John Gilfillan

At Bunderg Farm in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, John Gilfillan milks about 150 cows. Since installing smaXtec, he has seen a step-change in herd health, fertility, and everyday farm management. “smaXtec gives us better control over herd health and fertility, which translates into healthier cows and a more productive farm,” John explains.

Better herd health through prevention

With smaXtec’s accurate monitoring of the internal body temperature, health issues are identified long before visible symptoms appear. John has noticed clear improvements: “The smaXtec system has significantly improved cow health on our farm by allowing us to monitor each animal. We’ve seen a reduction in the number of clinical mastitis and metabolic disorders, thanks to early alerts. Treatment costs have also decreased because we’re catching issues earlier and recovery times are faster.” This preventative approach not only reduces costs but also improves the well-being of the herd.

Next level reproduction

Reproductive results have also moved to the next level. “Since installing the smaXtec system, our reproduction key performance indicators have improved significantly – it has allowed us to identify the optimal time for insemination with much greater accuracy. As a result, our conception rates have increased and the number of inseminations per pregnancy has decreased.”

Optimised calving intervals and fewer missed heats have made breeding management more efficient and cost-effective, while early detection of complications after calving helps cows return to optimal milk production faster.

Peace of mind: during calving and beyond

For John, calving is no longer a source of constant worry: “The smaXtec system notifies us when a cow is likely to calve, often 12–24 hours in advance, which gives us time to prepare calving pens. We’ve reduced the number of difficult calvings and improved calf survival rates.”

This reliability has changed how he works: “Instead of constantly checking cows manually, we rely on the alerts and data, leading to a more efficient, less stressful calving season.”

Quality of life: on and off the farm

smaXtec has also improved daily routines and freed up valuable time. “One of the biggest benefits is the peace of mind it gives us when we’re away from the farm. Knowing we’ll receive alerts if something is wrong means we can step away with confidence, without constantly worrying about missing something important.”

Looking back, John sees clear benefits: “Since installing the system, we’ve seen a clear improvement in our conception rates, with fewer missed heats and more successful first-service pregnancies.” That’s why he strongly recommends smaXtec to other farmers: “It provides reliable monitoring that helps improve herd health and reproductive performance. Plus, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your cows are monitored 24/7, even when you’re away, is invaluable.”