Technology in the agriculture world has advanced more in the last few decade than it has in the last 100 years. For proof, let’s travel across the sea to Shepton Mallet, England where this dairy farm is using 5G-Connectivity to milk their herd. The 5G-Connectivity is known for having the fastest connection yet to be developed in the technology world.
Located in Southwest England, 50 out of 180 Friesian dairy cattle are fitted with 5G smart collars and health-monitored ear tags at the government-funded Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre. Cisco Systems Inc, is one of the developing infrastructures for networks that are seeking emerging technology.
The farm has set up several 5G tests beds that have wireless access and have mobile connection to trial the results of the 5G technology. The chosen cattle are wearing the collar will control the robotic milking system. The operation goes as so: once the cow knows that it is time to be milked, she will enter the parlor and head to one the test beds where she will approach the gates that will automatically open. From there, the device will latch onto the teats precisely once recognized as she eats food as a reward.
Project Manager, Duncan Forbes, at the farm states, “We are testing the ability of 5G to transmit the data from our sensors much quicker, and not via the farm’s PC and a slow broadband internet connection.”
The dairy farm has inherited other technology devices for their cattle such are automated brushes that rotate for cattle to rub up against, a smart-feeding system that feeds and delivers food automatically in the barn from their ceiling-mounted rails, and have curtains that are sensor-operated that open when there is good weather.
“That’s what 5G can do for farming – really unleash the power that we have within this farm, everywhere around the UK and everywhere around the world,” Cisco’s Nick Chrissos states.
5G is being used for other projects in only a few other countries in the world, but countries with near-nationwide coverage such as China, Japan, or the United States will not take part in 5G-Connectivity on their farms until 2023, according to industry analysts.
Want to learn more about 5G-Connectivity? Visit our Introduction to 5G and The Dark Side of 5G blogs!
These gadgets do not harm the cattle – they are allowing farmers to monitor any signs of distress in the cattle.
By: Kendahl Schlueter
Source: Reuters.com and Nifa.USDA.gov