Digital Milk Map

VALUE PROPOSITION

The Digital MilkMap overcomes inefficiencies and sub-optimal planning for dairy processers due to the seasonality of milk results by allowing milk processors identify changes in milk composition in real-time. This in turn allows for advance supply management of high-value dairy products including high-quality butter, cheese, and infant milk powder, that drive the Irish dairy sector, exporting annually to 130 global markets. 

OPPORTUNITY

Maintaining and growing these markets depends largely on consistent quality and volume in the supply chain which is influenced by multiple factors, including seasonality, weather and soil quality. In turn these can impact processing and yields of high-value products. Enables processors to understand and predict how the composition of milk varies during a season, to enable subsequent processing parameters to be adjusted to prevent potential milk quality issues.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Researchers at UCD and Teagasc have developed an interactive geospatial mapping and forecasting system which allows users to explore Irish milk data including production and compositional data, in an easy to interpret format.

ADVANTAGES

- Enables dairy processors to visually explore historical trends in milk production for different locations and times.
- Enables dairy processors to produce reliable forecasts of how production and composition may vary in the future.