AI technology aids egg farms with £2.6m funding for better hen welfare

In the UK, AI technology has received a significant boost with £2.6 million in funding from the government to enhance efficiency at egg farms. This initiative, aimed at improving animal welfare and potentially lowering egg prices, marks the beginning of a three-year trial involving the AI system named Flockwise. Developed by FAI Farms, along with The Lakes Free Range Egg Company and Newcastle University, the system analyzes various sensor-gathered data, including sound monitoring of hens, to detect distress signals among the birds. Each component of the technology works in tandem to support healthier and longer-living hens. FAI Farms claims that their BirdBox system, which focuses on monitoring the hens' environment and equipment, has already proven invaluable in collecting feed data and assessing egg quality. The government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) backs this project, believing that the integration of advanced AI technology could yield substantial returns for farmers. The anticipated improvements could lead to a staggering increase in annual egg production and a boost in income for UK farmers, with projections suggesting an additional 1.7 billion eggs produced yearly and an associated increase of £280 million for the industry. As part of his remarks regarding the funding, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed emphasized the real-world benefits this technology apportions to British farmers, potentially allowing them to pass savings onto consumers through lower prices. This initiative illustrates a proactive governmental approach toward modernizing agricultural practices, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Peter Kyle, the Science and Technology Secretary, commented on the exciting implications of such innovation, recognizing its critical role in ensuring the continuity of British farming. The combination of technology and efficient practices could be pivotal in addressing the challenges faced in the agriculture sector, particularly concerning animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The trial's success may pave the way for a nationwide rollout, solidifying the usage of AI in farming practices in the UK.