Francesca Johansen and Conor Barry Win the Steve Bishop Award Sponsored by KTN for Innovative Dairy Farming Project

Francesca Johansen and Conor Barry have been named the winners of the prestigious Steve Bishop Award for their groundbreaking project on the benefits of installing a Priority System (PS) in dairy sheds with automated robot milking systems.

Sponsored by KTN, the Steve Bishop Award is a highly competitive honour that recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural research and innovation. The duo's project stood out among the rest for its innovative approach to improving dairy farming practices and quantifying the benefits of installing a Priority System in dairy sheds.

David Wilde, spokesperson for BSAS Awards, noted the significance of the joint project in improving the efficiency and profitability of dairy farming. "Most automated robot milking systems are retrofitted without a Priority System, but this project aims to demonstrate the significant benefits of having one installed. This work will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the livelihoods of many farmers."

Francesca and Conor's project was selected by a panel of judges for its potential to revolutionize the dairy farming industry. By quantifying the benefits of a Priority System, this research will enable farmers to make informed decisions about upgrading their milking systems to improve efficiency and productivity.

"We are honoured to receive this award and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of dairy farming," said Francesca. "I hope that our work will encourage more farmers to adopt Priority Systems and improve the overall sustainability of the industry" commented Conor.

The Steve Bishop Award sponsored by KTN is named after the late Steve Bishop, a pioneering researcher and innovator in the field of agricultural science.

Jo Gosling, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Aquaculture And Livestock comments “Innovate UK KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking. Sponsoring the Steve Bishop award allows us to support research that will make a real difference such as the fantastic work completed by Francesca and Conor”

The award is presented annually to recognize excellence in agricultural research and innovation.

For more information about the Steve Bishop Award and past winners, please visit https://bsas.org.uk/awards