Medium-sized Farms Research Articles

Design of mobile and low-cost feeding device for aquaculture feeds

Artificial feeding is still widely used by small and medium-sized farmers in aquaculture, which requires a large labor cost and cannot guarantee the feeding efficiency. A mobile, low-cost, simple and practical feeding device for aquaculture feed was designed, including the overall scheme, the design of silo, feeding bucket, feeding mechanism and other mechanical structures. The feeding device can reduce the cost of aquaculture and improve the feeding efficiency.

How opportunity costs change the view on the viability of farms? Empirical evidence from the EU

The post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy targets at supporting small and medium-sized farms. Capping and redistribution of direct payments would have a direct impact on the economic viability of farms. Calculation of economic income is a reasonable way how to calculate the economic viability of firms. However, accounting profit has been preferred for its estimation so far. The article aims to compare the income from accounting and economic point of view and reveal how much the results differ across the EU. The literature review, an empirical analysis based on Farm Accountancy Data Network (2016–2018), and a clustered heat map were applied. The results provide clear evidence of high variability of opportunity costs when calculating the economic viability in the EU, especially between countries with small intensive farms and some post-communist countries where larger farms dominate.

Epidemiological assessment of antibiotic residues in dairy farm milk and farm waste and water in northern India.

Antibiotics are frequently used in the dairy sector for prophylactic uses along with therapeutic purposes. Throughout the globe, antibiotic resistance has turned out as one of the greatest public health issue with greater concern in developing countries, such as India. On the matrix wise comparison of the study, slurry samples in all three farming systems show the highest proportion of positive samples. Out of 153 slurry samples, 15.6% samples showed the presence of antibiotic residues. Eighteen milk samples (11.7%) showed the presence of residues following this trend. Only one sample (0.65%) was positive of animal drinking water in the study. None of the targeted residues were found in any sample of human drinking water. The four pond water samples showed the prevalence of residues of oxytetracycline (2 samples) and enrofloxacin (2 samples). Medium size farms (10-30 animals) comprised comparative higher levels than small (< 10) and large farms (> 30). The excretion mass modelling of antibiotics released in the environment indicated 8325.41kg of oxytetracycline and 12,498.89kg of enrofloxacin per year. The study helps in providing understanding in the relation between antibiotics usage and dissemination of their residues to the environment which may result in likely ecotoxicological consequences.

Potential adaptation strategies for climate change impact among flood-prone fish farmers in climate hotspot Uganda

Climate-induced floods are increasing in Africa. The need to evolve framework for adaptation to climate change impact (CCI) among flood-prone fish farmers necessitated this study. Based on availability, 60 farming active flood-experienced fish farmers were purposively selected from flood-prone (Gulu and Kibuku) regions in climate hotspot Uganda. These were assessed for CCI adaptation tendencies in their socioeconomics and farming operation/techniques (FOI) indices, CCI awareness, CCI adaptation strategies, and perceived required interventions (RIs) using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive and multivariate regression tools. Respondents were mostly male, adults, educated, Christian, married, medium-sized family, social group members, 1–5 years’ experience, medium-sized farms, and government trained. Income was 1.0–6.0 million Ugx/year. In FOI, semi-intensive culture system, use of rainwater plus groundwater, small-sized (< 0.5 ha) ponds, ponds possession of inlets and outlets, seasonal farming and mixed culture/farming dominated. Most respondents were aware of CCI, while erratic rainfall with floods and prolonged drought mostly impacted farming. AS-Adaptation Strategy were changed stocking time and livelihood diversification. Communication technology and social group’s membership enhanced adaptation, while inadequate awareness constrains adaptation. Respondents’ RI(s) were tree planting, irrigation and pond perimeter trenching. Gender, government training, farm size, water sources and presence of inlet and outlets in ponds (FOI) predicted adaptation (R = 0.802, R2 = 0.64, P < 0.05). Some socioeconomic, technical and awareness indices could assist CCI flexibility. However, the statistically significant predictors of adaptation, identified adaptive strategies, constraints to adaptation and required interventions could be integrated into a framework for effective CCI adaptation for sustainable fish farming in flood-prone scenarios.

ASAS-NANP SYMPOSIUM: Applications of machine learning for livestock body weight prediction from digital images.

Monitoring, recording, and predicting livestock body weight (BW) allows for timely intervention in diets and health, greater efficiency in genetic selection, and identification of optimal times to market animals because animals that have already reached the point of slaughter represent a burden for the feedlot. There are currently two main approaches (direct and indirect) to measure the BW in livestock. Direct approaches include partial-weight or full-weight industrial scales placed in designated locations on large farms that measure passively or dynamically the weight of livestock. While these devices are very accurate, their acquisition, intended purpose and operation size, repeated calibration and maintenance costs associated with their placement in high-temperature variability, and corrosive environments are significant and beyond the affordability and sustainability limits of small and medium size farms and even of commercial operators. As a more affordable alternative to direct weighing approaches, indirect approaches have been developed based on observed or inferred relationships between biometric and morphometric measurements of livestock and their BW. Initial indirect approaches involved manual measurements of animals using measuring tapes and tubes and the use of regression equations able to correlate such measurements with BW. While such approaches have good BW prediction accuracies, they are time consuming, require trained and skilled farm laborers, and can be stressful for both animals and handlers especially when repeated daily. With the concomitant advancement of contactless electro-optical sensors (e.g., 2D, 3D, infrared cameras), computer vision (CV) technologies, and artificial intelligence fields such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), 2D and 3D images have started to be used as biometric and morphometric proxies for BW estimations. This manuscript provides a review of CV-based and ML/DL-based BW prediction methods and discusses their strengths, weaknesses, and industry applicability potential.

Estimating Organic Farms’ Marketability from Limited Data – Evidence from Poland

Purpose: In 2019, the European Commission made organic farming one of its Green Deal's key elements. However, in order to develop, this sector requires a support system based on reliable data. This is difficult in countries where agricultural record-keeping is not obligatory - especially for small and medium-sized farms, the main organic producers. To meet this challenge, it seems necessary to develop a method of estimating organic farms' marketability potential. Design/Methodology/Approach: In its first part, the article describes the adaptation of the method commonly used (under Farm Accountancy Data Network) in farms that keep agricultural accounting records to the specific conditions of farms that do not. In the second part, the proposed proprietary method was verified by a sample of 2,576 organic farms from the Podlasie region in Poland. Findings: The rules and practices traditionally used for EU agricultural accountancy may constitute a significant contribution to developing a universal method of estimating the marketability potential of organic farms, which is especially important for countries where agricultural accounting record-keeping is not obligatory. Practical Implications: The proposed approach may contribute to better planning of support for organic farms under the CAP, and, consequently, to complete implementation of the objectives set out by the European Commission in the Agricultural Green Deal. Originality/Value: The article presents an innovative and practical way of determining the specialization and marketability level of organic farms that do not keep agricultural accounting records.

КОНЦЕПЦИЯ ПОСТРОЕНИЯ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОГО МНОГОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОГО СЕРВИСНОГО ЦЕНТРА ПО МОЛОЧНОМУ ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВУ

Abstract. The paper outlines the main problems related to the technical service of machines and equipment used in dairy farming. The authors analyze the companies that provide their services to dairy farms of various sizes and forms of ownership, ranging from personal subsidiary farms to agricultural holdings. The main disadvantages of technical service of small and medium farms are shown, namely: large number and disunity of individual equipment suppliers; lack of incoming control of products and materials being in contact with milk; inconsistency in a number of cases of the proposed technical and technological solutions and equipment operation modes with the international requirements and other regulatory documents; impossibility of providing qualifi ed consulting, technical, fi nancial, legal and economic support to agricultural producers. The authors propose a structural and logistic model of a regional multifunctional service center for the livestock breeding industry, providing comprehensive technological, technical and operational services related to consulting, training, choosing the best available technologies and appropriate sets of machines. The multifunctional service center is expected to unite the disparate eff orts of regional service companies and dealers, improve the quality of services provided to commodity producers, and raise the level of production on small and medium-size farms.

