Skip to content

NATIONWIDE: How artificial intelligence is transforming cattle farming

The following information is provided by Nationwide® insurance and financial services company , the #1 farm and ranch writer in the U.S.  

AI is a common acronym in the beef cattle business. But we’re not talking about artificial insemination. 

Artificial intelligence is the science of teaching machines to learn from data. Think of this AI as a co-pilot or assistant for routine processes, data and tasks. AI can help, but it still requires human input. And it’s making its way to U.S. ranches at a rapid pace.

How is AI used in agriculture?

For farmers and ranchers, AI tools can spot complex patterns in everything from climate to animal health. An AI model creates new intelligence based on global data sets and can be applied to making well-informed decisions on your farm or ranch.  

“If used properly, AI has the potential to help cattle producers," said Dustin Balsley, Chief Operations Officer for Performance Livestock Analytics, a cattle industry data innovation company. "AI can be used for advanced calculations and large data analysis. It can help ranchers create summary reports and monitor patterns. That way, ranchers can make changes to optimize things like feed efficiency and cattle marketing strategies.”

How to deploy AI in cattle farming operations

Here are a few ways AI is emerging in beef cattle production:

  1. Feed rations and cattle nutrition

Sensors (including boluses that when ingested by an animal can monitor ruminal activity) and cameras can collect data on each animal's eating habits, body condition and even chewing patterns. Then, an AI algorithm can recognize patterns and use that data to help ranchers make optimal decisions on things like:

        Adjusting feed rations in real time

        Identifying underperforming animals quickly

        Alerting to possible health concerns or behavioral shifts

 

  1. Cattle herd health
    Wearable collars, ear tags and video systems can monitor animal movement and vitals. An AI algorithm can collect that data and apply it to:

        Spot lameness or illness before you could detect it visually

        Reduce labor hours spent on pen-checks

        Enable targeted veterinary intervention instead of broad treatments

 

  1. Reproductive management
    Artificial intelligence software now helps track breeding cycles, predict calving dates and identify cows that may need assistance. This results in:

        Improved conception rates

        Reduced calving difficulties

        Streamlined record keeping

 

  1. Predictive analytics for business decisions
    AI helps crunch environmental, weather and market data to:

        Fine-tune cattle marketing

        Purchase feeds at the right time

        Alter grazing rotations

“AI still has a long way to go. But in some aspects of the cattle business, it can be a game changer in decision-making for ranchers,” Balsley said. “On my family farm, we have used AI to aid in heifer selection. We’re able to turn mounds of data into quick summaries without building complex spreadsheets or relying on analytics we can’t interpret.”

Artificial intelligence considerations for ranchers

Before you invest in any new artificial intelligence tool, think about your readiness and ability to employ it as a tool, not a replacement for your own ideas, experience and expertise.

“Not all technology like this is an immediate home run,” Balsley said. “AI won’t replace you or the advisors around your operation in making decisions. There are too many variables that are specific to your operation which AI can’t factor in. I recommend looking at AI as a tool to help with redundant tasks or summarizing large amounts of data very quickly.”

AI is transforming cattle farming by enhancing nutrition, herd health, reproduction and business analytics. By managing repetitive tasks and analyzing complex data, AI can serve as a powerful complement to ranchers' expertise. When thoughtfully integrated, it can empower farmers and ranchers to streamline operations, boost efficiency and remain competitive in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more resources and expert tips to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

 

Special Member Savings

At Southern States ®, we are proud to be a farmer-owned cooperative. Southern States has partnered with Nationwide ® to offer Southern States Cooperative member-producers in North Carolina and Virginia special discounts on farm insurance. In addition to giving you exclusive insurance savings, we're also joining forces to support the cooperative that means so much to you.

Nationwide® Agribusiness is the number 1 insurer of farms in the U.S. and a leading insurer of commercial agribusiness. Go to nationwide.com/southernstates to find a local agent.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2025 Nationwide

 

Nationwide Protect your next
Next article Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholder-Members of Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated