Beef producers could experience 20% efficiency gains in the next four or five years by moving to individual animal tracking and data collection. Ian Wheal, co-founder of Breedr, makes this prediction encouraging producers to transition from lot-based systems to individual animal tracking.
Wheal, one of the hosts of “The Future of Beef Show” podcast, takes the hot seat in episode seven and share’s his thoughts on technology use in the beef industry.
Wheal’s journey in agriculture began on a progressive cow-calf operation in Australia, where his father was innovative in establishing direct retail cooperatives and assessing animals for consistency. After studying engineering and working in consulting, Wheal gained insights into supply chains, retail operations and technology across different industries.
In 2015, Breedr was created during what Wheal calls the “peak vegan” era. The comprehensive cattle management system focuses on individual animal tracking and data optimization across the entire beef supply chain. He says Breedr was designed for ranchers first.
Key Breedr features include:
- Individual Animal Tracking — tracks cattle from conception to processing
- Supply Chain Collaboration — connects data between seedstock, cow-calf, backgrounders and feedlots
- Data Insights — provides actionable insights about individual animal performance
- Technology Solutions — offers chute-side data collection systems with mobile and cloud-based platforms supporting electronic ID integration
- Supply Chain Development — helps producers build branded beef programs and supports collaboration between producers and packers
Wheal says in the beef industry data is power. Producers who actively collect, analyze and use individual animal data will be more competitive, efficient and profitable. Check out the podcast to learn more about these five key points discussed by Wheal:
- Start small with technology adoption. Don’t try to change your entire operation at once. Begin with a small group of animals or a simple data collection process.
- Value data collection. “Collect your own data, know your own worth, know where you can improve,” Wheal says. He stresses not to rely solely on others’ assessments of your cattle.
- Focus on individual animal tracking. Move from lot-based systems to individual tracking to drive productivity and improve genetics. “Individual animal data is key to profit and progress,” he adds.
- Embrace technology to enhance, not replace, stockmanship. “Technology is there to enhance the skill of the user, it’s not there to replace the skill of the user,” Wheal says. Use tools like artificial intelligence and remote monitoring to support your existing skills, not to completely automate your operation.
- Continuously push boundaries and learn. “If you’re not pushing the boundaries, you’re going to be left behind,” Wheal says. He encourages listeners to adopt a growth mindset and constantly ask “why” and look for opportunities to improve.
According to Wheal, producers who remain curious, are willing to experiment and are open to new technologies will be best positioned to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive beef production landscape.
Wheal’s final advice is simple: just start. Whether it’s digitizing inventory, collecting basic data or experimenting with new technologies, taking the first step is crucial. The beef industry must continue to innovate, embrace technology and push boundaries to remain competitive and sustainable.
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