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
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.

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.