A council-backed trial is using new technology to help protect vulnerable young calves from the effects of extreme heat in West Sussex.
The project is being carried out with the dairy herd at Brinsbury College in Pulborough, where monitoring equipment is providing staff with live information about temperature, humidity and air quality.
Young calves can be particularly vulnerable to high temperatures and poor air quality during the first weeks of their lives.
The technology is designed to help staff identify changing conditions before they become a problem and take action quickly to protect the animals.
The trial forms part of Growing Sussex, a West Sussex County Council-led programme supporting growers and food producers across the county.
It is exploring how monitoring equipment connected through a 5G network can provide businesses with faster access to real-time information.
Councillor Yvonne Gravely, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Agriculture is a vital part of West Sussex's economy, but businesses are facing increasing pressure from changing weather patterns and rising costs.
The recent hot weather has shown how important it is to have access to timely information. Through Growing Sussex, we're helping businesses explore how technology can support productivity, sustainability and resilience, while helping to safeguard the future of our rural economy."
The equipment being used at Brinsbury College has been supplied by Sussex agritech company Pneumonitor and continuously monitors temperature, humidity and air quality around the calves.
Isaac Orr, founder of Pneumonitor, said: “Even just small changes in temperature, humidity and air quality can have a huge impact on the welfare of a young calf. But it can be difficult to spot problems before they begin affecting an animal's health.
"Our technology helps farmers understand what's happening inside their livestock buildings in real time, giving them the information they need to respond early and create healthier conditions for their animals."
West Sussex County Council says the wider Growing Sussex programme is helping growers and food producers make better use of technology and data.
The authority says the work is intended to support local businesses, strengthen the rural economy and help the agricultural sector adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.
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