Nanzhang County in Hubei Province has emerged as a beacon of agricultural innovation with the launch of the Cloud Hymn dairy factory, a 1.2 billion yuan ($168 million) project transforming the region's dairy sector. Combining cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the initiative is reshaping rural livelihoods while boosting production efficiency.
AI and Big Data Drive Precision Farming
At the heart of the smart ranch are AI-powered collars and ear tag chips that monitor cows' health, fertility, and feeding patterns in real time. This data-driven approach enables a single worker to manage 70 cows, slashing annual operational costs by over 20 million yuan ($2.8 million).
Circular Economy Benefits Farmers
The project partners with 3,500 local households to cultivate 35,000 mu (2,333 hectares) of silage crops, using proprietary fermentation technology to convert agricultural waste into nutrient-rich feed. Farmers report average income increases of 30,000 yuan ($4,210) annually, creating a sustainable model for rural prosperity.
Central China's Dairy Powerhouse
With a daily output of 130 tons of fresh milk, Nanzhang now leads central China's dairy industry through a fully integrated supply chain. The success highlights how technological adoption in agriculture can drive economic growth while addressing food security challenges.
