Digital Dairy Chain

SmartSTEMs Launch Programme of Digital Dairy Chain Engagement Events

The ambitious SmartSTEMs programme of events was recently launched with schools and colleges in Southwest Scotland and Cumbria. At these events, young people will have the opportunity to meet role models who work in dairy industry careers ranging from haulage to cheese makers. They will also be able to take part in interactive workshops and activities designed to highlight the role of STEM in the industry and its application from ‘Grass to Glass’. The aim is to inspire young people and develop a long-term pipeline of talent for the sector in the region.

In a recent visit to Carslae Farm near Newton Stewart, Geography students from Douglas Ewart High School heard about the range of exciting, high-skilled jobs that are available in the dairy industry. They also saw how cutting-edge technology is transforming the farmer’s way of working. Organised by Tracy Martin from the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), students toured the farm’s calving shed and saw the its Lely robotic milking parlour. Sharing some #My Job # My Journey videos, SmartSTEMs Mark Robertson showcased the great job opportunities that exist for young people in Dumfries and Galloway.

S4 Geography students visit Carslae Farm

SmartSTEMs has also been working with the Douglas Ewart High School by participating in their Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Work Ready Day. Engaging with over 180 students, SmartSTEMs ran 6 workshops that took students on a virtual dairy farm tour and a virtual dairy processing factory tour. Rounding off with a quiz and a ‘No Wrong Path’ segment about his own experiences, Mark was able to highlight the many  different pathways that can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.

Earlier this week, SmartSTEMs took the Digital Dairy Chain message to Cumbria, where they participated in the inaugural STEM Conference at Myerscough College which was attended by over 800 students. They delivered a well-received interactive session on the Science of Milk and students also heard a keynote speech from representatives of LELY who talked about the growing role of robotics in farming.

SmartSTEMs recognise the importance of inspiring young people from an early age. So, they have been putting their “money where their mouth” is by recently participating in a dairy farm visit for pupils from the Calside Primary School.  SmartSTEMs delivered a ‘make your own ice cream’ activity where over 80 pupils learned about the science of milk and its properties, as well as learning how to make ice cream at home!

At the 7th CENSIS Tech Summit

Key to the successful delivery of SmartSTEMs’ ambitious engagement programme is their network of collaborators and volunteers. Building this network in the dairy and related technology sectors is ongoing. Recent activity has included attendance at the Annual CENSIS Tech Summit which was attended by some 600 participants from the technology industries.  If you are interested in working with SmartSTEMs, either as a participating school or as a volunteer, role model or collaborator get in touch with the team.

IoT technology takes sustainable cheese-making from gouda to grate

IoT technology takes sustainable cheese-making from gouda to grate

Roll out of IoT technology showcases huge potential benefits to dairy supply chain

Appleby Creamery, an award-winning, small batch cheese producer based in the Lake District, is aiming to support its traditional manufacturing processes and make its products even more sustainable through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

In collaboration with CENSIS – the innovation delivery organisation for digitalisation and enabling technologies – the system has been designed and deployed to monitor energy use and temperatures across the creamery’s Eden Valley site.

Invitation to Participate in Research Study

Invitation to Participate in Research Study

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is leading a research study funded by the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation.

The study explores the social impact that wearable technologies for cows (e.g. pedometers, biosensors, etc.) have on the daily work and wellbeing of dairy farmers.

If you are a dairy farmer or work in a Dairy Farm that uses, has used, or is thinking to use wearable technology, we would love to hear from you and learn from your experiences.

On-farm Carbon and Soil Productivity event

On-farm Carbon and Soil Productivity event

The Digital Dairy Chain invites you to join this FREE on-farm event to discover how new technologies can help to improve soil conditions, farm productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Date & time: 7th October, 10am – 1.30pm (lunch provided)
PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE!
Venue: Milkvale Farm, Lockerbie