Successful opening day of the SMARTFARMRANI Operational Group

On December 18, 2024, the Hotel El Milano Real in Hoyos del Espino (Ávila) hosted the inaugural conference of the SMARTFARMRANI (SFR) Operational Group , focused on the future of extensive livestock farming in Spain. Under the slogan "Precision Livestock Farming to Increase the Sustainability and Resilience of Farms," the event brought together experts in nutrition, animal welfare, sustainability, and technology applied to the sector.

During the event, innovations aimed at improving farm productivity and resilience were presented, with a special focus on the native Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed as a model of sustainability. Precision technologies were highlighted as key tools for optimizing livestock management and reducing environmental impact. Among other actions, the project includes the effective and automatic digitalization of processes at the Breeding Center for future breeding cows (virtual fencing system for geolocation, herbometers for calculating pasture production, RFID ear tags for individual productivity monitoring, etc.).

The event, inaugurated by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food , as well as local and regional authorities, served as a space for the exchange of knowledge among researchers, livestock farmers, and professionals , strengthening collaboration as the basis for a sustainable livestock model.

The SMARTFARMRANI Operational Group is coordinated by the Royal Spanish Association of Breeders of Select Avileña-Negra Ibérica Cattle (RAEANI) , along with other entities such as the Cajamar Foundation, universities, and companies in the sector. This project, funded primarily by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainability of extensive livestock farming in Spain.