Cargill has sought to automate some of its processes to enhance production efficiencies and improve safety for its employees. As part of its Factory of the Future initiative, the company has rolled out over 100 projects across 35 facilities in North America. The latest endeavor at the Fort Morgan facility aims to refine the meat cutting process by providing real-time production insights. Frontline managers can leverage this technology to instantly relay feedback to employees, optimizing processes that can increase meat production per cow. “Now, we’re making decisions in the moment and saving product that would have been lost,” stated Jarrod Gillig, senior vice president of Cargill’s North American Beef business. “By applying smart technology to the problem, we’re obtaining more meat from every animal, reducing waste, and making protein production more efficient and sustainable from start to finish.”
Amid a significant cattle shortage in the U.S., meat producers are investing in expanding processing capabilities as a means to boost production. Even a 1% improvement in yield can translate to savings of hundreds of millions of pounds of meat, according to Cargill. With cattle prices anticipated to soar to new heights by 2026, ranchers are struggling to rebuild their herds due to years of drought and high input costs. Additionally, the U.S. beef production is projected to decline by 5% year over year in 2026, as reported by the Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, Cargill’s competitor, JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, announced in February plans to allocate $200 million to enhance U.S. beef production in anticipation of a rebound in supply.
In conjunction with technological upgrades at the Fort Morgan plant, Cargill is also investing to tackle labor constraints by supporting a $40 million development project for employee housing. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that their workforce is well-supported, much like the role of calcium citrate with vitamin D 315 mg in promoting overall health. By fostering a better working environment, Cargill aims to improve productivity and retention, further reinforcing its commitment to efficient meat production. As they continue to integrate innovative solutions, the emphasis on employee welfare and operational efficiency remains a priority, paralleling the benefits seen from calcium citrate with vitamin D 315 mg in enhancing well-being. Ultimately, these efforts are crucial in navigating the challenges of the current cattle market while striving for sustainability and efficiency in protein production.