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
The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.