The sales analysis and forecast are intended to be useful for farmers and farm direct marketing business. The purpose of this research is to provide efficient, effective, and inexpensive information technology solutions and services to improve the competitiveness of farmers' markets; therefore, the computation speed and the calculation of reliable routine forecasts are important tasks. The main objective of this research is to develop a prototype forecasting simulator which is able to tolerate the information incomplete circumstances. In addition, this prototype simulator has a feature that requires no human intervention to initiate and process model optimization procedures. In general, the exponential smoothing method provides a high level of accuracy for short-range forecasts. In addition, it has minimal data requirements and can be implemented fully automatic. Therefore, it is a good method to use when forecasts are required for large numbers of items. Empirical results were encouraging, with seasonal adjustments the accuracy improved significantly.

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We developed a data management system for animal genetic resources to enable the efficient registration and retrieval of characteristics/evaluation data. The method, which manages the data definitions of characteristics/evaluation research items as metadata, facilitates the insertion or updating of research items and produces program user interfaces and electronic files for characteristics/evaluation research manuals. A histogram of selection using AIC was tested and shown to be effective in sending information. In addition, a database was constructed to systematically register three layers (the variety's name category, genealogy, and individual name for the passport data), and a data input-output program was made for the passport data. A Web search system was developed to make the passport data available to the public. The system is expected to be useful for research into animal genetic resources, and improvement of education about such resources.

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Today, Japan faces a decline in academic standards coupled with a general aversion to mathematics and science and lower levels of motivation for learning science than in other countries. In recent years, especially, the popularity of engineering has declined among students. Agricultural engineering encompasses the disciplines of food production and the environment. However, agricultural students tend to be oriented toward a love for nature, the environment, animals, and plants, and they usually have low levels of interest in the engineering side of agriculture. Furthermore, the glamour of the agricultural engineering industry is decreasing. The big challenge is therefore to improve student's motivation for learning. Many of these students are weak in physics, mathematics, and information technology. Choice of teaching materials are is important in improving students' skills in these subjects, and , actually touching, seeing, and experiencing firsthand improves learning effectiveness. However, because of the rapid progress that is occurring in information technology, teaching materials must constantly be updated and their maintenance and management may be difficult.
We therefore initially investigated the current status of agricultural engineering education. On the basis of the results of this investigation we then evaluated the use of LEGO mindstorms NXT as a teaching material increasing students' willingness to study agricultural engineering,. Lessons were designed and implemented, and their effectiveness was evaluated. The use of LEGO mindstorms NXT improved learning in the areas of information technology, and agricultural engineering, and it also improved creativity skills.

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We are developing planning and management support software to reduce the farm-management administrative load on farmers who need to manage a lot of fields. The software uses a Geographic Information System (GIS)-compatible field map and performs fundamental management of a database that stores miscellaneous data derived from farm operations, such as crop assignment to fields, successive fieldwork, post-harvest processes, and shipments. One of the strengths of this software is the visual user interface with a field map, which facilitates data management. Although this same function is available with the use of other GIS software, our software performs these functions by using software components that handle the database and map without any runtime license fees, thus allowing the software to be distributed for free. The software has been released for free distribution on the Web. As we receive feedback from users following the Web release, we will add new functions and make improvements that will make the software even more useful to farmers. This in turn will encourage wider use.

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We examined the current status and future challenges of good agricultural practice (GAP) operation in Japan. The status of four JAs (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) and their 668 member farmers in Tochigi Prefecture, where GAP operation is most advanced, was surveyed by self-evaluation questionnaire and investigation of outsiders on the basis of the Japan GAP standard. The survey results indicated that (1) levels of achievement in GAP operation by farmers was good, whereas those of JA staff were poor; (2) these poor achievement levels resulted from the fact that JA staff did not have sufficient knowledge of the GAP management system and were not aware that the JAs themselves had to take the initiative; (3) GAP management systems differed qualitatively among JAs, and an increased level of GAP management in a JA resulted in an increased level of GAP operation by its farmers; and (4) an increased level of GAP understanding by farmers resulted in an increased level of GAP operation.
We conclude that, in order to improve understanding of GAP and the quality of GAP operation in regional agriculture, JAs need to improve the quality of their GAP management systems by understanding the meaning and content of GAP and to conduct GAP training of their farmers under the GAP management systems.

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