Georgia tech researchers are making carcass lines safer with a new re-hang shackle

It takes a special kind of aggie to man a carcass station in a packing plant. With weights well into the double digits, it can be a physically-demanding job.

Researchers at Georgia Tech are looking to shake things up using a new system, giving workers a helping hand.

Dr. Konrad Ahlin has developed a re-hang shackle, which is a device that guides the bird’s legs into place, removing the need for heavy lifting. Its mission is to reduce the strain for the person running the carcass line.

Ahlin tells the MeatingPod that it is mentally challenging, too, and he hopes his device can keep packing houses safe.

His re-hang shackle is patent pending.

Related Stories
New partnership focuses on rebuilding habitat for quail across the south
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the USDA, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to ensure more efficient, transparent, and responsive grazing management across federal lands.
Cattle farmer Scott Porter, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, discusses his commitment to mentorship and the importance of strengthening the future of agriculture.
Firefighters are making good progress on two major wildfires burning across parts of Nebraska.
Processing disruptions could impact cattle markets if the strike continues.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.