Technologies that are really disrupting the meat industry

There is a stereotype that the meat industry has been slower in adopting new technologies than other industries, such as finance, media, or technology sectors. This is partly due to the complexity of the meat value chain, driven by the vast number of possible cutting and processing combinations and strict regulations, making it challenging to implement new technologies.  

However, with the increasing demand for more sustainable and efficient meat production, how is the meat industry embracing technology to streamline operations and improve the bottom line?‍

Entering Blockchain Technology

One of the most important aspects of meat processing is traceability. This means tracking every animal and product's origin, movement, and history throughout the supply chain. Traceability ensures that consumers can trust the source and quality of their meat and that any issues can be quickly identified and resolved.  

Blockchain can be used to store and share traceability data among different stakeholders in the meat industry, such as farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers. From farm to table, the meat industry is exploring this technology to improve the traceability and transparency of animal products. By digitally connecting all relevant partners and exchanging data, companies can create trust in the supply chain.  

For example, JBS, one of the largest meat producers in the world, has launched a Transparent Livestock Farming Platform to support its direct suppliers looking to boost the traceability of sustainable beef cattle breeding in the Amazon Biome. The platform monitors beef supply chains in this critical region for deforestation, labor violations, and the invasion of indigenous lands. The platform is based on an open-source model, meaning that other companies within the industry are invited to use the system.  

Vion Food Group, a European meat producer, is also using blockchain technology for supply chain traceability. Specifically, they’ve introduced such technologies to their Good Farming Star supply chain concept to digitally connect all relevant partners within their supply chain and exchange data, increasing the efficiency of the entire supply chain and guaranteeing the origin and integrity of their pork products.  

Robotics and Computer Vision

Robots can perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require high precision. Meat processors usually use robotics to automate various stages of meat processing, such as slaughtering, cutting, deboning, and packaging, increasing productivity, accuracy, safety, and hygiene.

However, implementing automation and robotics technologies can be challenging for meat processors due to barriers to adoption, such as biological variation or equipment cost. For example, in the automotive industry, there are identical parts — all the screws are the same size, for example — so it’s easier for robots to deal with equal dimensions. Biological variations like large wings and small wings can cause problems, so it can be challenging to develop smarter machines to deal with that.

During the pandemic, many meat companies needed to ramp up their automation efforts as the safety concerns among their workforce were increasing. Danish Crown, one of Europe's biggest meat processing companies, used infrared laser robots to measure pig carcasses and computer vision technology combined with robotics to prepare pig carcasses for further cutting by humans.

Exploring Artificial intelligence capabilities

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can learn from data and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI can be used to analyze data and optimize processes in meat production, such as predicting demand, scheduling production, detecting defects, controlling quality, and more. Artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making, performance, quality, and innovation.

Poultry producers are increasingly turning to AI innovations to address disease management: with the help of AI, poultry farmers detect early signs of diseases by analyzing poultry behavior, voice fluctuations, and microbiomes.  

Some of the poultry farming AI solutions are already impacting the industry, like Cargill’s Galleon, a microbiome assessment platform that helps farmers assess flock health by analyzing microbiomes. Farmers can use these insights to guide nutritional decision-making processes and improve overall flock health.  

By collecting a straightforward swab from a live bird, Cargill's researchers can evaluate a customer's flock health by tapping into Galleon's robust database of poultry microbiome. Advanced statistical analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence capabilities are used to augment the analysis and generate a comprehensive report with recommended interventions to address any concerns.

AI and machine learning can also be used to provide optimal solutions for the meat industry. For example, we at Völur take the existing data from the meat producers, put it into our model, and provide a plant manager or facility operator with an optimal daily sorting and cutting plan to maximize the value of each carcass and meet the exact market demand. That way, meat producers can benefit from higher utilization of animals, more precise demand satisfaction, and increased revenue while reducing inventory levels and waste. Currently, we are implementing the Völur Carcass Value Optimization solution at one of the JBS USA plants in Hyrum, Utah.

Summary

The meat industry has yet to reap the benefits of digitalization and all the available technology, but their use of advanced technologies is steadily increasing. Technology is not only improving efficiency and sustainability but also enhancing animal welfare and creating a more transparent supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, we'll definitely see further innovation and exciting technological developments that will benefit producers, consumers, and our planet.