A digital twin is a continuously updated virtual version of a real system. In dairy, that system might be an individual cow, a milking robot or the entire barn. The twin mirrors the real-time state of the animal or equipment it represents. When a cow walks to the feedbunk, her virtual counterpart records it. 

If your cows could speak, would you listen? It’s the kind of question that makes people smile at first – a whimsical thought you might share over coffee. But for me, it became a serious challenge. If animals are constantly communicating, and we fail to hear them, what opportunities are we missing – not just for better welfare but for better farming?

Application drones are now a part of normal agricultural practices, but with new modern farming tools like these available, there are often many misconceptions. This technology requires practical thinking and a solid grasp on how it functions.

Within agriculture, the dairy industry has long been at the forefront of adopting agriculture technology. How can dairies ensure their agricultural technology (ag tech) acquisitions come with real payback on their investment?

In a field outside Truro, Nova Scotia, a Holstein flicks her tail in the sunlight. The barn is quiet. The air smells of hay, damp earth and purpose. Above her, far above, three satellites glide invisibly across the sky. Together, they are measuring something that cannot be seen or smelled but is at the heart of the future of Canadian agriculture: methane.

When the words “precision feeding” come up, dairy producers usually have one of two very distinct reactions: excitement or hesitation. There are three easy precision feeding technologies outlined in this article that could help dairy farms maximize their current operations.

In modern agriculture, technology and automation have become more accessible, and small equipment can now pack a big punch. Application drones have given farmers the ability to do their own aerial applications.

There is a trend toward increased stocking density in automated milking barns. Quite a few farmers have made it work and made it look easy. It has worked for them because they have the fundamentals right.

The dairy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of this revolution. For dairy farmers seeking to enhance efficiency and productivity, AI offers a wealth of opportunities. From optimizing herd management to streamlining operations, AI is reshaping the landscape of modern dairy farming.