USDA funds Purdue's dairy tech venture

Sep 07, 2023

Big news from Purdue University – they've just received a $1 million boost from the USDA. Their goal is to use video magic to better our dairy farms.

Let's break it down. For dairy farms, feed is a major expense. So, imagine if there was a way to monitor how much and what each cow eats using videos, that’s precisely what Purdue is on to. And if they get it right, it could mean more consistent feed and better milk yield.

Plus, the dairy sector is aiming high. They want zero carbon emissions by 2050. By keeping a close watch on feed consistency, Purdue's project can help reach this target.

The plan involves a two-pronged approach: one team will delve into feed composition while another manages the tech side, focusing on recording and analyzing data. This adventure kicks off with tests at Purdue’s dairy station.

This isn’t their first rodeo. Purdue has a history of using tech to measure farming materials. This time, they want to pinpoint how much feed each cow consumes, even in group settings.

This tech isn't just about food and cows. It’s a tool for farmers to get a clearer picture of their operations through video insights. They aim to design it so that it works seamlessly in the tough farm environment.

And the best bit is this system is being shaped by feedback. Everyone, from farmers to experts, gets to share their thoughts on making this tool the best it can be.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.