AI and digital tools automate hog barn operations

Hog farms are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve operational efficiency and data utilization. Speakers at the Ontario Swine Conference highlighted how these technologies can provide quicker, more efficient insights into barn operations. Sharlimar Martin from South West Ontario Veterinary Services (SWOVS) noted that while data collection is not the issue, its underutilization is, making AI valuable for analyzing large datasets. Charlie Illick, an Ontario Pork board member and hog farmer, is using CloudFarms' AI software, which accurately identified preweaning mortality issues by comparing farm data against set targets. The system learns from farmer adjustments, improving future reports. Precision Livestock Diagnostics (PLD), a new Canadian company, is developing software to merge disparate data from various hog farm systems, eliminating the need to log into multiple platforms. PLD's natural language interface allows users to interact with the software conversationally. Corey Bosko of the Progressive Group of Companies is implementing PigFlow, a mobile data entry system, in their sow barns to reduce the hours of manual data entry previously required. This system provides immediate data, improving management of pig flow and breeding targets, and integrates with other systems. While initial skepticism from workers is sometimes present, the advantages of real-time data and streamlined workflows become apparent.