МОДУЛЬНАЯ МАШИНА ДЛЯ РОЗОВОДСТВА

The cultivation of oil-bearing roses requires signifi cant labor and energy resources. The research aims to develop a multifunctional farm implement to mechanize technological operations in rose-growing on small and medium-sized farms. The modular farm implement includes a platform-type base module. Depending on the technological operation performed, it incorporates a spraying system, pneumatic pruning system, side panels, or two workplaces for rose pickers. Using computer simulation with a simulation model created using the “Solid Works” software package, the author determined the profi les and the type of materials for the base module production. Graphoanalytical models help establish the parameters of the other modules of the modular machine. The conducted experimental tests proved the constructive strength of the technical solutions and the functional suitability of the modular machine. It was found that in oil-bearing rose plantations, the farm implement performs spraying at the consumption rates of 300…400 l/ha for treatment of the soil surface area under the rose bushes and 1000 l/ha and more for disease and pest control, foliar feeding, and other activities. The variant of the modular machine for selective pruning is ergonomic and effi cient at a maximum cut diameter of up to 25 mm and pressure in the tractor pneumatic system between 0.3…0.73 MPa. The highest eff ect of mechanized oil-bearing rose harvesting with the modular machine could be achieved in well-maintained plantations. The optimal height of the bushes should be 1.5…1.6 m, and the operation should be performed in the period of active fl owering (after 4-5 years of planting or rejuvenation). It is also possible to use the modular machine for transportation purposes. Experimental tests of the developed modular machine for oil-bearing rose production proved the constructive strength of the technical solutions and its functional

The Azospirillum genus and the cultivation of vegetables. A review

Introduction. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have been successfully inserted in agriculture, aiming to find a better balance between agricultural production and environmental protection. However, there is a restriction on its application concerning the exploited species since the focus is on large-scale grain production, practically excluding small and medium-sized farms. Literature. Studies on the application of Azospirillum bacteria in horticultural species are still scarce, compared with those aimed at grain production. However, it appears that these bacteria are beneficial to the development and production of vegetables, whether they produce leaves, stems, bulbs, flowers, fruits, roots, or tubers, and may result in monetary gains, especially for small and medium agricultural producers. Conclusions. The use of Azospirillum bacteria to increase the quality and quantity of products from horticultural species and establish an environmentally friendly practice is a reality. However, the development of research that defines the best strategies for using this technology must be carried out continuously, aiming at the best conditions for producers.

On the Issue of Storing Seed Grain in a Vacuum Container

The article presents a fundamentally new technology for storing seed material in conditions typical for small and medium-sized farms. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in studying a container with a controlled air and gas environment in it. (Materials and methods) The article presents studies in order to obtain initial data for calculating the volume of the carbon dioxide storage tank using an original laboratory installation consisting of a sealed container with a vacuum gauge mounted on the lid. The process of seed respiration is characterized by the respiratory coefficient Kd, which is determined by the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide released to the volume of oxygen absorbed in the air. (Results and discussion) During the aerobic respiration of seeds in the container, the composition of the air in the intergranular space is constantly changing, while the content of carbon dioxide increases and oxygen decreases. When determining the mass of the air medium, it is possible to obtain an expression that obeys the Mendeleev - Klayperon equation for an ideal gas for external climatic conditions, on the basis of which it is possible to calculate the mass content of carbon dioxide in the air mixture. (Conclusions) The article recommends the technology of storing seed grain in a sealed container with a controlled air environment and a system of forced aeration of the grain mass. It is necessary to create and maintain a vacuum of the air mixture in the working volume of the sealed container within 0.66 MPa. The forced aeration of the grain embankment should be started when the oxygen content in the air mixture located in the carbon dioxide storage tank exceeds 7 percent.

Upravljanje programom digitalne transformacije u preduzećima srednje veličine - mrežni pristup

The article deals with the process management's issues of digital transformation in companies. The emphasis is made on the consideration of program's projects as interrelated components with the features of emergency system, not as a weakly interconnected complex (linear set) of projects. Authors propose the organizational model of transformation's program management and the new approach to prioritizing projects based on the use of network analysis. The suggested method allows to evaluate the role of the project in the transformation program and its impact on the other projects, as well as its impact on the planned benefits of the program. It also allows to distribute resources between projects and to assess the risks of the program as a whole. The article focuses on the differences of medium-sized companies' management methods, on the one hand, from companies in small business, and on the other hand, from large companies. The application of the method was tested at a medium-sized poultry farm. The analysis of projects of the real program was made, the network model of the program was built, and the probability of projects' and the program at all success was estimated. The evaluation of the program indicators allowed the authors to make conclusions about priorities of separate projects. The proposed approach can be used in various companies, regardless of industry affiliation.

