Royal Welsh Show 2013: Hi-tech solutions to boost farm profits

Welsh farmers attending the Royal Welsh Show are being urged to embrace new technology and services to increase profitability and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch of an inaugural exhibition featuring hi-tech innovations, Wales’ farming minister, Alun Davies, said farmers must be open to new ideas, new developments and new ways of working.

The Tomorrow-Today exhibition showcased everything from new grass and clover varieties to GPS technology.

One of the exhibitors was Tom Allison, a farmer’s son who develops, installs and maintains computerised dairying systems from the family farm at Sychpant, near Cardigan.

One of Tom’s developments is a system that records a cow’s temperature and alerts farm vets of cows that could be suffering from mastitis or other production-related problems. This allows treatment to be instigated before serious signs become visible.

Another exhibitor, eCow, which produces bolus technology designed to improve animal health, was awarded the Royal Welsh Show Award of Merit for a new innovation that shows the most potential for improving agriculture in Wales.

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