As the first generation to grow up with high-level tech in their pockets, six “Gen Z” college students weigh in on how they believe data and automation will change daily swine production in the next decade. With technology continuing to advance, these young leaders say the swine industry will become more precise, more efficient and more proactive.
Farm Journal’s PORK asked these students to answer this question: How do you think data and automation will change daily life in the barn over the next 10 years?
Quicker Decision Making
“In the next 10 years, I believe many of the more routine tasks, such as feeding systems, climate control, and even cleaning, will become more automated and consistent. This will reduce some manual labor and free up more time for management decisions. Improved data collection will strengthen long-term decision-making. New technology will allow barn managers to track trends like growth rates, feed efficiency and reproduction performance, and use that information to make more accurate adjustments.” –Ansley Bo of St. Cloud, Fla., senior at the University of Florida
“I believe through data and automation, we can help barn managers spot signs of illness and areas for improvement in feeding and management.”
Improved Health and Sustainability
“Data and automation are going to continue to change swine production, maximizing health, efficiency and sustainability of pork production. Today’s barn manager is juggling so many responsibilities and one of the most important is taking the time to observe and recognize signs of illness or poor nutrition. I believe through data and automation, we can help barn managers spot signs of illness and areas for improvement in feeding and management. This will prevent disease outbreaks and allow pigs to grow and gain more efficiently. Additionally, our world is tasked with feeding a growing population with increasing environmental pressures and changing consumer demands. Data and automation can help us to design facilities and procedures that allow us to best take care of the environment and raise pork that meets the desires of consumers.” –Olivia Shike of Sadorus, Ill., junior at Kansas State University
More Efficient Recordkeeping
“Technology has already made a huge difference within our industry but I believe that this industry is going to have better recordkeeping, better genetics, better herd health and greater production because technology can make all of those more organized and efficient.” –Cydney Bertolino of Morrisonville, Ill., junior at Kansas State University
Faster Speed of Progress
“Technology is already a major part of the swine industry through automated feeding systems, environmental controls, and data tracking, and I think these tools will continue to expand. Instead of relying on observation and handwritten records, barn managers will be able to monitor pig health, feed intake, growth performance, and barn condition instantly and catch problems earlier before they become major issues. However, I do not believe technology will replace the importance of people in the industry. Strong stockmanship and hands-on observation will always matter because technology works best when paired with knowledgeable individuals who understand pigs and production systems.” –Haley Graf of Rensselaer, Ind., senior at Purdue University
Empowering Confidence
“The use of technology and data has already proven to show great improvement and efficiency in the life of a barn manager. It is incredible to see the tools and technology already being implemented in barns across the country. However, I think it’s important to not let technology take over completely in the livestock industry. People need to be in the barns laying eyes on the animals and administering shots, assisting a sow farrowing or whatever it may be.” –Carly Henderson of Wellsville, Mo., senior at Iowa State University
Improved Observation
“I believe data and automation will help reduce learning curves in livestock management while allowing producers to recognize patterns and respond to issues much more quickly. Combining what we observe in the barn with what technology can track and analyze is a major advantage, especially in the commercial sector of pork production. For example, monitoring feed intake, activity levels, or time spent near a teaser boar can help managers identify when a sow may need treatment or is ready to be bred. These tools can also help train new employees on best management practices while improving overall livestock health, efficiency, and animal care. –Cade Sponcil of Greenfield, Ohio, junior at Oklahoma State University
