The Farm-twin project operates under the larger umbrella of the Digital Dairy Chain scheme, which is actively exploring the use of Digital Twin technology—a virtual model of a physical system updated in real-time via sensor data. According to SRUC data scientist Dr. Mazdak Salavati, the true value of farm data is realized not from single sources, but from combining diverse information to “uncover insights that a single system alone can’t provide.” This integration capability is key to spotting issues before they escalate.

A major strength of Farm-twin lies in its ability to solve the longstanding challenge of data integration within the agribusiness sector. It consolidates near real-time information from various technologies into one single platform, pulling data on critical metrics such as animal health records, milk production, feed intake, and environmental conditions. This holistic view provides dairy analysts and farmers with a much clearer picture of efficiency and potential risks.

The decision to make Farm-twin entirely open-source is a strategic move designed to accelerate industry-wide adoption and innovation. SRUC agri-tech scientist Dr. Matt Broadbent emphasized that this open framework “ensures transparency, fosters innovation, and lowers the barriers for adoption across the industry.” By removing proprietary limitations, the technology can be freely used, modified, and distributed globally, rapidly expanding its potential impact on farm management practices.