Driving Digital Innovation in Irish Agriculture: Highlights from the QuantiFarm DIA Training Event
On 28 May 2025, Teagasc successfully hosted a national Digital Innovation Academy (DIA) Training & Demonstration Event under the QuantiFarm project at the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, Ireland. The session brought together 26 participants, including livestock and organic advisors, equine specialists, agri-college lecturers, researchers, and technology providers, all eager to explore the transformative potential of digital agricultural tools.
The event’s main objective was clear: to equip farm advisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide farmers in adopting Digital Agricultural Technology Solutions (DATSs). Through practical demonstrations and interactive learning, the participants engaged directly with two cutting-edge tools — OvaCyte, a faecal egg count (FEC) testing device developed by Telenostic, and CotterCrate with its SmartWorm app, developed by Cotter AgriTech. These technologies aim to monitor animal health more precisely and play a key role in tackling anthelmintic resistance (AMR), a growing global concern in animal health management.
The training also introduced participants to the QuantiFarm Toolkit, designed to help advisors and farmers assess, select, and implement DATSs effectively. Beyond the technology, the workshop emphasised the importance of soft skills — fostering trust and understanding when introducing innovations to the farming community.
A standout feature of the event was the hands-on learning approach. Participants engaged in live demonstrations, including an interactive sheep shed visit, FEC sampling, and customer testimonials. These practical activities not only showcased the tools in real-world settings but also encouraged vibrant discussion and peer-to-peer learning.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the technical depth, open atmosphere, and the relevance of the content to current farming challenges. The training reinforced the value of collaboration among advisors, researchers, and tech developers in scaling sustainable digital agriculture.
As part of QuantiFarm’s mission, this event reflects a broader European effort to accelerate the adoption of smart farming practices, enhancing sustainability and resilience across agricultural systems. With knowledge, tools, and collaboration, the digital future of farming is well underway.
