AI Technology for Egg Farms Receives £2.6 Million in Government Funding.

AI technology designed to boost efficiency on egg farms has received £2.6 million in funding from the UK government.

The system uses data from on-farm sensors—including audio analysis of hen vocalisations—to detect potential health or welfare issues.

Named Flockwise (Facilitating Learning Opportunities, Cultivating Knowledge and Welfare through Integrated Sensing and Expertise), the system is a collaboration between Oxford-based FAI Farms, The Lakes Free Range Egg Company in Cumbria, and Newcastle University.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is supporting the three-year pilot, aiming to improve animal welfare and lower egg prices. FAI Farms says the system can detect distress or illness in hens through sound patterns and notify farmers in real time.

Their existing BirdBox platform already monitors the birds’ environment, equipment performance, feeding data, and egg quality.

According to Defra, the technology could extend hens’ lifespans, enhance welfare, and lower environmental impact by reducing carbon footprints. If adopted nationwide, the initiative could generate up to 1.7 billion additional eggs annually and add £280 million to UK farmers’ income.

The AI processes various data from farm sensors—including hen vocalisations—to detect possible issues.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed stated that government backing for advanced technology is directly benefiting UK farmers and increasing their profits. He added that these productivity improvements could lead to lower egg prices, helping consumers save money.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle noted that the project is positioning British farming at the forefront of innovation—while keeping locally produced eggs on breakfast tables. He described it as “a cracking use of technology.”