In the rolling hills of Italy, a digital revolution is quietly unfolding, transforming age-old livestock farming practices into high-tech operations. This shift, driven by the integration of digital technologies, is not just a story of innovation but also of economic opportunity, particularly for the energy sector. A recent study, published in the journal ‘Bio-based and Applied Economics’ (English translation: ‘Bio-based and Applied Economics’) sheds light on this transformation, revealing the current state and determinants of digital technology adoption in Italian livestock farms.
Led by Ogochukwu Felicitas Okoye, a researcher at the University of Pisa, the study paints a vivid picture of a sector in transition. “We’ve seen a rapid rise of digital technologies in agriculture,” Okoye explains, “but their application in the livestock sector has been slower. We wanted to understand why and how we can bridge this gap.”
The research, which analyzed national agricultural census and statistical program data, found that large ruminant farms, particularly those raising dairy cattle and buffalo, are at the forefront of this digital revolution. These farms are more likely to adopt technologies like decision support systems, cloud services, and monitoring devices. In contrast, meat cattle, small ruminants, and pig farms are lagging.
So, what’s driving this digital divide? The study identified several key factors. Broadband connectivity, for instance, plays a crucial role. Farms with better internet access are more likely to adopt digital tools. Similarly, ownership structure, education, and age of the farm operators also influence technology adoption. “It’s not just about the technology,” Okoye notes, “It’s also about the people using it and the infrastructure supporting it.”
But why should the energy sector care about this digital shift in livestock farming? The answer lies in the potential for synergy. Digital farming practices can lead to more efficient use of resources, including energy. For instance, precision farming techniques can optimize water and feed usage, reducing the energy required for production. Moreover, the data generated by these digital tools can provide valuable insights for energy providers, helping them tailor their services to the unique needs of the agricultural sector.
The study also highlights the need for policy and investment to build digital infrastructure and promote an inclusive model. This could open up new opportunities for the energy sector, from providing renewable energy solutions to developing smart grid technologies tailored for agriculture.
As Italy’s livestock farms embrace digital technologies, they are not just modernizing their operations but also paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. This digital revolution, driven by data and innovation, is set to reshape the agricultural landscape, with significant implications for the energy sector. The findings of Okoye’s study, published in ‘Bio-based and Applied Economics’, provide a roadmap for this journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the digital transformation of livestock farming is not just a trend, but a necessity for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.