AI and the next management shift in pork production

Mar 16, 2026

AI technologies are already appearing across pork production systems. Cameras track pig movement in finishing barns. Environmental sensors monitor temperature and ventilation. Feeding systems collect detailed information on feed intake and growth rates. For many producers, these tools still feel experimental. But the shift is already underway.

The real transformation is not simply the arrival of new digital tools. The deeper shift is that management decisions in pork production will increasingly be guided by integrated data rather than isolated observations. Modern swine operations generate enormous volumes of information every day. Feed deliveries, mortality rates, pig weights, barn conditions and market prices all influence profitability. Artificial intelligence can connect these signals and identify patterns that traditional management systems often miss. But technology alone does not guarantee improvement.

Many farms today use digital tools in isolation. One system tracks barn temperatures. Another records feed consumption. A third monitors growth performance. Each delivers useful insights, but the overall management model of the farm often remains unchanged. That gap matters.

In our recent white paper analyzing artificial intelligence adoption in agri-food, we described a practical framework for implementation using the acronym DRIVE.

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Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.