Beef Cattle Short Course Explores Use of Artificial Intelligence in Ranching
A New Era of Farming: Merging Agriculture and Technology
At the Beef Cattle Short Course, the potential of engineering and artificial intelligence in the ranching industry was explored with a series of presentations from leading agriculture and technology companies. The event titled “AgTech: Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Ranch Profitability” unfolded opportunities for cattle producers from across the state to enhance their ranching operations’ efficiency with digitization and sustainable practices.
The Importance of Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Financial challenges endured by ranchers due to last year’s drought and intense heat highlights the urgent need for efficiency and cost effectiveness in global cattle operations. This situation has sparked a surge of innovative apps and technology, like Lore, aiming to optimize livestock and resource usage by offering in-depth insights into data collected on ranches.
Lore: Precision Animal Farming
Developed by Dutch company dsm-firmenich, Lore uses data collection and consultation from its Precision Services division to predict animal health and performance, thereby optimizing ranch operations. The app analyzes various factors affecting an animal’s routine and consumption that impact performance, enabling ranchers to focus their efforts accordingly. Also branded as a virtual assistant, Lore assists producers in making more informed decisions regarding the management of beef and dairy cattle.
Precision Livestock Technologies (PLT): A New Revolution in Ranching
Dallas-based Precision Livestock Technologies (PLT) also stands on the frontier of incorporating data analytics and AI in ranching operations. PLT’s solar-powered camera system gathers detailed animal data round the clock, which is then analyzed by AI to provide valuable recommendations to producers. The ultimate objective? Streamlining operation adjustments to boost efficiency and maximize profitability.
Transforming Observations into Reliable Data
PLT’s machine-vision system is capable of detecting body positions, identifying the posture of livestock, and determining their eating, drinking, and resting patterns. The system features innovative recognition algorithms that can identify specific body parts, laying the groundwork for further analysis by AI to evaluate an animal’s health and well-being.
Driving Efficiency with AI Solutions
AI’s role in increasing operational efficiency and reducing human error exemplifies its immense potential in revolutionizing the field of ranching. Technologies like Lore and PLT have provided an innovative solution to the recent financial constraints experienced by the agriculture industry, steering it towards a future of digitized and sustainable practices.