‘Future Farm’ is redefining dairy research and learning on a working farm

The £3.6m dairy research centre opened at Duchy College in autumn 2020, to drive improvements in efficiency, technology, animal health and welfare, and environmental best practice.

The two-acre facility includes a host of features, including an ability to split the College’s commercial Holstein Friesians into three mini herds, allowing measuring and comparison of different management techniques.

There is a computerised, precision-control feeding system, plus an ability to separate slurry and manure from the different groups of animals, allowing multiple research projects to be run simultaneously – including ones exploring the storage, spreading and treatment of slurry and manure.

Sited on land the College rents from Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall Estate, the centre sees researchers collaborate with industry and scientists from other world-leading centres, while also acting as a learning platform for Duchy students and a demonstration farm.