The Possibility of Dairy Farming Using ICT and Dairy Clusters Overseas

Abstract

Recently, agricultural production utilizing information communication technology (ICT) has been attracting attention. This study clarifies the present situation of clusters using the case study of dairy farming using ICT in foreign countries. The study results clarify the following two points. First, the ICT differs depending on the classification by type of farm management in dairy farming. In dairy farms of the Netherlands and Germany, fully automatic milking systems have been introduced to save and reduce labor, while in China, a rotary parlor has been introduced in dairy farming to increase the number of milking cows. Second, the introduction of ICT promotes dairy clusters. Moreover, using ICT data and compost circulation-type production systems may lead to new business development.