AI-Driven Digital Twins For Smarter Beef Farming

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The BeefTwin Project is supported through collaborative funding from the UK Research Councils, including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). This interdisciplinary support enables us to integrate cutting-edge scientific research, digital technologies, and sustainable management practices to transform the future of livestock farming.

Biology Science:
Advancing Animal Health

Biology Science: Advancing Animal Health

We help farmers improve cattle health and productivity through advanced biological research and precision breeding. By combining microbial analysis, nutritional optimization, and disease resistance studies, we enable healthier herds that thrive in diverse environments. This approach supports the development of stronger, more resilient animals while enhancing overall wellbeing and reducing veterinary costs.

Environmental Science:
Sustainable Farm Ecosystems

Environmental Science: Sustainable Farm Ecosystems

We support farmers in creating environmentally friendly farming systems by monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving pasture management, and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating soil health data, water usage optimization, and eco-friendly waste recycling practices, farmers can lower their carbon footprint, protect local ecosystems, and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Computer Science:
Data-Driven Livestock
Intelligence

Computer Science: Data-Driven Livestock Intelligence

We empower farmers with advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to better understand and manage their livestock. Using real-time sensors, computer vision, and digital twins, farmers gain detailed visibility into animal behavior, health trends, and environmental conditions. This technology allows for precise interventions, predictive health care, and more efficient resource use, transforming traditional farming into smart farming.

Management Science:
Smart Farm Business
Optimization

Management Science: Smart Farm Business Optimization

We help farmers streamline operations and maximize profitability through data-informed decision-making and resource management strategies. By integrating economic models, supply chain analysis, and risk management tools, farmers can improve production planning, reduce waste, and respond faster to market demands. This interdisciplinary approach ensures sustainable growth and greater resilience in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.

Our Partners

NOTTINGGHAM-TRENT-UNIVERSITY
University-of-Sheffield
The-University-of-Nottingham
ROYAL-HOLLOWAY
University-of-Lincoln
Aberystwyth-University
University of Exeter
★★★★★ 5/5

The Microsoft Research farm in the UK is a leading innovation site where cutting-edge digital technologies are tested to transform agricultural practices. In the BeefTwin project, it provides a unique environment to integrate and evaluate advanced sensing, AI, and data analytics tools, helping to create smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable livestock farming systems.

Microsoft Research
★★★★★ 5/5

Kinnordy Estate Farm in Scotland is a diversified, family-owned estate known for its commitment to high-welfare livestock production and sustainable land management. In the BeefTwin project, it serves as a valuable site for collecting comprehensive data on cattle in a natural grazing environment, supporting the development and testing of advanced monitoring and decision-support technologies.

Kinnordy Estate Farm
★★★★★ 5/5

NTU’s Home Farm at Brackenhurst is a 200-hectare farm focused on sustainable livestock & arable farming, with advanced facilities for research & teaching. As a key BeefTwin partner, it offers an ideal setting to collect real-world data on cattle health, behavior & environmental interactions, supporting the development of innovative digital farming solutions.

NTU home farm
★★★★★ 5/5

Centers on developing advanced image processing techniques to monitor and analyze cattle behavior and health with high precision. Centers on applying machine learning algorithms to transform raw visual data into actionable insights that enhance decision-making and improve livestock management efficiency.

Aberystwyth University
★★★★★ 5/5

Centers on exploring how digital technologies can transform beef farming businesses to create greater value for both farmers and society. Centers on developing outcome-based business models that promote sustainability, improve efficiency, and support long-term resilience within the livestock sector.

University of Exeter
★★★★★ 5/5

The University of Lincoln is known for pioneering work in agri-tech, robotics & autonomous systems that support modern farming. Its expertise in smart agricultural machinery & precision livestock technologies makes it an ideal BeefTwin partner, helping enhance automation, improve animal welfare & drive sustainable, data-driven farming solutions.

Lincoln University
★★★★★ 5/5

NTU brings expertise in agricultural innovation, animal welfare research, and practical farm management through its advanced facilities like the Brackenhurst campus farm. Their strong focus on integrating AI and data-driven solutions in farming makes them a natural partner for developing and testing digital livestock monitoring and welfare improvement strategies.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
★★★★★ 5/5

The University of Sheffield is internationally recognized for its strengths in engineering, computer science, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Its expertise in developing robust data analytics platforms and sensor technologies can contribute significantly to the BeefTwin project by enabling real-time monitoring, improving farm efficiency, and supporting data-driven decision-making for healthier and more sustainable livestock management.

University of Sheffield
★★★★★ 5/5

Royal Holloway, University of London, is known for advanced research in environmental science, geosciences & data analytics. It specializes in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, using technologies like drones, sensors & analyzers. This expertise makes Royal Holloway a key BeefTwin partner in creating sustainable solutions & reducing livestock farming’s environmental impact.

Royal Holloway University
★★★★★ 5/5

The University of Nottingham provides world-leading research in precision agriculture, advanced sensing, and veterinary sciences. Their capabilities in developing integrated sensor networks and precision livestock management systems make them ideal collaborators for creating holistic, data-driven farm solutions in the BeefTwin project.

University of Nottingham

Our Perspectives

Centers on microbial analysis of cattle waste to uncover how feed conversion efficiency, meat production, and methane emissions are interconnected. Centers on applying this knowledge to develop targeted nutritional and waste management strategies that improve both productivity and environmental performance. Centers on collaborating with BeefTwin partners to integrate microbial insights into data-driven models for smarter, more sustainable beef farming.
University of Nottingham
Centers on tracking methane emissions and pinpointing their sources using cutting-edge drones, advanced sensors, and methane analyzers. Centers on providing high-resolution environmental data that helps shape precision emission reduction strategies across different farm systems. Centers on working closely with BeefTwin collaborators to combine environmental monitoring with animal health and productivity data for holistic farm optimization.
Royal Holloway, University of London
Centers on leveraging sensor and computer vision data to accurately measure cattle weight, behavior, growth patterns, and variations in farming practices. Centers on developing precision tools to track methane emissions and assess their relationship to animal performance and welfare in real time. Centers on collaborating with BeefTwin partners to deploy advanced analytics and sensor technologies that drive informed decision-making on farms.
University of Sheffield
Centers on monitoring dynamic changes in farming practices through advanced data collection and analysis. Centers on developing a new smart farming model that optimizes resource use, enhances animal welfare, and supports efficient production across the entire value chain. Centers on partnering with BeefTwin collaborators to translate these data-driven models into practical solutions that benefit farmers and the wider industry.
Nottingham Trent University
Centers on working closely with farmers to understand socio-economic challenges, grazing behaviors, and herd management practices. Centers on assessing how these factors impact cattle productivity, efficiency, and farm resilience under different environmental and market conditions. Centers on collaborating with BeefTwin to design farmer-centered strategies that enhance productivity while addressing social and economic sustainability.
University of Lincoln