Friday, 17 April 2015 17:08

Dairy shed sensor firm eyes prize

Written by 

LIC subsidiary Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) is a finalist in two categories of the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards.

The Hamilton firm, soon to be renamed LIC Automation, makes sensor technology systems for dairy sheds, for real-time milk analysis.

Its CellSense system is a finalist for the Endace Innovative Hi-Tech Hardware Product award, and its YieldSense system is up for the NZTE Innovative Agritech Product award. 

CellSense meters measure somatic cell counts for early detection of mastitis. It is the only fully automated in-shed in-line somatic cell count sensor in the world, the company says.

YieldSense is a combined full-flow milk meter and milk component measuring device that measures the milk from each cow during milking. The sensor analyses yield, fat, protein, lactose, conductivity and plant wash.

Both systems integrate with LIC’s Protrack automation systems, so the farmer will be alerted to any cows seen by the sensor systems as needing closer inspection or treatment, and such cows will be automatically drafted at the end of milking.

DAL chief executive Gustavo Garza says, “the sensors are highly regarded by farmers in New Zealand, and demand from farmers overseas is increasing. Sensor technology has the potential to revolutionise herd testing and LIC is proud to be at the forefront of this technology.”

The winners will be announced in Wellington on May 15.

www.dairyautomation.co.nz

More like this

McClay: “Go hard, go fast!"

Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.

Featured

2026 fresh produce trends shaping Kiwi food culture

According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.

Editorial: Having a rural voice

OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Battle for milk

OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter