Technology in our swine barns is becoming more and more prevalent. Through research and innovation we are discovering new ways to collect and utilize data. In today’s talk with Dr. Greiner, Dr. Ashley DeDecker discusses some limitations with current technologies along with methods for discovering and better implementing more technologies on the farm.

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What you will learn:

1. Where might the industry be in 5 to 10 years

2. Increasing response time with technology in barns

3. How technology could help

4. Implementing technology into research facilities

5. Challenges with conducting research

6. Balancing animal welfare and antibiotic usage

7. Beginning the research process

8. Key points

Meet the guest: Dr. DeDecker grew up on a third-generation family pig and grain farm in West Central Illinois. She received her B.S. from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Animal Science in 2006. She then pursued her Ph.D. in swine well-being at the University of Illinois. After receiving her Ph.D. in 2011, Dr. DeDecker began her career at Smithfield Foods as a Director of Production Research. In that position, Dr. DeDecker conducts applied research in all disciplines of swine production including feed manufacturing, nutrition, well-being, reproduction, management, performance and productivity, animal health, and meat quality. Dr. DeDecker manages research teams across the United States, focused on collecting high-quality, objective data to make better business decisions for Smithfield. Ashley works in Warsaw, North Carolina, and has been with Smithfield for over 10 years.