Monday, 04 April 2016 14:55

Camera technology trials underway

Written by Rural News Group

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Paul Whiston.

Camera imagery technology to get data on cows may soon be available on farm.

LIC Automation says it is trialling and early results are encouraging.

The co-op's automation chief executive Paul Whiston says data obtained from cows via camera imagery can be added to the herd recording service Minda.

"We hope to release the new technology at the National Fieldays; the LIC stand will be busy this year," he told Dairy News.

LIC Automation was formed in June 2015 following the co-op's takeover of milk sensor technology firm Dairy Automation Ltd in February 2014 and a decision to merge it with the co-op's automation business Protrack.

LIC Automation makes integrated and innovative systems, aimed at improving productivity onfarm, says Whiston. It recently bought 75% of Beacon Heat Detectors Pty Ltd, Australia, a maker of heat patches to help farmers identify cows on heat.

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