increase font size
Dairy Smart says it uses AI to help farmers tackle mastitis.
A rising somatic cell count (SCC) today can mean lower profits tomorrow.
With this season’s payout, this could mean lower milk volumes and higher costs that leave farmers out of pocket.
DairySmart says it uses AI to help farmers tackle mastitis by identifying pathogens, providing precise detection, and sustainable solutions. This reduces economic pressures and improves herd health, enhancing farmers’ bottom lines.
In New Zealand, the annual cost of this disease is estimated to exceed $200 million, while globally, it surpasses $35 billion. The extensive use of antibiotics increases economic costs and raises concerns about antibiotic resistance, leading to regulatory changes in many countries.
The global industry has put in measures to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Last year, over 1 million lives were lost due to AMR-resistant bacteria - projected to rise to 10 million deaths/year by 2050.
In New Zealand, the discovery of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Staph aureus (MRSA) in several dairy herds highlights the urgent need for rigorous testing of milk to identify resistant bacteria. It’s essential that we accurately test cows to mitigate the risk of spreading these pathogens in our herds.
DairySmart received the NZPI Technology Innovation Award in 2023 and says it continues to make progress in a competitive landscape with its precise diagnostics and user-friendly reporting for farmers and veterinarians.
The company follows an evidence-based approach, and says independent testing confirms it has market-leading accuracy.
DairySmart’s userfriendly technology has been attractive to European veterinary clinics and their farmers due to mandatory reductions in antibiotic usage; with similar regulations anticipated for New Zealand.
The company says European clinics often prefer DairySmart’s solutions, citing “enhanced speed, comprehensive reporting, and improved accuracy as key factors in their transition from other products”.
It says an independent scientific review found that DairySmart’s Smart- Screen before autumn dry-off effectively treats infections while significantly reducing antibiotics. “This supports sustainable farming and offers economic benefits. Some farmers have seen a 90% reduction in antibiotic use, 55% less mastitis, and $30 extra per cow from savings and increased milk production with DairySmart.
“DairySmart’s patented aseptic milk sampling technology facilitates rapid and precise pathogen testing, extending beyond mastitis detection. This technology has led to a notable increase in demand for Johnes testing.”
As DairySmart grows, it says it remains committed to advancing agricultural technology and promoting responsible farming practices through on-farm support and innovation. The company aspires to lead in on-farm pathogen diagnostics and support.
Ben Davidson is the CEO and veterinary advisor. The company is increasing its operations in New Zealand and meeting demand from British and various European markets. It offers services to clients in over 12 countries, including Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine.
The DairySmart board is implementing steps to manage this expansion, describing it as a “great challenge to be facing.” Their successful capital raise is nearing its target, which will be used to enhance DairySmart’s artificial intelligence capabilities towards achieving 99% accuracy and expand their diagnostic services.
Scanning is a great time to start identifying and managing groups of ewes based on feeding priorities. Wormwise's Mary Bowron discusses some of the possible reasons ewes lose condition in early winter - and it's not necessarily internal parasites.
Healthy, well-grown calves are the building blocks of any future dairy herd. Giving them the best start to life is crucial, and the primary strategy to reduce the burden of disease caused by rotavirus infection is vaccination.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers with lucerne stands to graze them hard over the next few weeks in preparation for a winter weed control programme.
Animal welfare improvements as well as reduced costs for dairy farmers are at the heart of a new move which could help cut back on the waste of unused vet drugs.
New research suggests sheep and beef farmers could improve both profitability and emissions efficiency by increasing lamb weaning weights, with only marginal changes in total greenhouse gas emissions.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson says his party – NZ First - isn’t opposed to the “trade element” of a free trade deal with India.
The managing director of a company seeking to build a solar farm in Canterbury says receiving fast-track approval is a “really positive outcome”.
Retiring MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron is blasting the Green Party for proposing to ban the use of synthetic fertiliser and cutting cow numbers.
A huge reduction in ACC claims from on-farm accidents over the last five years is due to thousands of small, practical decisions being made in sheds, yards, paddocks and around kitchen tables across the country, says Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson.
Wayne and Ange Moxham of Horowhenua have just been named as Fonterra's top organic performer for milksolids. As well as providing organic milk to Fonterra, the couple also sell Udderly Organic milk to more than 100 outlets in the region and are embarking on another exciting venture producing organic gelato. Reporter Peter Burke went along to see their farming operation.
Certainty and a clear understanding of the needs of rural communities is a critical outcome in the series of government reforms that are taking place at present.
OPINION: Staying on Plan Change 1, NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones took to social media to gain some political…
OPINION: All eyes are on the Government as Waikato farmers seek urgent help to fend off the controversial Plan Change…
