QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRECISION DAIRY FARMING IMPACT ON FARM SUSTAINABILITY IN UKRAINE: THE FARMERS' PERSPECTIVE
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRECISION DAIRY FARMING IMPACT ON FARM SUSTAINABILITY IN UKRAINE: THE FARMERS' PERSPECTIVE

Summary/Abstract: The general objective of this research was to investigate one of the management approaches – precision dairy farming (PDF) and based on the example of Ukrainian dairy farms to assess its impact on environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainability. For conducting the study an inductive approach was used, which involved the development of a theory as a result of the observation of empirical data. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires via phone, with owners and managers of cow dairy farms of varied categories. In total, 17 dairy farmers took part in the study. Results showed that precision dairy farming technologies are being moderately used in Ukrainian farms. 41% of the participants (seven out of 17) are applying these tools in their farms. Most of the respondents indicated positive impact of PDF technologies on sustainability of farms. Particularly, financial performance of the farms has improved, health conditions of cattle got better and working conditions of the staff amended. Regarding environmental effects, it is hard to draw conclusions since none of the farms was measuring them.

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