Inner Mongolia dairy ranch named world's first '5G pilot farm'

Inside Youran Dairy's Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

Youran Dairy's Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the world's first "Farm 5G Demonstration Pilot" in the dairy sector.

The certification was presented by Thanawat Tiensin, assistant director-general and director of the FAO Animal Production and Health Division, at the 2nd International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation in Chongqing. The farm was the only Chinese livestock project selected as a global model at the symposium. 

The "5G" concept does not refer to mobile communication technology, but to five internationally recognized animal welfare principles: physiology, environment, health, behavior, and psychological well-being.

A staff member operates intelligent devices at Youran Dairy's Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

At the smart farm, cows wear intelligent collars that continuously upload data, including body temperature, activity levels, and rumination patterns. The system automatically issues alerts when abnormalities are detected, enabling real-time health management for every animal.

Milking operations are fully automated, with production data integrated into international management systems to ensure higher standards of precision, hygiene, and efficiency. Feed formulas are also optimized through high-precision nutrition databases to improve animal health while reducing waste.

The farm's practices align with the FAO's global initiative to reduce the need for antimicrobials and promote sustainable agrifood systems by lowering antibiotic use and carbon emissions in livestock production.

Behind the recognition is Inner Mongolia's broader push for high-quality dairy development. Through a comprehensive quality management system covering every stage from raw materials to finished products, as well as cooperation with research institutes and industry organizations, the project has helped drive technological innovation and created jobs and income opportunities for around 300,000 farmers and herders.

Staff members check a cow's health. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]