LIVESTOCK – Innovation for Agriculture

PRECISION LIVESTOCK

The Livestock department has an experienced and knowledgeable team who are currently working on three main projects: precision Livestock Farming, 4D4F – Data Driven Dairy Decisions For Farmers and Antibiotic Resistance.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Antibiotic Resistance

May 4, 2017

The emerging resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, including…

4D4F – Data driven dairy decisions for farmers

May 4, 2017

Precision Livestock Farming

May 4, 2017

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) can be defined as the management…

THE LIVESTOCK TEAM

Richard Lloyd

Precision Livestock Manager

A farmer’s son, Richard has had first-hand experience on how new technology can improve animal welfare and reduce stress in today’s ever increasing farm sizes.

Richard is leading the multinational European thematic network, Data Driven Dairy Decisions for farmers (4D4F), and is also responsible for the Data management and Reproduction groups. 4D4F has demonstrated how sensors allow the treatment of an animal as an individual, even within a large herd, and thus enable the early identification of management and welfare issues, leading to swift and proactive remedies.

Previously, after gaining a degree in Agriculture from Newcastle University, Richard managed the family farm (dairy, poultry, beef, sheep and arable) before working in cattle genetics.

Laura Palczynski

Livestock Research Assistant

Laura joined the livestock team part-time in 2018 whilst continuing to write her PhD thesis at Harper Adams University. Her PhD research explored dairy calf rearing using interviews to understand the opinions, experiences and actions of both farmers and advisors. Prior to this, she graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare which sparked her interest in how scientific research can be practically applied on farms. She is particularly interested in how research and advice can help farmers to overcome challenges and promote best practice.

Ben Thompson

Livestock Research Assistant

Ben joined IfA’s livestock team in 2018. Since graduating with a degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University he has been an assistant production manager on a large-scale mixed farm in Herefordshire. He has experience in the dairy sector having worked on and helped to manage dairy farms in South West Wales and his home county of Herefordshire. His areas of specific interest and ambitions are helping livestock farming become innovative, sustainable and prepared as much as possible for future challenges.