Shane Corrigan
- Ireland
- Offaly
- Milking parlour
- 80 cows
Shane Corrigan, a dedicated farmer from Ireland with 80 cows, took a significant step to improve his farm’s efficiency and health management by installing the smaXtec system in 2020. The results have been nothing short of transformative.
“Acting early is key”
The early detection of diseases with the health management system was particularly helpful for Shane Corrigan: “I suppose with smaXtec there have been a couple of different disease cases that have been picked up early by the system over the last few years,“ Shane says, reflecting on his experience. “For example, we had two cows that had pneumonia. The system reported issues before they were visually sick with it. When the vet looked at them, it was the first thing that he said. So I suppose like in everything, acting early is key.“Shane recalls another instance where smaXtec’s early detection capabilities proved invaluable: “We had a cow with a displaced stomach. The vet was looking at her and there were no huge obvious signs at the time. It turned out it was a displaced abomasum because smaXtec had picked it up in advance. Thanks to the early detection of the system there was no knock-on effect on the cow. After three days, the cow was fit again.“
Stressfree calving seasons
Beyond early disease detection, Shane highlights another critical benefit of the smaXtec system — calving alerts. “Besides the early disease detection, I suppose the calving alerts and everything have been a huge added bonus every year. Every spring that you go into calving again, you get a reminder of how efficient the smaXtec system is. It takes a lot of stress out of calving.“
Unparalleled convenience and peace of mind
Shane appreciates the convenience through the detailed information that smaXtec provides. “To be honest, I think it’s a hidden gem within the market. You can’t see it working on the cow or anything, but it’s there, you have it on your phone, and it is incredibly detailed information that you are getting. Anytime anyone asks me about the smaXtec system, I highly recommend it.“The system also allows Shane to stay connected to his farm even when he’s away. “As far as being away from the farm, you always kind of have one hand on the pulse. Since the installation of smaXtec, when I am away while cows are on heat or anything, I am able to make contact back and get artificial insemination on the farm that evening or that morning, based on the notifications of the system. This is very comfortable to have instead of depending on someone else visually trying to look at the cows.“
New ways with smaXtec
Shane’s trust in smaXtec’s capabilities has even changed his approach to breeding. “We had a stock bull here the whole time and I suppose I kept the stock bull for the first year after the installation. But since using smaXtec, I was so happy with the way heats have been picked up that I decided to fully switch to artificial insemination.“Shane Corrigan’s experience with smaXtec showcases how modern technology can revolutionise traditional farming practices. With early disease detection, stress-free calving, unparalleled convenience, and much more, Shane Corrigan has a round-the-clock view of his herd and a good feeling, even when he is not around: “You just know if there is an issue that you can just pick up your phone even if you are away from the farm,“ Shane concludes, underscoring the peace of mind smaXtec has brought to his life.