Irish farming is changing fast - with technology and artificial intelligence (AI) driving the shift.

According to Teagasc, over 65% of Irish farmers now use smartphones as part of their farm management, and Central Statistics Office (CSO) data shows that almost 60% have adopted at least one form of farm-specific software.

With margins tighter, compliance more demanding, and time always in short supply, farmers are looking for tools that deliver instant, accurate insights to help them work smarter.

At this year’s National Ploughing Championships, Herdwatch is taking a major step forward in that journey with the launch of Herdi - a revolutionary AI-powered farming assistant.

Herdi will be available in app for all Herdwatch members from Friday, September 12, with anticipation building amongst members to try out the brand-new feature.

Herdi is designed to help farmers get instant answers to farm-specific questions, drawing directly from their own data in Herdwatch.

From checking herd records to generating reports, or even pulling up breeding and calving histories in seconds, Herdi acts as a helping hand for your farm, available anytime, anywhere.

James Greevy, head of Innovation at Herdwatch, said: "Farmers don’t need to trawl through paperwork or search for information - they can simply ask Herdi and get the answer instantly.

"It’s like having the knowledge of your herd at your fingertips."

Visitors to the Herdwatch stand (Block 3, Row 5, Stand 119) at the National Ploughing Championships this month will get the chance to put Herdi to the test on a large interactive screen.

You’ll be able to ask anything - from “How many cows calved last March?” to “What’s the average calving interval in my herd?” - and watch as Herdi delivers the answer in seconds.

To make it even more engaging, some of farming’s most recognisable faces will be on hand to quiz Herdi live, including:

Cammy Wilson (The Sheep Game);
Farmer Phil;
Sophie Bell;
And more – all hosted by Katie Shanahan.

The Herdwatch team will also be showcasing their brand-new web app for PC, giving farmers bigger, more powerful reporting tools and making herd management even easier from the comfort of the office or the kitchen table on a bigger screen.

There will be a great discount for new members looking to join Herdwatch for the first time, as well as competitions, prizes, and plenty of fun throughout the event.

Industry studies show that digital tools can save farmers up to three hours per week in record-keeping and planning, with potential efficiency gains worth hundreds of euro per year.

With the launch of Herdi, Herdwatch is bridging the gap between raw data and actionable decision-making, giving farmers the power to get answers when they need them most.

If you would like to get a look at Herdi before the National Ploughing Championships, you can do so by downloading the Herdwatch app today, with Herdi being released on Friday, September 12.

Visit the Herdwatch stand at the Ploughing at Block 3, Row 5, Stand 119 - see Herdi live, meet your favourite farming influencers, and experience the future of livestock management.