BIG farms, Bison Innovation Gate for farms is a project created to enhance work conditions for farmers and ensure the cow’s welfare.
Most importantly in diary milk farming, providing solutions for a modern agriculture. This dream started to see light in 2018, when I completely changed my career and implemented my diary milk farm in my home town Jendouba (in north west TUNISIA). Shifting from computer engineering to agriculture was too risky and scary, but my passion for agriculture was stronger and the feeling of building something from scratch with my own hands was beyond any challenges.
From idea to reality
I had the idea in 2017 to explore a new world that has always been interesting for me.
In January 2nd 2018 I started an intensive training for about five months. And finally in August the 2nd 2018 I receive my First four cows.
Animals are just life, there is always something new a deal with, the energy the emotions and bringing to life other calfs is another dimension of supreme happiness
Everything was renovated from the ground up, the herd saturated to get bigger and bigger and now we are at 14 productive cows.
Farming is simply a labor of love: dynamic, innovative, challenging.
But of course it has never been easy or simple. While dealing with my cows I had a lot of issues dealing with my herd. I couldn’t understand the cows needs or decipher the cows signs. And this led to tremendous issues like sickness of cows , decrease of production and also tremendous daily loss of money.
The challenges of managing a dairy farm
Managing a dairy farm comes with its challenges, especially that I was learning on the go. Dealing with the health and well-being of a herd, understanding their needs, and interpreting their signs can indeed be complex. However, it’s great that recognizing these challenges didn’t took too long, as it provides an opportunity to implement solutions and improvements. And that was the birth of our first solution. Developing a mobile application that serves as an expert for farmers, especially in the context of dairy farming, can be a powerful tool to address various challenges and enhance overall farm management.
- Consider incorporating advanced health monitoring technologies for your cows. Using image analysis
- Implement a data analytics system to analyze historical data on your herd's health and production. This can help identify patterns and early warning signs, making it easier to predict and prevent potential issues.
- Establish relationships with veterinary professionals or agricultural experts who can provide guidance and regular check-ups to make sure the results obtained from the application are reliable enough.
- Implement a schedule for regular health checks for your cows. Early detection of illnesses or signs of distress can significantly reduce the impact on production and prevent prolonged health issues.
- Maintain detailed records of each cow's health history, vaccinations, and any treatments received. This organized approach can facilitate better decision- making and timely interventions.
Tailored solutions for the farms
At first my solution was tailored for my farm to my cows according to my exploitation needs, but then, the project got even bigger and started to share it with other farmers, creating for it a labeled startup in order to create more opportunities for development
Expanding my solution beyond my own farm and creating a labeled startup is a fantastic step toward contributing to the broader agricultural community. This approach allowed me to share the benefits of your innovative solution with other farmers, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for mutual growth.
Our startup is not only providing tech solutions but also extends support through mentoring, helping farmers embrace modern approaches to their work. This holistic approach is instrumental in fostering sustainable and positive change in the agricultural community.
We always try to customize our mentoring approach to the specific needs and challenges of each farmer. Recognize that different farms may require unique strategies based on factors such as size, location, and existing practices and ressources.
My transition from computer engineering to dairy milk farming is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Building a successful farm from scratch is a significant achievement that I will always be proud of, and my commitment to enhancing work conditions for farmers and contributing to modern agriculture is commendable.
It’s evident that I passion for agriculture has driven the success of BIG Farms. By continuously innovating, adopting sustainable practices, and engaging with the community, I can contribute not only to the success of my own farm but also to the broader advancement of modern agriculture.
We have a mission, we are passioned about it and this is why we have been trusted.
In summary, the combination of a clear mission and genuine passion is a powerful foundation for any endeavor, and it’s evident that your commitment to your mission has earned trust.
Our journey has been tough, but we are resilient and will continue to push
The Team BIG
The team BIG for farms, is on a continuous learning we always provide ongoing training for myself and any staff involved in managing the herd. This could include workshops, seminars, or online courses on dairy farming best practices, animal behavior, and health indicators. I also constantly try to connect with other dairy farmers in my region or through online forums. Sharing experiences and learning from others who have faced similar challenges that can provide valuable insights and practical advice.
The learning curve in agriculture can be steep, and each challenge provides a chance to refine and optimize our approach. By staying proactive, seeking expert advice, and leveraging technology, we can overcome these obstacles and build a more resilient and successful dairy farm.
Also in BIG farms, we emphasize sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices to minimize the environmental impact of the farm. Consider implementing renewable energy sources, waste recycling systems, and water conservation measures.