Proceeding from the D3 – Digital Dairy Dialogue Mini-Workshop
Authors: Michael Brunt and Shayla Spalding and Helen Hambly and Elsa Vasseur and Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo
Date: 2025-11-01
Status: Published
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30739994
The D3 – Digital Dairy Dialogue Mini-Workshop brought together researchers, students, strategists, and facility operations from the University of Guelph and the Québec-based WELL-E initiative to explore opportunities for collaborative innovation in digital dairy technologies, AI-driven animal health and welfare research, and data governance.
WELL-E co-chairs Drs. Elsa Vasseur and Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo (via video) outlined WELL-E’s mission to integrate animal science, computer science, and industry through digital living labs at McGill University’s teaching farm and the Joyceville Institution farm (operated by Corrections Canada). These labs serve as sites for high-resolution data collection, AI systems development, animal behaviour assessment, and co-creation of tools with farm workers, students, and incarcerated persons.
Dr. Marjorie Cellier presented WELL-E’s technical progress, including video-based cow detection, identification, tracking, and emerging behaviour detection methods. She highlighted research demonstrating cows’ rapid adaptation to new environments and the scalability potential of WELL-E’s AI systems. WELL-E is currently developing proof-of-concept systems, with plans to expand into commercial farms using federated machine learning, emotional-state modelling, and robust data governance frameworks.
Acer Consulting’s Dr. Steve Roche emphasized the potential role of generative AI in detection of health and welfare challenges, behaviour monitoring, and integration of multiple data streams. He stressed the need for standardized data collection practices, clear governance, and scalable research infrastructure across regions.
Participants from Guelph, including data strategy, research facilities, and extension experts, discussed current strengths at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre including extensive sensor data collection, upgraded broadband, and flexible wireless systems. There were also growing need for cloud-based storage, privacy protection, and interdisciplinary student training. Ethical considerations, especially within correctional environments, were highlighted as crucial components of responsible AI deployment.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the Ontario-Québec collaboration. Proposed next steps could include bilateral study tours of McGill farm, Joyceville Institution Farm, and the Ontario Dairy Research Centre; possible joint funding applications (NSERC CREATE, SSHRC PDG/PG, Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance Tier 1, etc.); development of shared digital dairy visualizations; cross-institutional student community of practice; a paper submitted to CJAS; and a plan to convene a second workshop in early 2026.
The session successfully laid the groundwork for a connected digital dairy research ecosystem that emphasizes collaboration across provinces for the advancement of welfare, innovation, and responsible AI adoption in real agricultural environments.