Nantyrhebog

Investigating the potential Return on Investment of technologies available for farmers

Michael and Bethan James of Nant Yr Hebog near Carmarthen run 130 three-way cross with Norwegian Red and Montbeliarde cows, predominantly grass based systems concentrating on milk from forage and rearing their own heifer replacements. They believe in keeping the system simple with grass, silage and cake being the only feed.

Although they run a simple system, Michael and Bethan are keen to investigate if technology can offer assistance and improved efficiency and at what rate of return to their current KPI performance for fertility, production, health, metabolic and potential labour saving.

For the last 5 years, cows have been monitored through pedometers, but now due to be upgraded. Michael and Bethan want to weigh up his options on different technologies on cow monitoring which will cover cow health, fertility and rumination. Additionally, they are considering installing auto drafting gate systems and robotic scrapers over the coming years to reduce labour.

The project at Nant Yr Hebog will investigate potential Return on Investment of technologies available for farmers running a similar system and any additional technology which could be of added value in the near future.

The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Improving air quality
• Maximising resource efficiency
• Achieving and promoting high standards of animal health and welfare
• Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases