Jilly Grant's Herd Advance revolutionizes cattle monitoring and welfare.
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In a remarkable achievement for the agricultural sector, Jilly Grant, an entrepreneurial beef farmer from Aberdeenshire, has been awarded a prestigious national accolade for her innovative contributions to farming technology. As the co-founder of Herd Advance, a pioneering agritech firm, Grant’s work is setting new standards in livestock management and welfare.
Recognizing women in agriculture
The National Women in Agriculture (NWA) awards, now in their second year, aim to bolster the network of women in UK agriculture while highlighting their significant achievements. Grant received her award at a ceremony held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, where she was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the beef industry.
Revolutionizing cattle management with Stockman technology
Founded in 2018 alongside her husband, Murdoch Duncan, Herd Advance operates from their farm at Newton of Ardoyne, Oyne, near Insch. The company has developed a cutting-edge technology known as Stockman, which allows farmers to monitor their livestock in real-time. This innovative system not only automates the sorting of cattle but also digitizes herd management, providing farmers with critical data to enhance decision-making.
Stockman technology is integrated into a walk-in water station, where cattle are weighed multiple times a day. The system alerts farmers if any animals fail to appear, indicating potential health issues or injuries. Coupled with a mobile application, this technology empowers farmers to oversee their herds’ statistics and status from anywhere, ensuring they can respond promptly to any concerns.
Impact beyond innovation
Grant expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “I am deeply honoured. This recognition means so much, not just personally, but for the work we’re doing at Herd Advance to drive the transformation of sustainable livestock production.” She emphasized that the award represents more than just technological innovation; it signifies a commitment to making a lasting impact in agriculture.
With a background in data-driven industries, Grant recognized the vast opportunities within the beef sector to improve production efficiencies, profitability, and animal welfare through real-time monitoring. Her vision for Herd Advance is to create practical solutions that facilitate significant advancements in farming practices.
Future developments in livestock health technology
Looking ahead, Grant and Duncan are focused on expanding their technology offerings, including the development of thermal imaging systems that monitor the body temperature of cattle. This innovative approach could provide early indicators of illness, fertility cycles, and impending births, thereby enhancing overall herd health management.
By leveraging simple metrics such as weight, water intake, and temperature, Herd Advance aims to establish strong correlations between these factors and the health, stress levels, and profitability of livestock. Their systems are designed to be adaptable for various farming enterprises, ensuring that farmers of all sizes can benefit from these advancements.
As Jilly Grant continues to inspire others in the agricultural sector, her journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of women in driving change within the industry. The future of livestock farming is bright, thanks to the pioneering efforts of leaders like her.
