In a recent episode of AgTech Revolution, they explore the fascinating ways in which technology is transforming livestock management. Farmers play a vital role in driving Australia's growing economy, with agricultural exports accounting for 11.6% of the nation's international trade, particularly in the meat and livestock sector.
In this episode, they follow Victorian seed stock producer, Rob Abbott, of Mount William Charolais at Willaura, whose family have been breeding Charolais cattle for 50 years. Charolais cattle are known for their docile nature but handling them during drafting can be risky if they're stressed. To reduce stress on the animals, Rob utilises horses wherever possible for herding. The calmness and tranquillity they bring significantly reduces stress among the cattle, leading to faster weight gain.
One of the most challenging tasks in cattle farming is joining – separating the herds into multiple lines. Thanks to Rob's innovative state-of-the-art Te Pari cattle yard, this process has become seamless. The improved design ensures smooth cattle flow, minimising stress on the animals and saving valuable time for him and his staff. For what used to take him almost 3 hours, Rob can process cattle in less than an hour.
Rob also discusses the game-changing impact of eID tags, which record each animal's life history and weight in real-time. This technology has revolutionized data recording, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping, and allowing for quick decision-making based on accurate information. He can look at a bull and pull up data in a blink of an eye.
Furthermore, Rob talks about the Te Pari Dosing Gun, a cutting-edge innovation with Bluetooth connectivity that links to the scales. This allows for precise dosing tailored to each animal's weight, ensuring they receive the correct dosage without risk of under or overdosing. Not only does this promote animal health and prevent resistance issues, but it also translates to cost savings for the farmer.
In today's market, traceability and accurate record-keeping are paramount. The integration of the dosing gun with the scales provides Rob with a reliable means of tracking dosages and maintaining accurate records.
Watch the full episode here.
