FarmTech: BinSentry brings AI automation to the feedlot

The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

Designers at BinSentry say they’ve developed a piece of FarmTech that helps livestock producers take the guesswork out of feeding time.

“BinSentry puts a high-end, time-of-flight camera into the top of animal feed bits,” explains Ben Allen. “That gives us a highly accurate reading of the inventory levels inside of those feed bins and the rate of consumption of animals out of the barn. That data is then fed into our software platform, where we can see things that go far beyond inventory. We can see what’s going on with profiles, how often we’re needing feed returns, when there are outages.”

Designers found that most feed outages are traced back to issues with bin slides. Those errors can increase feed conversion ratios by as much as seven basis points, costing farmers money.

“We can actually help our enterprise customers have fewer emergency orders for food, shorter amounts,” Allen explained. “Under these feed returns, you know, those types of really important metrics.”

The company has also developed 3D optical sensors powered by AI. The system enables farmers to monitor feed levels and optimize feed management, particularly when no one is on site.

Learn More: BinSentry Website

Related Stories
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.
High beef prices are squeezing South Texas restaurants, but Texas Farm Bureau says consumer demand remains strong despite record costs.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.