Technology is changing the face of Irish Agriculture
Eoin Burns runs a beef finishing enterprise in Corofin, Co. Galway. The family run farm stretches across a total of 75 acres. The 28-year-old farmer operates a store-to-beef system, bringing all cattle to beef at approximately 24 months of age.
Technology is changing the face of Irish agriculture and Eoin has adapted to this change. After learning about the Herdwatch app from his girlfriend, Karen, he was very impressed with how easy many tasks could become.
Eoin openly admits that he is not a “very tech guy” but outlines how the app is easy for both young and older generation farmers to use.
“I don’t think I’m as tech savvy as the average 28 year old, but the way the Herdwatch app is designed is very user friendly.”
Eoin explains how the Herdwatch app ensures he is complaint at all times.
“So for TB testing, I can just look at my phone and straight away I can see which cattle are out of date, so I know I have to get a private TB test for those before I can sell them.”
Before introducing Herdwatch to his farm he would have to go look through cards and paperwork, but now he has it all on his phone for whenever he needs it.
Eoin uses the app when he purchases feed, medicine and when he is administrating medicine. He credits Herdwatch for being extremely helpful when it comes to recording data under Bord Bia’s Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS).
“When I started using it, I got a 30 day free trial; that was six or seven months ago and it’s been vital ever since.”
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