Global experts in smart farm technologies will share their expertise at the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Daejeon, South Korea, from October 15-19, 2018.
Bio-sensors and robotics
Dr Hen Honig of the Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Centre, Israel, will examine the usefulness of bio-sensors in dairy farms in a special session on ICT Smart Farm on October 17.
“Biosensors are useful in all aspects of dairy activities, including the monitoring of the physiological conditions of cows and their overall health,” Honig said.
“There are many types of bio-sensors available in the market today, with exciting prospects for growth in the future.”
The use of robotics in dairy farms for automatic milking and feeding systems will be discussed by Timo Joosten of Leyly International, France.
IoT and big data
The IoT and cloud computing, which have been integrated into smart farming, have benefited Japanese dairy farmers. Soichio Honda, of Farm Note, Japan, will focus on ICT integration to advance automation and control processes.
The use of big data for animal health and welfare will be addressed by Marion Carrier, of CybeleTech, France, with Dr Luis Tedeschi, of Texas A & M University, US, talking about modeling and precision farming.
“As the integration between precision farming and computer modelling becomes a reality, the maximum profitability of a dairy farm is achieved by optimizing individual dairy cow performance to the point that animal welfare and productivity are embedded into decision-making support systems,” Tedeschi said.
Underscoring the importance of data integration in precision technologies in farming to increase efficiency, product quality and reduced environmental impact is Dr Laurence Shalloo of Teagasc, Ireland.
Shalloo said, “Solution-driven precision technologies can provide real benefits in profitability, sustainability and resilience through the provision of informed, real-time management solutions to the farmer.”
Smart farming
IDF Director General Caroline Emond said there is much to be learned in smart farming which will drive business growth for today and the future in a competitive global trading environment.
“Smart farming technologies can give dairy farms a comparative advantage by maximizing output through monitoring and adaptation,” Emond said.
Event overview
The event kicks off with a Keynote Address, “SDGs and Desirable Role of Global Dairy,” given by former UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.
Tuesday’s topics include: Dairy Policies and Economics; Farm Management; and the IDF 6th Symposium on Science and Technology of Fermented Milk, while the subjects for Wednesday, October 17, are Marketing; Environment; and Food Safety.
Thursday’s schedule includes sessions on Nutrition & Health; and Animal Health and Welfare.
Throughout the event are special sessions on School Milk; ICT Smart Farm; and Fermented Dairy: Health Benefits.
The full schedule can be downloaded here.