Technology a win for managing mastitis load

Over the last financial year, eastAUSmilk ran a dairy technology uptake program, including a grant allowing members to apply for projects involving technology upgrades. A family dairy farm, milking around 170 cows under a PMR system, used the grant to invest in automation and sensor technology to improve business and management practices.

The farm struggled with high cell counts, particularly after flood events in 2021/2022, 2023/24, and 2025, with counts exceeding quality bonus after a severe New Year’s rainfall. This motivated the adoption of technology to manage cell counts and detect subclinical mastitis early. The family chose somatic cell count sensors, herd ID, and an auto draft system. Installed late last year, the system, a pivotal tool in the business, significantly improved cell counts before a flood event following Ex-TC Alfred, which pushed counts beyond quality bonus again. The technology enabled rapid management, bringing counts back within acceptable limits within two milk collections—something unachievable in prior flood events.

The system has delivered additional benefits: remote herd monitoring via a phone app, reduced medication use during dry-off, and improved workplace health and safety. The auto draft system creates a calmer environment by minimizing human intervention, encouraging higher milk production. The farm plans to adopt more sensor technology, such as heat detection collars, in the future.

Jade Chan, eastAUSmilk Project Manager