Connecting Across Sectors: What Connectivity Means for Livestock Management

Find out what increasing connectivity means for the livestock industry, and how it can benefit your product and bottom line.

In the increasingly connected modern world, more and more industries are getting on board with innovative methods of connecting with customers and partners in revolutionary ways. The livestock industry is no exception, and as farmers and producers alike strive to improve their products and the image of their businesses, consumers will expect a new level of quality and connection. Livestock management is no longer simply about raising animals, breeding and selling. Connectivity in the livestock industry means increased transparency, improved information flow, enhanced food safety and a whole new relationship between farmers and consumers.

Providing Product Information to Consumers

One of the primary benefits of connectivity in the livestock industry is providing better product information to consumers. Historically, consumers had to blindly trust that vendors and producers were being honest about the source of livestock products. Today, with connectivity in the livestock industry, the sources of animal products can be verified with simple tools like a barcode scanner, giving consumers an insider’s look as to where their product came from and what went into its production.

A Better Understanding of Livestock Performance

Connectivity in the livestock industry doesn’t only benefit consumers. In fact, one of the primary benefits of supporting a seamless flow of information from farm to table is that it allows farmers to gain a better understanding of livestock performance. Once livestock is processed, farmers have traditionally been out of the picture, with little direct understanding of some of the key carcass characteristics that determine their products’ desirability. By enabling information flow from end to end, farmers and producers can gain clear knowledge on how their practices affect the end product. This also allows farmers interested in genetic improvements to measure the performance of their livestock and plan adjustments to the next generation of their herd based on traits of interest.

A Faster and More Effective Response to Potential Crises

Product recalls can wreak havoc on your entire value chain, setting back your bottom line and affecting your entire operation for a season or more. With tracking and traceability software that allows you to see the history, source and characteristics of a product with the scan of a barcode, you no longer have to worry about extensive recall impacts. Instead, potential crises can be handled smoothly and swiftly, without having unnecessary repercussions on unrelated aspects of your business.

Conclusion

As the farming industry moves into an era of increasing traceability, consumer demand will rise right along with it. When it comes to livestock management, connectivity doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive overhead just to keep up with your competition. Instead, it can be as simple as using your existing technology to support a hassle-free system that keeps your records in order and connects information from farm to producer to vendor to consumer. By providing product information to consumers, you can increase your transparency to gain better consumer trust and attract more interest in your products. Product information can also be easily shared with farmers and producers, allowing them to understand the fruits of their labor and adjust their livestock management practices to maximize product quality and their bottom line. Finally, connectivity in the livestock industry benefits your entire value chain by minimizing the impact of recalls and other potential crises, allowing for better food safety and greater consumer confidence.