The cutting-edge 3D camera tech transforms dairy farming in the arch-based university of Collegcambria, boosting cattle health, farm benefits and student learning.
North Wales College’s Working Farm employs Herdvision, a smart farming system that uses a combination of 2D and 3D infrared camera technology, smart algorithms and real-time edge processing.
Installed at the beginning of the academic year, the system captures and sends live data to the app, allowing for immediate analysis of cow’s health, mobility and physical condition.
With 280 dairy cows on the ground, the system can detect early warning signs of problems that are invisible to the naked eye, improving decision-making, productivity, and overall herd health.
“It doesn’t take away from the skills and instincts of knowing animals,” said Dewi Jones of Llysfasi Farm Manager.
“But it gives you more information to shape your decisions and predict when problems will arise.
“The cows pass through the camera twice a day and the data is sent straight. That’s incredible.”
The technology provides daily monitoring to support early intervention in radiance, a common and costly problem in dairy agriculture.
By identifying problems faster, the system will help reduce treatment times, improve animal welfare, and maintain milk yield with minimal destruction.
Jones added that Herdvision has proven valuable to students studying precision agriculture.
“It’s an incredible tool to enhance existing technology. Students can view detailed data about individual cows, observe group dynamics, and track changes.”
According to co-founder and CEO Matthew Dobbs, the groundbreaking technology is rapidly gaining international traction, with smart surveillance systems currently in use in various regions of the US, New Zealand, Uruguay and Europe.
“We are pleased to work with Koreg Cumbria and we are pleased that they have felt a great advantage and positive impact over the past few months,” Dobbs said.
He explained that the system provides detailed monitoring capabilities. “We allow early warnings and insights, which is especially important in larger dairy herds.”
Hannah Grummett, who manages the relationship between Herdvision and College, emphasized the accuracy of the system.
“We can literally monitor our body scores up to millimeters, so there’s a very accurate picture of their health and well-being,” she said.
She added that it’s not just about technology. “We are working with the farm, in which the university and other partners, veterinarians and advisors are ensuring efficiency and sustainability as a whole team.”
