Smart Technology and Sustainable Farming
The second year of Climate Farm Demo events is well underway, with Italy having 128 Pilot Demo Farms. One of them is managed by Matteo Pennacchi, whose farm is a great example of how smart technology can support sustainable, efficient agriculture.
A recent demo event was held in Italy on the farm of Matteo Pennacchi, focusing on the role of smart technology in improving farm efficiency and sustainability. Matteo manages 96 cattle, including a milking herd of 39 Friesian cows. The event highlighted herd health and Matteo’s use of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technology to optimise his farm operations.
Like all farms across Europe, Matteo’s farm faces its own unique challenges. Farming practices have evolved over the years to adapt to changing conditions and for Matteo, technology is proving to be a key tool in addressing these challenges.
Integrating Technology for Efficiency and Welfare
To simplify daily tasks while improving cow health, Matteo has implemented several technologies aimed at enhancing animal welfare and streamlining production. A key investment has been the installation of a robotic milking system. This system provides multiple benefits, including reducing cow stress and easing Matteo’s workload.
In addition, he has fitted his cows with monitoring collars that track movement and behaviour. This technology helps him detect early signs of illness, monitor fertility cycles, and reduce the time spent physically observing animals.
Beyond these innovations, Matteo has prioritised cow comfort by investing in tools that improve animal welfare. Cooling fans and anti-stress brushes in the cow shed keep the animals comfortable, particularly during hot weather. For many farmers, cow welfare is a top priority, and Matteo is no exception.
The demo event underscored how technology and data-driven decisions can enhance farm efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Matteo emphasised that his participation in the CFD project is an important step towards improving the long-term sustainability of his farm. By embracing smart farming solutions, he is not only optimising productivity but also contributing to a more sustainable future for European agriculture.
