LIC chief executive Wayne McNee said the move follows the co-op’s acquisition of DAL in February.
“Since the acquisition of DAL we have witnessed a number of key market developments that we will be better placed to leverage as one entity.
“New Zealand dairy farmers are seeking a direct link between DAL, Protrack and [herd management software] MINDA systems, to provide valuable insights into the performance of their animals. International companies and farmers have also expressed interest in the uniqueness of the DAL technology.
“Moving Protrack into DAL will create one new entity that will oversee all future developments in farm automation for LIC, reducing duplication, providing greater integration across the product range and allow us to grow the business and meet demands of being a significantly larger internationalised entity in the future.”
LIC launched its first Protrack automation system in 2003, and has since developed a range that is installed on more than 1500 NZ dairy farms. Some integrate with the co-op’s herd management software, MINDA.
DAL provides milk testing sensors that measure fat, protein, somatic cell counts, lactose, conductivity and volume, and present real-time data while a cow is being milked.
McNee said it was business as usual remains for farmers at this stage, but they will see improved service delivery once the move is completed.
