Digital Tools Boost Income in Uruguayan Dairy Farms by 70%
A digital application developed in Uruguay has significantly enhanced the income of 70% of pilot dairy farms by improving data management, feeding strategies, and production planning. This development was presented at the Inale 2026 Forum by Jorge Artagaveytia, a member of the Economic Information and Studies area at Inale. The project, known as FPTA 385, focuses on growth management in dairy establishments and was initiated by the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), involving producers, industry, and academia.
Project Details and Implementation
The project developed an information system and a management application to integrate various key processes within dairy farms. One of its main focuses is production planning, which allows farms to set monthly targets for cow numbers, feeding, and production over the next year. The tool also includes tracking of deviations and continuous monitoring of production indicators.
Animal Feeding Focus
Another central aspect of the system is animal feeding. The app enables farms to measure pasture availability, formulate diets, and ensure the proper implementation of feeding plans. The project also specifically addressed the management of cows in transition, particularly during the prepartum period, by integrating feeding and health aspects.
The project commenced between January and August 2024, during which processes were developed, and 29 farms were selected for a pilot experience. By June 2026, 26 of these establishments continued to actively participate in the program.
Results and Future Plans
The data indicates that 70% of the pilot farms improved their income by applying this management and monitoring methodology. The next phase of the project aims to scale the experience by incorporating 100 new users starting in July, utilizing both the methodology and the developed application. Inale considers the tool to have shown very successful results and plans to continue expanding its use within Uruguay's dairy sector.
This initiative highlights the increasing importance of data management, planning, and digital tools in modern dairy systems.
