Technology Can Improve Farrowing Rates, Offset Labor Shortage
Meet Ben Smith, our latest addition to Farm Journal's PORK's Up & Coming Leaders feature. We are showcasing some of the fresh, new voices of the pork industry who combine innovative thought and work ethic with scientific savvy and a passion to make a difference.
Age: 26
Education: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and finishing PhD in industrial and agricultural technology, Iowa State University
Hometown: Hotchkiss, Colorado
Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. I became interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry through an FFA experience in high school. Our chapter had two sows that were bred as a part of the animal science class. I got involved as a freshman helping farrow the sows and started my own herd from there.
Q. How have internships helped you in your career path?
A. When I came to Iowa State, I started working at Phenotypic Acres in Ames, a Berkshire genetics farm. I took two internships with Iowa Select Farms. One internship was in transportation biosecurity working on truck wash drying for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus prevention. My second internship was in research and ventilation helping with commercial trials and assisting in the remodeling of sow farms and nurseries. My second internship turned into a full-time position working on positive pressure filtered farm design, commissioning and air filter testing.
Q. What has helped you gain swine industry experience?
A. One of the most memorable swine-related experiences I had was a study abroad trip to Denmark, Sweden and Finland with Dr. Tom Baas and Dr. Jay Harmon, to tour various swine production systems in those countries.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. My current research focuses on the integration of technology into swine production systems, primarily in farrowing systems to improve production, efficiency and sustainability. The majority of my research is focused on the farrowing creep area and the supplemental heat source used. Integrating technology into this segment of the system has a potential to improve production, by reducing pre-wean mortality, and reducing energy usage.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. My generation is going to be facing numerous challenges, the largest of which is addressing labor shortages through technology. With that brings the challenge of integrating key technologies that bring in value to offset the labor shortage.
Read more:
Han Explores How Computer Algorithms Can Improve Swine Production
Naïve or Not? The Never-Ending Dilemma of Sow Farm PRRS Status
Is the Livestock Industry Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak?
