New technical director at Fullwood

UK milking equipment specialist, Fullwood Limited, has promoted John Baines to the position of Technical Director. Formerly Product Manager, he is responsible for leading edge development of the company's automated and conventional milking parlours - including software and hardware innovation - plus provision of technical support to the company's network of dealers and overseas distributors.

"The economics of dairying are such that, increasingly, more cows are being managed and milked by fewer people," stresses Mr Baines. "To do that, and maintain high standards of technical efficiency, production and animal welfare, necessitates being able to make management decisions based on accurate information.

"Inevitably, this means that increasing levels of technology and automation are being adopted in both conventional and robotic milking parlours. Automatic cow identification and milk metering have been reality for some time. Now, new technology is bringing the possibility for other sensors to provide the detailed management information needed to achieve the best performance and welfare standards for individual cows.

"Thanks to an ongoing programme of technical development, Fullwood is committed to remaining at the forefront in these areas to meet these changing industry needs."

Also Technical Director of Fullwood's Netherlands-based software development company, Fusion Electronics BV, Mr Baines has been with Fullwood for more than six years. Prior to that he worked for ADAS.