Partner Insight: See the latest dairy tech working on a live farm — Dumfries open day

British dairy farmers will have the opportunity to experience New Zealand's world-leading agritech solutions at an on-farm open day at Bankhead Farm, Auldgirth, Dumfries and Galloway, on Thursday 21 May 2026.

New Zealand is globally recognised for its efficient, pasture-based dairy systems — developed in conditions closely aligned to the UK. This open day brings that expertise to life, showcasing proven technologies designed to improve productivity, reduce costs, and support profitable milk production.

Places are free but limited. Registration is required.

>> Register Now<<

What's on show

On the day, farmers will see a wide range of New Zealand-developed technologies currently being used on British farms, including:

• Milking efficiency & automation:
  Waikato Milking Systems' rotary parlour technology, MilkTechNZ automatic cup removers, and Levno milk tank monitoring.
• Animal health & calf performance:
  Mastitis detection tools from Bovonic and Mastaplex, calf rearing systems from Milk Bar, and colostrum management solutions from Shoof International.
• Genetics, grazing & inputs:
  Genetics providers CRV and LIC, Gallagher's EID readers and weigh scales, Tow & Fert precision fertiliser and foliar sprayers, and feed-out equipment from Hustler.   

The host farm

Farming Partners Dalswinton is a 285‑hectare dairy enterprise in Dumfries & Galloway, developed in 2024 through a joint venture between Farming Partners and Dalswinton Estates.

The business transitioned from beef to dairy following significant infrastructure investment, including a Waikato rotary parlour. Milk production began in February 2025, with the system now milking 800 spring block‑calving Friesian/Jersey crossbred cows, supplying milk to First Milk.

With strong links to New Zealand dairy systems – including investment and staff experience – the farm targets 550kg milk solids per cow and annual grass growth exceeding 14t DM/ha, making it an ideal live demonstration site for New Zealand agritech in action.

Driving efficiency from the parlour

New Zealand has been at the forefront of milking technology and farm data systems, being driven by the demands of large-scale, pasture-based dairy production.

Waikato Milking Systems has been designing and manufacturing rotary and herringbone milking equipment from Hamilton, New Zealand for over 50 years, supplying farms across Ireland and the UK with systems built for high-throughput and high performance.

Complementing this, Levno's milk tank monitoring technology provides farmers with real-time visibility of milk volumes, temperatures, and collection data, removing guesswork from one of the most critical points in the dairy operation.

Data from a study of over 1100 farms revealed their milk tank monitoring solution can produce a 69% reduction in total bacteria counts, a 62% reduction in milk reaching critical scores, and a 72% drop in insurance claims. 

Improving herd health and performance

Mastitis remains one of the most costly challenges facing dairy farmers, and two New Zealand companies are tackling it from different angles. Bovonic's inline milk sensing detects it at the point of miling, while Mastaplex's rapid on-farm diagnostics identify the specific pathogen involved, allowing for more accurate treatment and reduced antibiotic use.

For calf health and performance, Milk Bar's feeders are designed to promote natural suckling behaviour and improve feed conversion from day one, whilst Shoof International can support with colostrum management. All four will be on farm and available to talk through their solutions on the day.

Farmers attending the open day will have the chance to speak directly with suppliers, see the technology in use, and learn how these solutions could fit into their own operations.

Places are limited — register now to secure your spot.