Productivity and Competitiveness of the Agricultural Sector in Poland

This article attempts to assess the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Poland. The data used in the article were provided by Polish FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) and the Central Statistical Office, which makes them a representative and reliable source of information on agriculture in Poland. Studies have shown that the agricultural sector in Poland is characterised by low productivity, especially of small and medium-sized farms prevailing in Poland, as well as low internal competitiveness measured by the share of the national agricultural sector in generating GDP. Studies have shown, on the other hand, that the situation of the sector is relatively well presented in terms of the external competitiveness represented by its share in exports.

INVESTMENTS AS A MEANS OF REPRODUCING OF THE MATERIAL AND TECHNICAL BASE OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

Introduction. The processes of reproduction of MTB of agricultural producers are determined by a number of internal and external factors, among which are the following: opportunities for the formation of investment resources from external and internal sources of funding; effectiveness of state support; organization of production activities, which focuses on resource conservation; size and specialization of the enterprise; financial stability; efficiency of production activity; product competitiveness; investment activity; productivity of technical means, their physical and moral wear and tear; perception of innovations. Methods. The methodological basis of the study is a dialectical method of cognition, a systematic approach to the study of economic phenomena. The tasks are solved using the following methods: abstract and logical (in formulating theoretical generalizations and conclusions); monographic (reflecting the processes of formation of the material and technical base of agricultural enterprises in the dynamics); statistical analysis (to assess the movement of the active part of non-current assets of farms in the corporate sector of the agricultural economy). The reliability of the obtained results, conclusions and proposals is confirmed by the calculations and a significant amount of empirical material presented in the work. Results. It is established that the main problems of deterioration of material and technical condition of fixed assets in agriculture are: low investment activity of agricultural producers; insufficient volumes and miscalculations in the targeting of state support for the renewal of fixed assets of agriculture for small and medium-sized farms in rural areas; imperfect agricultural leasing; no indexation of the book value of fixed assets of agricultural enterprises. Discussion. In the conditions of further development of investment activity of farms of the corporate sector of agrarian economy there is a necessity to make capital investments in acquisition of agricultural lands. In this connection the priority tasks of scientific research are: development of methodical approaches transactions for the purchase and sale of agricultural land and their reflection in the financial statements. Keywords: investment, material and technical base, agricultural enterprise, technical means, state support.

Blockchain and edge computing technology enabling organic agricultural supply chain: A framework solution to trust crisis

The credibility of information on organic agri-products has always blocked the participation of small and medium-sized farms in high value-added agriculture. However, the inherent characteristics of the organic agricultural supply chain (OASC)–such as centralization, monopoly, and asymmetry–have repeatedly plunged OASC into the predicament of information non-transparency. Ultimately, it results in a severe trust crisis of consumers. Fortunately, the emerging blockchain and edge computing technology probably raise an opportunity to improve this issue. Despite the overwhelming advantage (such as tamper-resistant, trust-free, transparent, decentralized, and immutable), this technology has to overcome the imperfection of cost and efficiency before it can be employed by OASC, particularly for geographically dispersed small and medium-sized farms in remote areas.In this paper, we first leverage the immutability of blockchain and the paradigm of edge computing to construct an OASC’s trust framework, which has a much better trade-off between cost and efficiency. Further, according to the scenarios of OASC, we divide all the stakeholders into four roles, proposing a novel consensus mechanism to manage the information flow. The evaluation results demonstrate that our proposal can significantly achieve the performance improvement as well as the cost decline compared to the traditional approach. This framework will also make affordable traceability solutions for those in developing countries at a low cost in the future.

