AI is nothing new for U.S. hog farmers, as some report its use since the 1930s. The management method has created a more productive, consistent end product. AI also has helped produce pork more safely.

Of course, the AI referred to here is artificial insemination, which allows producers to tap into top genetics, without the need to house and handle boars that can become feisty when “in the mood.”

Another AI — artificial intelligence — also has been around for quite some time, and adopting what this AI world offers has potential to bring an entirely new level of efficiency to swine production.

Recent research from three universities describes how a model was created to remove the human element for determining when, where and how many market hogs to sell to achieve long-term profits.

The universities are Washington University in St. Louis, Syracuse University in New York and the University of California-Riverside.

Similar to computer game

An article on the UC Riverside website states that the model recovered about 22% of the profits that farmers typically lose with traditional decision-making. The researchers adapted an AI model that is commonly used in computer games, adding realistic constraints and making it relevant to hog farming such as the number of hogs that can be sold due to contracts with packers.

Related:U.S. hog inventory rises 1% year-over-year

Researchers believe their model is better at selling hogs and achieving more long-range profits than current practices that producers use.

“The AI could identify the best times to sell, like when market prices were high enough to offset the penalties for breaking contracts,” according to the study. “It also strategically held back some hogs, anticipating either higher prices later or times when there might be fewer hogs available to sell.”

Artificial intelligence has strong applications for agriculture. Farmers and ranchers have always been adapters of technology when that innovation makes their jobs more efficient, more productive and safer.

Danko Turcic, a UC associate professor of operations and supply chain management, is one of the researchers. He says their work shows the potential of AI “not just to automate but to augment human decision-making with powerful tools that were previously unimaginable.”

As with any new technology, it takes real intelligence of the industry and each individual producer to determine if the innovation will indeed be a good fit for an operation.

Artificial intelligence may be worth a look, especially if money is being left on the table when it comes time to market hogs.

Related:Pork safe to eat despite H5N1 detection in Oregon pig