gen Robot Treats Nearly 10% of UK Strawberries

Agri-tech firm Saga Robotics has significantly expanded its Thorvald robotic services across the UK. With new hubs and collaboration with nine leading strawberry growers, Saga now treats nearly 10% of all UK strawberries.

Thorvald robots have led to a 60-90% reduction in pesticide use and offer a 40% return on investment. Over its lifetime, a single robot reduces emissions equivalent to the annual absorption of 3,000 mature trees, cutting 150 tonnes of emissions.

Sandy Booth of New Forest Fruit Company highlighted the benefits: "Integrating robots into our strawberry-growing operation helps protect the environment and supports our innovation and sustainability goals."

The Thorvald 3 robot uses high-intensity UV-C light to control powdery mildew, reducing the need for chemicals. It also features advanced data collection and predatory mite dispensing.

Saga's CEO, Anne Dingstad, emphasized Thorvald's impact: "Our autonomous robotic platform represents a leap forward in sustainability and health. We're reducing chemical use and creating a synergy between technology and nature for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable approach to food production."

Genomic Testing Widening Gap in Dairy Herd Quality

Since 2012, dairy producers have been able to genotype their heifer calves, leading to a significant increase in genetic quality for those who participate. This has resulted in a noticeable gap in genetic merit between herds that use genomic testing and those that do not.

According to AHDB, there's a £193 difference in the average Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) between the most and least engaged herds. Herds testing 75-100% of their heifers average a PLI of £430, while those testing only 0-25% average £237. This genetic difference translates to a potential profit increase of over £50,000 for a typical 175-head herd.

The number of herds participating in genomic testing has sharply increased, with 100,000 heifers tested annually. This is projected to grow by 15% in 2024, covering various breeds including Holstein, Friesian, Ayrshire, Jersey, and Guernsey.

Genomic testing corrects misidentifications, improves traits like fertility, and enhances overall herd quality. Farmers using genomic testing benefit from shorter calving intervals, better non-return rates, and improved fertility parameters.

Maintenance costs have also decreased in herds that engage in genomic testing, thanks to breeding cows with lower maintenance requirements. This is linked to a shift in breeding focus from milk production to health, management, and fertility traits.

Farmers are encouraged to use genomic testing and better genetic selection to improve their herds' profitability and sustainability. The financial benefits are substantial, making it a compelling choice for all dairy producers.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone one of UK’s fastest-growing companies.

New Holland and Bluewhite announce strategic partnership.

eAgronom raises €10M Series A2 round to boost sustainable farming practices.

Farmers light bonfires to send election message.

Green light for agricultural firm's expansion plan.

New 10-year farm tenancy opportunity on Swinton Estate.

🎥 Creators on Farm

AHDB announces the results of the Milk Every Moment pilot campaign.

WardysWaffle Andrew Ward Farmer talks about the weather which is causing more crop loss and new weeder makes an appearance.

Olly Blogs concrete problems and sneak peek of his new toy.

Tom Pemberton Farm Life shows us how to milk 150 cows in rapid time.

🛒 Products Under £1000

Buffalo compact tractor spring tine cultivator.

The handy THHTA hollow tine aerator.

1 wire geared reel & fibreglass post 200m grazing kit.

Galvanised stock fencing L8/80/15 for sheep, pig and livestock 80cm high, 50m long.

🧀 Farm to Fork

Wholesaler Turner Price has been acquired by the independent buying group arm of Bidcorp UK, Caterfood Buying Group.

New creamery launches Wales’ first milk processing site.

Police officer in Germany fired for stealing 180 kg of cheddar.

AJ Pritchard and James Martin among celebs as 'UK's largest cheese festival' comes to Staffordshire.

Council buying dairy farm for nature recovery.

Your feedback is important to us. Please email us to share your thoughts or any suggestions you may have.

Thank you for reading and please take moment to share and follow us on social media.

If you haven’t already, consider subscribing below.