Dairy farming is without a doubt a full-time job, especially when it comes to the constant monitoring of animal health and performance.

For one dairy farmer in Co. Mayo, when he is trying to balance an off farm job alongside a herd of cows, adapting to technology becomes a 'no-brainer'.

Dermot Reilly is operating a split calving system in Ballina in north Co. Mayo.

Dermot's herd comprises 50% calving down in autumn, and a further 50% calving in the spring.

The herd is held on a 128ac milking block, while Dermot rents an additional 80ac for heifer rearing and silage.

And with Dermot working off farm, monitoring cows for any health issues, especially around calving, and picking cows in heat at breeding was a constant challenge.

Therefore in late 2023, Dermot sat down and explored what options could help him keep an eye on the farm and make it more efficient.

SenseHub

Dermot's biggest concern was detecting cows in heat while he was off the farm, and he needed some type of technology to solve this challenge.

In January 2024, Dermot installed SenseHub Behaviour Monitoring Technology from MSD Animal Health, with the help of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).

Despite installing the system for its heat detection ability, the Mayo farmer said he was taken aback by the array of benefits that came with the collars.

He feels the collars help to keep the herd in a healthier condition, flagging any issues such as mastitis early, allowing treatment to be administered before they get sick.

The Mayo farmer believes having everything live on his phone and laptop 24/7 is a huge benefit, saying the system is like having an "extra person" on the farm.

Dermot also found the system eliminated the need for stock bulls, which saved him money in the long-run and also gave him "peace of mind" in terms of health and safety when people are milking for him.

Drafting gate

Dermot then installed the SenseHub drafting gate from MSD Animal Health in October 2025.

He said it was always the plan to install the drafter to streamline operations and to “seamlessly” draft out cows for breeding or to investigate sick animals.

The dairy farmer added that the drafting gate "takes the nervousness out of it for the cows".

"When you are finished milking, they are there waiting for you, whatever cows you have drafted off."

When speaking about the system as a whole, Dermot said: "Life with SenseHub is very beneficial for me as I have three young kids myself, so I get to spend more time with them.

This was Dermot's advice to farmers thinking of installing the Behaviour Monitoring Technology.

Series

The Life with SenseHub Series, running from January 26 to March 22, will follow four dairy farmers from across the country as they share their personal experiences of how their lives have changed since installing SenseHub on their farms.

The series goes beyond the technology itself, focusing on how SenseHub has impacted each farmer’s lifestyle, decision-making and confidence, both on and off the farm.

From freeing up time away from the yard to improving breeding performance, identifying early health issues, and supporting smoother spring transitions out to grass, the series highlights the practical, everyday benefits of data-driven farming.

Each farmer featured in the series tells their story about how they use SenseHub in a different way, reflecting the diverse ways SenseHub can adapt to individual farm needs.

The series not only features SenseHub Behaviour Monitoring, but also other elements of the SenseHub Ecosystem, including SenseHub Youngstock and SenseHub Drafting.

SenseHub Milk Monitoring - another element of the Ecosystem that is not featured in the series – is also utilised by farmers to drive greater efficiencies when it comes to milk quality.

Viewers and readers will hear first-hand how the technology has helped farmers improve efficiencies, reduce labour pressures, and gain greater peace of mind during key busy periods of the farming year.

Through video and podcast discussions, the Life with SenseHub Series offers an in-depth look at how the technology fits into every day farming lives, highlighting not just improved performance, but improved quality of life for farmers and their families.

For more information on the SenseHub Behaviour Monitoring Technology from MSD Animal Health, click here.