Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 54 mins ago
Technology is changing how farmers manage cattle in Northern Ireland
Farmers in Northern Ireland are using new technology to monitor cattle and run their businesses.
Near Islandmagee, George McMaster uses an AI camera that identifies each cow and flags possible health changes.
The camera can spot signs of lameness early, sometimes before farmers would notice them by watching the herd.
McMaster’s son Jack says catching problems sooner can help keep cows healthy and producing milk.
Other farms use robotic milking machines and digital apps to handle milking and keep records.
In rural County Tyrone, better broadband has also helped Caleb Howard use electronic payments at his farm shop.
These tools can make farm work simpler and more efficient, but the farmers still watch their animals and manage their businesses.
Farmers in Northern Ireland are using cameras, apps, robotic milking machines and broadband to manage cattle and farm businesses.
George McMaster uses an AI camera to monitor his 300-cow herd near Islandmagee in County Antrim.
The camera identifies each cow, records a short daily video and flags changes that may indicate health problems.
Other farmers use robotic milking, digital record-keeping and online payment systems.
Farmers and a technology provider say the tools can improve efficiency and help rural businesses.
- Who
- Farmers including George McMaster, Jack McMaster, Caleb Howard and Robert Smyth.
- What
- They are using technology to monitor cattle and manage farm work.
- When
- The BBC article was published on 26 October 2026; some tools have been in use for several years.
- Where
- Farms in Northern Ireland, including locations in counties Antrim and Tyrone.
- Why
- To identify cattle health issues, simplify farm management and improve efficiency.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Robert Smyth began using the FarmDrive app to run his dairy business.
Caleb Howard said phone signal and broadband in his area were poor.
George McMaster monitors his 300-cow herd using an AI camera in the milking parlour.
- George McMaster's herd
- 300 cattle
- Caleb Howard's herd
- 90 Jersey cows
- Robert Smyth's herd
- 100 dairy cows
- FarmDrive use
- Smyth has used the app for four years
- AI camera
- Records a short video of each cow every day
What people are saying
absolutely incredible to move from all hand-done to sitting on the phone, watching what's happening outside
There's cows there we would never have thought of as lame when we were just watching them every day, but whenever the camera's watching they're picking them up so much earlier, any emergencies that we have, to check cows before they lose condition and get sick
So now everything is much simpler and much easier-used when you've got a good internet connection.
Being online and having good broadband access is really crucial now