In the United Kingdom, a breakthrough 3D monitoring system deployed at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, Wales, is transforming dairy herd management. The technology, developed by UK-based agri-tech firm HerdVision, delivers real-time insights into dairy cow health, fertility, and productivity using 2D and 3D infrared imaging. This innovation is reshaping livestock care, training, and operational strategies on farms and agricultural campuses.
In a major leap for precision agriculture in the United Kingdom, the agricultural campus of Coleg Cambria Llysfasi in Wales has adopted a cutting-edge 3D video monitoring system to transform dairy farm operations and student training. Developed by British agri-tech firm HerdVision, the system is already showing strong results in terms of animal health, productivity, and operational efficiency.
Installed in September 2024 at Llysfasi’s working farm, the HerdVision Smart Agriculture platform utilizes a combination of 2D and 3D infrared cameras, edge computing, and AI-powered algorithms. The system captures and analyzes real-time data from a 280-cow dairy herd, instantly alerting farm staff about early signs of illness, lameness, fertility cycles, and changes in mobility or body condition.
“Since installing HerdVision, the impact has been remarkable,” said Dewi Jones, Llysfasi Farm Manager. “It supports key decisions related to milk production, hoof care, and fertility, and complements traditional livestock management methods with powerful data insights.”
The system has also become a key educational tool. Jones noted that the live data enriches the student learning experience and aligns with the college’s focus on precision agriculture. “The cows are assessed twice daily, and the immediacy of the data is extraordinary,” he added.
HerdVision’s CEO and Co-founder, Matthew Dobbs, highlighted the technology’s expanding global reach, with installations in the US, New Zealand, Uruguay, and across Europe. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Coleg Cambria and witness firsthand the benefits this tech delivers.”
HerdVision’s real-time mobility monitoring helps detect lameness early, significantly lowering both treatment costs and animal discomfort. Additionally, the system supports collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and nutritionists, thanks to consistent year-round data accessible through a dedicated app.
“Using AI and infrared imaging, we can monitor health to the millimetre,” said Hannah Grummett, HerdVision’s Relationship Manager. “It’s an unprecedented level of detail that drives proactive care.”
Georgia Thresh, Chief Veterinary Officer at HerdVision, emphasized the broader impact: “Vision tech is redefining what’s possible in dairy management and will help shape global veterinary and farming standards.”
As the demand for sustainable and tech-driven farming grows, the success at Llysfasi shows how digital innovation can enhance both learning and livestock care in real-world environments.
