AI's Impact: Reshaping the Beef Cattle Ranching Sector

Published Date: 11/08/2024

Discover how companies like dsm-firmenich and Precision Livestock Technologies are leveraging AI and data analytics to boost efficiency and profits in the ranching industry.

Texas A&M University's Beef Cattle Short Course recently explored the exciting possibilities of engineering and artificial intelligence in the ranching industry. The event, titled 'AgTech  Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Ranch Profitability,' brought together cattle producers from across the state to learn about the latest innovations in digitization and sustainable practices.

  Financial constraints imposed on ranchers due to last year's drought and excessive heat have highlighted the need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in cattle operations worldwide. This is where companies like dsm-firmenich come in. Their app, Lore, provides novel insights into data collected on ranches, helping to optimize livestock and resource usage.

  According to Leonardo Sa, head of the Global Precision Services Hub at dsm-firmenich, Lore utilizes data collection and consultation from dsm-firmenich's Precision Services division to formulate predictions that can be used by ranchers to optimize animal health and performance. Lore promotes precision animal farming by using data measurements to predict livestock's nutrition and environmental impact.

  The program's algorithms make predictions on a daily basis, taking into account an animal's characteristics, routine indicators, consumption, and time of year. By comparing these measurements to historical data and expectations, livestock performance can be deemed above or below average. Lore analyzes which factors of an animal's routine and consumption have the greatest impact on performance, allowing ranchers to focus their efforts on those aspects.

  Sa described Lore as a virtual assistant that allows producers to make more informed decisions when it comes to managing beef and dairy cattle. The app launched in May 2022 and is nearing 200 customers, with many located in Brazil.

  'It's from human nature to not pay full attention every day,' Sa said. 'The machine is far better than [humans] for this type of operation, this type of task. What we've seen through this journey is that we started, actually, to empower the operations of guys in the field and empowered them to make decisions before problems start to emerge. Farmers started to see their operation in a different way.'

  Another company at the forefront of AgTech is Precision Livestock Technologies (PLT). Based in Dallas, PLT uses data analytics and AI to track livestock's feeding habits, weights, and behaviors. Their solar-powered camera system gathers animal data around the clock, providing recommendations to producers that can improve efficiency and maximize profits.

  PLT's machine-vision system can detect body position by identifying the posture of an animal, as well as the livestock's time spent eating, drinking, and sitting down. The technology can recognize animals' body parts, such as the head, limbs, facial features, and rumen. Livestock body parts can be classified by position and condition, data which is then analyzed by AI to judge the animal's health and well-being.

  According to CEO Andrew McKenzie, PLT's data collection has proven more reliable and accurate than simple observations, while preventing human error and limiting the need for already scarce skilled labor.

  As the ranching industry continues to evolve, it's clear that AI and data analytics will play a vital role in shaping its future. By embracing these technologies, cattle producers can boost efficiency, profits, and sustainability – ultimately leading to a more successful and resilient industry.

      Information    dsm-firmenich is a Dutch company that specializes in providing innovative solutions for the animal nutrition and health industry. Precision Livestock Technologies is a Dallas-based company that uses data analytics and AI to improve livestock management.

         Texas A&M University is a public research university located in College Station, Texas. The university's Beef Cattle Short Course is an annual event that brings together cattle producers, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in the beef cattle industry.

FAQS:

Q: What is Lore, and how does it help ranchers?

A: Lore is an app developed by dsm-firmenich that provides novel insights into data collected on ranches, helping to optimize livestock and resource usage.

Q: How does Precision Livestock Technologies use AI in ranching?

A: PLT uses AI to analyze data collected from their solar-powered camera system, providing recommendations to producers that can improve efficiency and maximize profits.

Q: What is the goal of the Beef Cattle Short Course?

A: The goal of the Beef Cattle Short Course is to bring together cattle producers, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in the beef cattle industry.

Q: How can AI and data analytics benefit the ranching industry?

A: AI and data analytics can help ranchers boost efficiency, profits, and sustainability by providing insights into livestock management and resource usage.

Q: What is the importance of sustainability in the ranching industry?

A: Sustainability is crucial in the ranching industry as it helps to ensure the long-term viability of cattle operations and reduces the environmental impact of ranching practices.

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