Funding Year: 2027
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Improving udder hygiene and reducing mastitis through adoption of an automated teat preparation system at Mann Valley Farm
This project introduces innovative automation to dairy operations at the Mann Valley Farm by implementing an advanced teat preparation system that standardizes udder hygiene before milking. The system automates washing,…
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Acquisition of a variable-speed manure spreader for Mann Valley Farm
This project introduces precision technology to manure management at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm through a variable-speed manure spreader. The system allows operators to accurately control application rates, ensuring…
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Enhancing safety, animal welfare, and research capacity with upgraded headlocks and automated livestock curtains at Mann Valley Farm
This project strengthens the capabilities of the Mann Valley Farm dairy facility at UW–River Falls by introducing improved animal handling systems and automated environmental controls. Enhanced headlocks support safer, more…
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Metals matter: developing a metal analysis lab for the Dairy Innovation Hub
This project expands research capabilities at UW–River Falls by creating a new metal analysis laboratory. The lab will provide advanced technology to detect and measure trace metals in soil, water,…
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Transforming nitrite and nitrate analysis through new analytical enhancement
This project expands analytical capabilities at UW–River Falls by introducing advanced technology for measuring key nutrients such as nitrate and nitrite—important indicators of soil health, water quality, and dairy system…
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UW–River Falls dairy mechatronics space: a design thinking hub for Wisconsin dairy innovation
This project will create the UWRF Dairy Mechatronics Space, a hands-on innovation hub focused on helping researchers and students turn ideas into practical solutions for the dairy industry. Located in…
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Export market concentration and dairy price risk: implications for Wisconsin farm businesses
This project examines how Wisconsin’s dairy industry is increasingly reliant on a small number of export markets and how that dependence affects price stability for farmers. Dairy exports—especially products like…
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Molecular epidemiology of pathogens isolated from subclinical mastitis cases in Wisconsin dairy cows
This research focuses on subclinical mastitis, a common but often unnoticed infection in dairy cows that can quietly reduce milk quality and production. Even though infected cows may look healthy,…
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Farm GPT (herd pilot): custom LLM advisor for dairy cow health monitoring with precision data for bovine management
Dairy farming in Wisconsin and across the United States is becoming increasingly complex. Farmers must balance animal health, milk production, feed efficiency, labor management, and environmental conditions—all while operating within…
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Tracing the legacy: baseline assessment of potentially toxic trace metals under long-term manure application
This research project evaluates how long-term manure application on dairy farms influences the buildup of potentially toxic trace metals in soil, crops, water, and manure itself. By comparing fields with…