Preference mapping of Slovak cheese

The production of steamed cheese has a long tradition in Slovakia. Some of these cheeses have even received the PGI designation, which is a designation granted to products with specific geographical characteristics (Slovenská parenica, Zázrivské vojky, Zázrivský korbáčik, and Oravský korbáčik). In our study, eight samples of various unsmoked steamed cheese from small dairy farms (samples D, F, G, and H) and medium-sized farms (A, B, C, and E) were evaluated. Our work aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in sensory characteristics between samples from small and medium-sized dairy farms and whether there are differences in the preferences between these samples for consumers. Samples were evaluated by sensory analysis, where the assessors evaluated the characteristics of color, odor, texture, flavor, and overall appearance on a nine-point hedonic scale. Differences at a statistically significant level in the attributes of odor, texture, flavor, and overall appearance were confirmed (p &lt;0.05) between samples from small and medium dairy farms, no statistically significant difference was proved in the attribute color (p &gt;0.05). The results were processed using PCA, whereas can be seen from the graphic representation the carriers of all evaluated attributes were samples from medium-sized farms (except for sample D, which belonged to the first group of samples together with samples from medium-sized farms). We constructed a preferential map by combining internal and external mapping, while the internal data were formed by data obtained from assessors using sensory analysis and the external data came from an online questionnaire. Using the preferential mapping technique, we found out that samples from medium-sized dairy farms were classified as the most preferred samples which correspond with the results of sensory analysis.

Genetic polymorphism and effect on milk production of CSN2 gene in conventional and local cattle breeds in Croatia

Over the past three decades, the scientific and public interest has been initiated by studies in which the negative effect of milk consumption of beta-casein A1 variant has been observed on consumers’ health. The production of "A2 milk" is one of the ways to economically increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized dairy farms. Breeders of endangered local breeds are also interested in reaffirmation through production of “A2 milk”. The aim of this study is to determine frequencies of A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein in three commercial and three local breeds of cattle in Croatia, and their relationship with production indicators of commercial breeds in the first three lactations. The genomic DNA was extracted from hair by using a commercial kit, used for determination of CSN2 genotypes by means of PCRRFLP method. Data for milk yield and chemical composition were provided by the central database. The dominant presence of A2 variant beta-casein in the investigated cattle breeds (0.650-0.758) and the increase in the frequency of A2 beta-casein in the population of Simmental and Istrian cattle were determined. The association of A2A2 and A1A1 genotypes of beta-casein with lactation production and milk fat content in the first and second lactation was observed (p &lt;0.05). The dominance of the A2 allelic variation of beta-casein makes the researched conventional and local breeds suitable for the production of "A2 milk. The breeding extension of A2 allelic variation of beta-casein within local breeds of cattle should be carried out carefully not to lose part of the existing genetic variability.

The Social Profile, Constraints, and Its Impact on Swine Herd Size in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

The objective of this study was to describe social profile, constraints of swine farmers, and its impact on swine herd size in Tra Vinh Province. This study was conducted in Tra Vinh Province, one of the provinces in Mekong delta, Vietnam. A total of 120 swine farmers selected from small swine farms to commercial swine farms were surveyed with information gathered on 11,466 swine. All of the swine farmers in this study were purposively chosen and interviewed with the questionnaires for data collection. All swine farmers have kept at least 1 swine per farm or had experience at least 1 year for raising and trading swine. The results showed that the majority of farmers were males (57.5%), with the age range of 20-40 years old (47.5%), having more than 10 years of experience (52.5%), having 1-3 members in the family (87.1%), 85% of farmers focused on farm, farmers having livestock farming plus cropping accounted for 55.8%, and farmers having medium farm size with an average of 95-96 heads/farm. In addition, there were 4 constraints that farmers confirmed, i.e., capital (31.6%), disease outbreak (75%), low bargaining power (40%), and the fluctuation of feed price (59.16%). Moreover, experience (p&lt;0.01), education (p&lt;0.01), disease outbreak (p&lt;0.05), and the fluctuation of feed price (p&lt;0.05) had a strong influence on swine herd. It could be concluded that farmers having higher experience and education kept a larger number of swine than others. In contrary, when disease outbreak and the fluctuation of feed price emerge, farmers tended to control their swine herd size.

