When people picture dairy farmers, they might imagine an old man in overalls, pitchfork in one hand and milk bucket in the other, someone using outdated methods passed down through generations. This image, while nostalgic, doesn’t truly reflect the reality of modern dairy farming. Far from being stuck in the past, today’s dairy farmers are at the cutting edge of technology and work with innovative practices in agriculture. Let’s debunk the myth that farmers are outdated by exploring the historic evolution of livestock management, the technologies transforming the industry, and the reasons why staying up to date is vital for them.

A brief history of innovation in the dairy sector

The livestock sector has a long history of adapting to advancements in science and technology. It is actually one of the first sectors to have collected and utilised data to improve productivity. Over a century ago, when record-keeping systems were still very basic, dairy farmers already measured and tracked milk yields to be able to identify high-performing cows and keep the best ones in their herd. This early emphasis on data-driven decision-making laid the foundation for systematic improvement across the sector.

The whole philosophy of collecting data can be linked to this quote often attributed to Peter Drucker, writer, teacher, management consultant and business visionary:

“You can’t improve what you don’t measure”

In order to continually improve, dairy farmers collect a huge amount of data. This process is also facilitated thanks to new technologies. In addition to data collection, what we call “smart farming” tools are very useful to optimise herd management. Here is an overview of what our dairy pilot farmers use on a daily basis[1]:

• Smartphone which our farmers always carry with them, using them to consult useful data or their decision-making apps
• Herd management platforms and apps to keep a global eye on their cows
• Collars with sensors to analyse the cows’ behaviour which sends alerts to the farmer to detect heat periods, calving, health problems, etc.
• Feeding robots which automatically mix the ration and feed the cows in the stall
• Weather station to get real-time updates on the meteorological conditions
• Hay dryer to offer high-quality forage to cows
• Milking robots allowing cows to set their own milking schedule
• Robotic scrapers to keep the stalls clean
• Automatic fans linked to a thermostat to adapt the stall’s temperature for cows’ wellbeing
• Video cameras to analyse cows’ behaviour and detect problems or calving
• Milk recording and associated data to monitor and manage feed, housing conditions, etc.

Why staying up to date is crucial for farmers

Modern dairy farming requires to find the balance between productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare. Farmers cannot afford to fall behind, as doing so could have far-reaching consequences for herd health, milk quality, and profitability. Here’s why staying informed and embracing innovation is essential:

Improved decision-making

Data-driven tools enable farmers to monitor milk production, animal health, and feed efficiency in real-time. This allows them to make precise adjustments to maximize productivity and minimize waste, but also to ensure that their cows stay healthy and happy.

Performance optimization

Thanks to milk recording and advanced feeding systems, the diet is tailored to the nutritional needs of individual cows, improving milk output while maintaining animal welfare. Technologies like automated milking stations can also identify underperforming cows early, helping farmers intervene promptly to find what’s wrong with them.

Herd management and sustainability

With growing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, dairy farmers are adopting practices to reduce the environment impact of their farm. Modern technology provides the data they need to track progress and meet sustainability goals. Audit tools also exist to assess the farm’s sustainability score.

These tools not only enhance productivity but also ensure that dairy farming remains viable in a world demanding higher standards for animal care and environmental stewardship.

Beyond dairy: a sector-wide transformation

While this article focuses on dairy, it’s important to acknowledge that innovation is not limited to this segment of agriculture. Across the entire livestock sector, technological advancements are reshaping how farmers manage their operations. From poultry farms using AI to optimize egg production to cattle ranchers leveraging GPS for efficient grazing management, the stereotype of the “outdated farmer” couldn’t be further from the truth.

Dairy farmers are part of a dynamic sector that continues to evolve. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and questioning traditional practices, they demonstrate a commitment to progress that’s essential for feeding a growing global population.

In conclusion, the idea that farmers are outdated is a myth rooted in outdated perceptions. Modern dairy farming is a blend of tradition and technology, where farmers combine years of experience throughout the generations with the latest innovations to care for their herds and meet the demands of a changing world. So, the next time you enjoy a glass of milk or a slice of cheese, maybe you will remember that behind it is a farmer making informed, tech-driven decisions to bring that quality product to your table.

[1] Please note that not all (pilot) farmers work with all these technologies, this list is the addition of tools used by our pilot farmers in all partner countries