Smart barn technology helps swine producers save time, improve care and gain peace of mind

ASSUMPTION, Ill. — Today’s swine producers face the constant challenge of managing time, labor and animal welfare, often all at once. Balancing these priorities has never been easy, but emerging technologies are transforming what’s possible.

From precision monitoring systems to real-time automation, new tools are streamlining tasks, supporting animal health and giving producers something increasingly rare: peace of mind.

“Innovation is giving producers the ability to reclaim hours in the day, know their animals are cared for and ensure every aspect of their operation is running smoothly,” said Tom Kain, technical sales manager for Grain & Protein Technologies’ AP brand.

Kain helps swine farmers simplify their operations by implementing technologies that best support their unique operation.

“Every operation is different, and so are producers’ priorities. Some are focused on improving efficiency with better data. Others emphasize feed monitoring, biosecurity or animal health,” he said. “The key is identifying those goals early when evaluating new technologies.”

As more producers seek remote visibility, Kain said the first step into smart barn technology is connectivity on-site.

Then, producers can add a smart controller, which allows them to monitor conditions and make real-time adjustments from anywhere.

One example is the recently introduced AP Connect, an environmental monitoring system that allows producers to check barn environments, including temperature, humidity and static pressure, remotely from any location.

Producers can choose additional functions tailored to their operation’s specific needs, including:

• Adaptable ventilation systems use predictive weather data to maintain ideal barn conditions.

• RFID or SSID tags track feed consumption and animal health, enabling precise, individualized care.

• Bin monitoring systems help prevent out-of-feed events by automating alerts and coordinating timely feed deliveries.

Additionally, limited internet access is no longer a barrier to adopting smart tech. Thanks to built-in connectivity, many devices don’t require external service providers, making advanced solutions accessible to even the most remote locations.

“You can’t put an ROI on peace of mind,” Kain said. “With growing labor challenges, remote monitoring lets producers stay connected without leaving family events or cutting time short. That flexibility is priceless.”