Most swine operators want the same things - healthy pigs, reduced labor costs, and greater value and profit for their hard work. And addressing any of these challenges means we can’t just keep doing the same old things we’ve always done with hog production. It’s important to be looking ahead for the next technologies that could help your operation grow and become more efficient.
Labor
Skilled labor is a significant barrier for swine operators. The issue is twofold - there’s a scarcity of labor in rural America right now, but the bigger challenge is finding skilled labor. This is why smart solutions for your swine operation are so important. Connected controllers that can be accessed remotely let knowledgeable producers stay in control of the most technical parts of their operation, without having to be on site at all times.
Connectivity
No more having to drive out to multiple locations to make sure a fan is running at its full capacity; now, thanks to smartphone integrations, you can check your barn systems from the phone in the palm of your hand. At AP, we take a “mobile first” strategy about the solutions we provide our growers. We know you aren’t sitting around the hog barn, waiting for the next challenge to reveal itself. You need solutions that are accessible wherever you are - from the tractor to the pickup truck. The AP EDGE controller is just one example of a tool that provides hog producers with even greater flexibility. It’s a fully connected smart control that can address not only climate systems, but also feed and water.
LEADING EDGE CONTROLLERS PAY BACK FOR CLARE AND DREW SCHILLING'S HOG OPERATION
Automation
Hog barn ventilation connectivity makes it easier to develop seasonal or growth-stage based programs that provide your herd with an ideal climate. Instead of having to reprogram your system at every change, you can move from winter to summer settings and back, adjusting fans and curtains at the touch of a button. Instead of losing an hour chasing down your old setting and reconfiguring, you just click for the right level of ventilation. The automation can also help you address potential equipment maintenance issues. By collecting data from your AP EDGE controllers, the system can perform predictive or prescriptive maintenance - way better than a fan being down for two days in the heat while you look for a new motor or bearing you need right now.
Feed efficiency
Feed is a key component for every hog operation, and managing it effectively can save time and money. Out-of-feed situations can be costly - both in the cost of getting feed rushed out to your barn AND in the detriment to the animals.
WHAT'S THE TRUE COST OF A SWINE OPERATION OUT-OF-FEED-EVENT?
Our feed management solution offers the ability to use the data from your bulk feed tank scales or load cells to help you know when you’re two days out from needing feed, cutting down on those last minute calls to the feed mill. Soon, we hope to have the slide gates on bulk feed tanks connected as well, so instead of driving out to the farm to complete the 30 second task of swapping from the empty tank to the full one, the system can manage that for you. The system can also use your go to market info to make sure you don’t have leftover finish rations in the bin when a new group of pigs comes in.
We’re always developing practical new features, tools and opportunities to keep your operation, your barns and your animals ready for the next big thing - making it that much easier to run a successful and profitable swine operation, 365 days a year.
