UK Government Invests £2.6M in AI Tech to Boost Egg Farming Efficiency
The UK government has awarded £2.6 million to support an innovative AI technology project aimed at improving efficiency and welfare on egg farms.
Developed by Oxford-based FAI Farms in collaboration with The Lakes Free Range Egg Company and Newcastle University, the AI system—called Flockwise—will undergo a three-year trial funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Flockwise uses a network of sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor the behavior of hens, including listening to their vocalizations to detect early signs of illness or stress. The system is designed to alert farmers to potential problems before they escalate, enabling faster interventions and better outcomes for the animals.
How the Tech Works
At the heart of the project is the BirdBox system, which already monitors environmental factors in poultry barns, tracks equipment, logs feed data, and evaluates egg quality. By integrating AI, FAI Farms aims to elevate the system’s capabilities even further—translating hen behavior into actionable insights.
Defra believes that healthier hens will lay more eggs and live longer, ultimately benefiting both animal welfare and the environment. If implemented nationwide, the initiative could lead to the production of up to 1.7 billion more eggs annually and generate an estimated £280 million in additional income for UK farmers.
Officials Back Cutting-Edge Innovation
Environment Secretary Steve Reed praised the move, saying:
“Government support for cutting-edge technology is making a real-world difference to British farmers and boosting their profits.”
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle added a light-hearted comment:
“Now that’s what I call a cracking use of technology.”
Broader Implications
By promoting the use of AI in agriculture, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable farming innovation. The Flockwise project aligns with broader goals to reduce farming emissions, modernize food production, and deliver cost savings for consumers.
The project’s early success could spark similar AI initiatives in other livestock sectors, potentially transforming animal husbandry practices across the board.
