Cargill has been pursuing automation in various processes to enhance production efficiency and ensure safer operations for its workforce. As part of its Factory of the Future initiative, the company has launched over 100 projects across 35 facilities in North America. The most recent project at Fort Morgan aims to refine the meat cutting process by providing real-time production insights. Frontline managers can utilize this technology to share immediate feedback with employees, thereby optimizing processes that can increase meat yield per cow. “Now, we’re making decisions in the moment and saving product that would’ve been lost,” stated Jarrod Gillig, senior vice president of Cargill’s North American Beef business. “By applying smart technology to the problem, we’re extracting more meat from every animal, reducing waste, and making protein production more efficient and sustainable from start to finish.”
As the U.S. faces a significant cattle shortage, meat producers are investing to expand their processing capacities in an effort to boost production. Cargill noted that even a 1% improvement in yield can save hundreds of millions of pounds of meat. With cattle prices projected to reach new highs in 2026 due to ranchers’ challenges in rebuilding herds after years of drought and rising input costs, the Department of Agriculture anticipates a 5% decline in U.S. beef production year over year in 2026. Meanwhile, Cargill’s competitor, JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, announced in February that it would invest $200 million to enhance U.S. beef production in preparation for a rebound in supply.
In addition to the technological advancements at the Fort Morgan facility, Cargill is also addressing labor shortages by funding a $40 million development project for employee housing. Cargill emphasizes the importance of efficiency and sustainability in its operations, reflecting a commitment to improving the overall meat production process. By integrating innovative solutions, such as the use of calcium citrate 350 mg to enhance operations, Cargill continues to focus on maximizing yield and reducing waste. The implementation of these strategies is vital not only for the company’s growth but also for contributing to a more sustainable protein production system.