University of Kentucky Secures $910,000 Grant for Innovative Cattle Management Using Drones

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky is leading an innovative advancement in livestock management, thanks to a substantial grant. The USDA has awarded the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment a $910,000 grant to explore the integration of technology in cattle management over the next five years.

Under the guidance of Josh Jackson, an assistant professor in the UK Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, the project aims to develop cutting-edge methods for herding, monitoring, and collecting physiological data from cattle. Jackson emphasized the importance of this technology for producers, stating, “Finding cows, finding calves. This can be an essential tool for a lot of producers.”

The project plans to deploy seven small drones and one larger drone. The smaller drones will assist in visually monitoring cattle activity, while the larger drone will be equipped to spray herbicides along fence lines to maintain pasture health. Jackson noted, “Going along fence lines, spraying some herbicides, you know, getting rid of weeds, so this could be a very effective tool for some more cattle operations across the state.”

In initial tests, the drones demonstrated a striking level of effectiveness. Jackson explained that flying a drone at a height of about 30 feet does not disturb the cattle significantly. However, he noted that the presence of multiple drones issues a response from the cattle, indicating that flight patterns need to be considered in future operations.

The drone system not only increases efficiency but also enhances safety. Unlike traditional cattle herding methods that utilize dogs, drones minimize the risk of injury both to the cattle and the handlers. Additionally, drones can provide 3D imaging capabilities to estimate the weight and overall health of the cows without physical interaction, streamlining the cattle management process.

Incorporating thermal imaging technology will allow farmers to monitor their cattle during the Fall season when visibility decreases. Each cow will be outfitted with a monitoring belt that tracks heart rates, as well as a collar for location tracking. Jackson highlighted the operational benefits, stating, “If you can check cows without ever having to open a gate, that’s a huge benefit to them.”

While currently, the use of drones in cattle management is not cost-effective, there is optimism that advancements in technology will lead to more affordable solutions in the future. The initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing cattle farming practices, ultimately enhancing productivity and ensuring the welfare of livestock across Kentucky.