ProTag, the livestock sensor start up, is trialling a new device on its Te Aroha farm which has benefited from R&D advice from Gallagher, an early investor.
The device features IP positioning as well as re-designed electronics and mechanical components better able to withstand the rigours of a dairy herd.
In addition to R&D advice on emerging technologies including solar power, Gallagher has leveraged its supplier networks to improve ProTag’s access to key electronics components. As ProTag moves into production it will also tap into Gallagher’s sales and distribution networks.
Gallagher’s global general manager for animal management Lisbeth Jacobs is excited to work with ProTag’s technology which complements Gallagher’s existing and growing line up of solutions. The company’s invest-ment comes as the farming sector recognises the value that real time location track-ing could have to help com-bat infectious diseases like Foot and Mouth, BVD and M. Bovis. “For over 80 years, Gal-lagher has led the way in the agricultural industry. To maintain that leadership, we are actively building part-nerships with businesses also focused on the future of farm-ing, and who are building connected solutions that will enable farmers to run their operations more efficiently and productively. “Helping farmers make good decisions, based on real time data without hav-ing to be physically present, means they can spend more time on what matters to them. Our partnership with ProTag demonstrates this commit-ment to investing in innova-tive businesses and technol-ogies and I’m excited to add our collaboration with Pro- Tag as another element in our evolving suite of solutions,” Jacobs says. ProTag’s founders Tyrel Glass and Baden Parr believe it has the potential to provide the equivalent of a COVID tracing app for cattle to mon-itor all interactions and pro-vide a list of all close con-tacts, as well as identifying possible sources of environ-mental transmission. Ireland and Brazil have been identi-fied as future markets. “The Gallagher invest-ment has given us the chance to revisit our design and opened up the pathways toward true commercialisa-tion. Gallagher’s world lead-
ing capabilities in agritech R&D will shorten our time to market,” Glass says. Additional features included in the device deployed at ProTag’s farm, which runs 600 Jersey cows, are welfare insights, pasture optimisation AND VET INTERACTION
Founders – Tyrel Glass Left – Baden Parr Right
