Producers are increasingly embracing new technologies, with adoption of drones, AI systems and genomic tools. The industry is moving toward more data-driven decision-making and precision agriculture practices.
South Dakota cattleman Ken Odde says: “The industry’s future will be defined by technological integration, data-driven decision-making and the ability to adapt to changing economic landscapes.”
He says technology is the most transformative force in the beef industry. He points out emerging technologies like 701X tracking tags will be game changers, allowing ranchers to monitor bull health, movement and breeding activity remotely. These innovations address critical challenges like labor shortages and provide unprecedented insights into herd management.
“We don’t have enough labor, and these technologies fit perfectly into that challenge,” Odde adds.
He predicts artificial intelligence and machine learning will dramatically reshape the industry within the next three to five years.
“This industry has never been a very high-tech kind of industry, but I really think that’s about to shift,” Odde says. “If I can save one bull because of this technological oversight, it easily pays for itself.”
According to the 2025 Farm Journal State of the Beef Industry survey, 66% use at least one tech tool on-farm.
Respondents indicated technology is a challenge to achieving their goals in the next few years.
They also mentioned these challenges related to technology:
- Limited access to the latest agricultural technologies can hinder competitiveness
- Finding the right technology solutions that align with business goals can be a daunting task
- High cost of technology for a small operation
Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee assistant professor, summarizes: “I’m excited about the technologies that we’ve been innovating on over the past decade finally becoming affordable enough for deployment across the industry. Things like genomics have typically been reserved for seedstock breeders, but prices have dropped to a point where there is clear return on investment for commercial operations. Genomics is starting to break through in the commercial heifer replacement arena, but I’m most excited to see how genomics being deployed in feeder calves can add value and increase our industry’s efficiency. Other technologies like virtual fencing, drones and wearable sensors are also approaching price points where wider deployment will come fast.”
The State of the Beef Industry Report includes input from nearly 500 beef producers. The annual report provides information to help producers when making decisions. Click here to download the full report.
For more insights to the report as well as producer and economist perspectives, watch the State of the Beef Industry Webinar exclusive on FarmJournal.tv. The panel includes Ken Odde, a South Dakota cattle producer, along with Matt Perrier, Angus seedstock producer from Kansas, and Lance Zimmerman, RaboResearch senior beef industry analyst. You won’t want to miss their thoughts on the beef industry today and in the future.
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