“Don’t worry, when she needs you, we’ll let you know.” These are the words of Moocall and the “she” they are referring to is your cow in calf.

Moocall is just one company representing the ag-tech sector at the Agri Careers Fair, which takes place in the RDS on 3 March. If you wish to attend the event, register for free here.

The Moocall calving alert sensor is attached to a pregnant cow’s tail and monitors the cow’s level of activity, and can identify when she is close to calving. It will then send a text alert message to the farmer’s phone, usually about one hour prior to calving.

The device sends a text message to up to two phones. It is water resistant, easily cleaned and has a prolonged battery life with some farmers quoting 40 hours of use before it needs to be recharged.

Niall Austin is the founder of the company and came up with the idea for the product back in 2010 when he lost a heifer and her calf worth over €2,000.

Moocall says one device is sufficient for a 40-cow herd. The cost of the device is €329, which includes the first year’s operating costs. Thereafter, there is a €150 annual charge to cover operating costs.

Weak signal

Moocall can operate on a weak mobile signal as it only requires basic data to work, but your phone might not receive the message until it is back in coverage.

At the LAMMA machinery show in the UK, Moocall won the best new product – technological award. It was also nominated for the design of the year award in the British design museum.

If you are interested in a career in the agri-industry, come along to the Irish Farmers Journal and open eir Agri Careers Fair, which takes place in the RDS on 3 March 2016.