The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Pioneer Farm is pioneering precision herd management with new technologies that enhance animal health and environmental sustainability. Recent upgrades include the GreenFeed system, which tracks methane emissions by monitoring cow burps, and the RIC2Discover system, which measures individual feed intake. These advancements provide students with unique hands-on experiences typically reserved for graduate programs, while positioning UW-Platteville as a leader in dairy science.
Supported by the Dairy Innovation Hub, Pioneer Farm uses GreenFeed and feed intake machines to optimize cattle nutrition, promote sustainable farming, and advance dairy management practices. The Lely A5 robotic milkers, introduced in 2021, further enhance research by collecting extensive health and production data on each cow, which supports innovative studies on cow welfare during critical stages like the dry-off period.
Through collaborations with faculty and graduate students across UW-Platteville, UW-Madison, and UW-River Falls, Pioneer Farm offers students a rare opportunity to engage deeply in research, bridging practical and academic knowledge in agriculture. With these cutting-edge technologies, UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Farm is not just adapting to changes in the dairy industry; it is actively shaping the future.
