More ag-tech, more paid labour–what we can learn from dairy farming Down Under
Dairy farms in Australia tend to be happier than we are to invest in labour and technology – such as virtual fencing, robotic milking and outsourced admin – to increase turnover, reduce workload and future-proof their businesses
Cows headed for milking on a farm in Victoria. Photo: Getty
On a recent trip to look at the dairy industry in Australia, it was clear there is a high uptake of agricultural technology or agtech on dairy farms, primarily driven by the shortage of labour.
There is no doubt we in Ireland have developed a highly profitable system of milk production for our dairy farmers over the last 20 years. Many are now reaping the financial benefits of this advice and research, as the bank loans drawn down between 2007-15 are rapidly being paid down.
