Get them moo-ving: Startup develops 'Fitbit for cows'

Fifth generation cattle farmers David and Melita Smith have developed a device they liken to a "Fitbit for cows" in an attempt to help farmers keep track of their livestock.

"We thought we have to do things better than we have, and the only way we can do that is with data," says David Smith. "You really need to know where your animals are and what condition they are in."

The pair co-founded startup Ceres Tag in 2016 and have developed a smart ear tag which produces similar data to that delivered by consumer smart watches. Drawing on their backgrounds in engineering and education the device uses GPS to track positioning, accelerometers to monitor movement and measures temperature to track the cow's health.

Mr Smith said the aim of the "multi-million dollar development" is to save farmers time and money compared to the costs of manually tracking their herds using vehicles or aircraft.

Using the device farmers can track where their herds graze, if an animal has escaped or been stolen, and even unusual movements which could indicate an animal is giving birth or sick. Read more

Cara Waters - Brisbane Times - 20 November 2018