NM State University Innovators in Agriculture Camp
June 25 - July 25, 2020
Animal Production
The United States has the most efficient animal production systems in the world. For example, the beef industry has reduced its total carbon foot print by 16% since 1977 (J. L Capper, 2011). The industry uses 19% less feed, and 12% less water, yet produces 60% more beef, with 37 million fewer cows. Technology has played an integral role in achieving this level of efficiency. Advancements in genetics, feed technology, and artificial intelligence, are just some of the tools used by today’s producers.
Recent events, however, have demonstrated potential weaknesses in our supply chain from the ranch to the plate. If you are interested in beef production and like to think about how to solve complex problems like this, this module is for you.
What You Will Learn
How electronic identification is currently utilized to track cattle movements from location to location, track disease outbreaks, health and performance monitoring.
How Global Positioning Systems can be used to track cattle within a pasture, monitor behavior, help create virtual fencing.
How drones are used to find cattle, observe cattle behavior and monitor health.
Some Issues To Think About
Supply Chain from Gate to Plate. How can it be more flexible? How can it better serve local communities?
Land and Water. These natural resources are key to the beef system. They must be conserved and improved upon while still meeting the increased demand locally and globally.
Content
Week 1: Meet with cattle producers to hear their issues and ideas on what would help them be more productive.
Week 2: Meet with industry folks to learn what technology they are involved in developing.
Week 3: Meet with NMSU researchers on how they have used technology to conduct research.
Week 4: Share your idea or demonstration in a short presentation.
Virtual tours of feedlots and dairies to capture technology in progress.
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.