For livestock farmers and vets alike, the challenges and choices in prioritising high return-on-investment management changes will be tackled by a Precision Livestock Farming in Practice Conference on 23 to 24 November.
A core theme is the ultra-early detection of sub-optimal animal performance to prompt timely intervention and strengthening of preventive measures. More efficient and targeted use of scarce resources, from labour to materials, is the priority of this sustainable precision approach.
The programme covers proven principles of high precision management that can be applied in practice to any livestock enterprise. These will be illustrated by examples in dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry and fish and will focus on what is possible now and where developments might take the future of livestock production.
The conference takes place in the York Biotech Campus hosted by RAFT Solutions, the Ripon-based research-into-practice specialist. An international speaker panel includes Stephen LeBlanc from the University of Guelph, Canada; Nic Friggens of the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), France; Andrew Bradley from Quality Milk Management Services; Mark Rutter from Harper Adams University; and sheep and fish vet Ruth Clements.
An example session is “Big Tech and what it offers Precision Livestock Farming”, exploring the use of data to empower precision decisions with Jasmeet Kaler from University of Nottingham. In open debate, this session will cover consumer perceptions, legislative governance and impacts upon or opportunities for farmers and vets.
From RAFT, Chief Executive Jonathan Statham says the programme involves maximum participation during farm visits and practical workshops, expert-led training and conference presentations. “All conference-goers, whether attending in person or on-line, will be challenged to adapt their thinking and focus on post-conference changes for the better,” he says.
To register, visit the conference page on the RAFT website.
