Technology Eases Labor Shortage Impact on Animal Agriculture

Animal protein producers are fully aware of the labor shortages facing their industries and understand that the situation is not likely to improve. That begs the question: what do we do about it? Better incentive programs? Improved PR and employee training? Streamline immigration regulations? Technology is clearly part of the answer to this complex issue.

Technology allows producers to be more efficient with fewer employees. Plus, they gain additional insight about their animals and processes for better decisions that improve the overall health and sustainability of their operation.

For example, electronic identification (EID) ear tags and Bluetooth devices enable animal data to be collected without multiple workers involved. No more shouting out tag numbers, scale weights, products administered, procedures completed, etc., and no more logging information manually. EID (aka RFID) tags and smart devices send data directly to software, empowering one person to record the complete set of information on every animal; quickly, consistently, accurately and with less stress on the animals. Autonomous EID/RFID systems collect information remotely without any direct involvement from personnel. Technology can also minimize the impact of language barriers.

Several companies are at the forefront of technology and Precision Livestock Management (PLM) solutions. PrairiE Systems and Fort Supply Technologies both have solutions that can alleviate labor shortage pains in livestock production and are worthy of producers’ attention.

LeeO by PrairiE Systems requires only one employee to tag, weigh, vaccinate, perform other procedures, and accurately record all necessary data when processing a litter. Sorting and pig movements can be monitored electronically, and additional animal data collected over time. Accurate reports from that data will help producers make better decisions for their overall operation. These processes no longer demand a crew of workers; just one, and with better results.

Ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tags and software that communicates with scale heads and precision devices reduce the number of workers required to work cattle. Using UHF tags and FaST HERD by Fort Supply Technologies minimizes hand data entry, reduces labor, increases the accuracy of your data, and improves worker safety. One employee can now monitor inventory, herd health status, or collect data on the value-added traits that more consumers are demanding in their meat and poultry products, i.e. natural beef, NHTC, etc. That’s a win-win for producers.

Decision makers have a choice; continue to struggle with the never-ending need for more farm hands or fill that gap on a more permanent basic through labor reducing technology.