Assessment of hand-transmitted vibration in self propelled vertical conveyor reaper

The self propelled vertical conveyor reaper is commonly used for harvesting wheat, rice etc. It has become a main or the sole of mechanical power source on small and medium size farms in India. The operators of VCR are exposed to a high level of vibration arising from single cylinder engine during field operations. The vibration from the VCR is transmitted from handle to hands, arms and shoulders. The detrimental effect of the prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration on the operators has been known for a long time. In the present study, experiments were conducted to assess the vibration extent in VCR for two operational conditions i.e. transportation on bitumen road and wheat harvesting operation. The vibrations were measured at engine speed 2200 and 2800 rpm. In this study it was found that the vibration magnitudes decreased with increase in engine speed from 2200 to 2800 rpm in both operational conditions. The highest vibration values were observed in x-direction. The maximum frequency-weighted vibration acceleration (rms) in x-direction was 18.76 and 22.8 ms-2 in transportation and wheat harvesting. One third octave band frequency spectra were also obtained. The peak acceleration appeared around 50 Hz for both transportation and wheat harvesting at engine speed 2200 and 2800 rpm. The average 8 hour exposure time for occurrence of white finger syndrome was 1.16 and 0.93 years at transportation and wheat harvesting operation.

Study on reduction of hand-transmitted vibration in self propelled vertical conveyor reaper by isolators

The self propelled vertical conveyor reaper is commonly used for harvesting wheat, rice etc. It has become a main or the sole of mechanical power source on small and medium size farms in India. The operators of VCR are exposed to a high level of vibration arising from single cylinder engine during field operations. The vibration from the VCR is transmitted from handle to hands, arms and shoulders. In the present study, experiments were conducted to reduce the vibration extent in VCR for two operational conditions i.e. transportation on bitumen road and wheat harvesting operation by using isolators in between engine and chassis. The vibrations were measured at engine speed 2200 and 2800 rpm. In this study it was found that the vibration magnitudes decreased with increase in engine speed from 2200 to 2800 rpm in both operational conditions. The highest vibration values were observed in x-direction. The maximum frequency-weighted vibration acceleration (rms) in x-direction was 18.76 and 22.8 ms-2 in transportation and wheat harvesting, respectively. After incorporation of isolators the vibration total values reduced at 2200 rpm form 22.8 ms-2 to 9.63 ms-2 and 28.11 ms-2 to 12.57 ms-2 in transportation and wheat harvesting, respectively (Fig. 1 and 2). Whereas at 2800 rpm the vibration total values reduced form 12.93 ms-2 to 5.85ms-2 and 17.86 ms-2 to 8.42 ms-2, respectively. The average increment in 8 hour exposure time for occurrence of white finger syndrome from 1.16 to 2.88 year and 0.93 to 2.17 year for isolators in transportation and wheat harvesting, respectively.

Supply chain integration and resilience in China's pig sector: case study evidences from emerging institutional arrangements.

Pig sector in China is faced with high risks, such as price fluctuation and food safety, and environmental regulation uncertainty. The recent African swine fever has caused public panic and drop down of pork consumption in a short term. The “wu-shui-gong-zhi” policy is a newly recognized environmental policy risk, and its key content is to shut down directly the pig farms close to water resources. Lots of small- and medium-sized farms have been affected, especially in coastal provinces. Supply chain integration received wide attention in supply chain management. Literature has shown that a well-coordinated food supply chain will bring positive outcomes for chain stakeholders. However, the relationship between food supply chain integration and resilience is not empirically captured. This research aims to explore the relationship between supply chain integration and supply chain resilience, and the mechanism of how supply chain integration works on supply chain resilience. To achieve the research purpose, an in-depth ethnographical case study is performed. Four cases in China’s pig sector were selected, with different types of supply chain integration between cooperative and companies. They differ in supply chain resilience levels. We found that supply chain integration has a positive effect on supply chain resilience through agility and robustness. Supply chain agility also has positive relationship with supply chain robustness. It implies that supply chain stakeholders should efficiently exchange information, enhance circulation rate, and jointly make plans to be more resilient to risks. The government needs to make policies to encourage and facilitate supply chain integration among supply chain members to enhance supply chain resilience.