Three Top Dairy Innovations Shortlisted for Prestigious Royal Award

Three innovations have been shortlisted for this year’s Royal Dairy Innovation Award and will compete for the prestigious title when judging takes place at Dairy Tech, organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), on 4 February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. 

Selected from a high calibre of online entries, the award recognises research and development innovations that are practical, relevant and have the potential to shape the future of dairy farming. 

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, dairy farmer, RABDF council member and competition judge Tim Downes said: “The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, making the judging process challenging. The shortlisted innovations demonstrate real potential to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability on dairy farms.” 

This year’s finalists are: 

• EpiHerd – Antler Bio
  EpiHerd helps dairy farmers identify and address factors limiting their herd’s true potential by combining gene expression data with practical, actionable insights. Using RNA testing from blood samples taken from just 10% of the herd, the system measures more than 27,000 genes and 15,000 metabolic pathways. Insights cover areas such as environment, handling, stress markers, disease resistance, and the impact of feed and supplements. By reactivating underperforming genes, farmers can improve cow health, longevity, milk yield and quality, and resilience. 

• Milk Source Heat Pump – Arkaya Energy
  The Milk Source Heat Pump from Arkaya Energy is a one-stop solution providing milk cooling, hot water generation and energy efficiency. The system instantly cools milk to 4°C while simultaneously producing hot water up to 90°C for dairy wash-downs. By recovering heat from milk cooling, the technology can significantly reduce electricity use, lower carbon footprint and cut energy costs, helping modern dairies save time, energy and money. 

• CowToilet – Hanskamp
  CowToilet offers a novel approach to reducing on-farm emissions by separating urine and faeces at source. Using a natural reflex, the system collects urine before it mixes with solid manure. The urine is stored in an airtight tank, preventing ammonia formation. Research by Wageningen Livestock Research shows separating urine and manure can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 38%, total nitrogen by 33% and nitrous oxide by 18%, while also improving housing hygiene, air quality and animal health. The CowToilet integrates into free-access out-of-parlour feeding stations and can be installed in most cattle sheds. 

The finalists will present their innovations live at Dairy Tech to a panel of independent judges comprising Mr Downes, RABDF council member Karen Halton, and last year’s winners Anthony and Jane Marsh of HoofCount. 

The winner will be announced at 3.15pm on the Innovation Hub at Dairy-Tech and will later in the year receive a signed, framed certificate and trophy from HRH The Princess Royal. 

For more information on Dairy Tech, visit dairy-tech.uk/  

About RABDF  

RABDF is the sole UK charity dedicated to the needs of dairy farmers. Established in 1876, it is the only dairy organisation to hold a Royal Patronage. RABDF is the organiser of the Dairy Tech event.