Meat producers must adapt to new technologies
The US meat industry must take the next step in automation and reduce the need for human personnel in processing plants in order to prevent further disruptions in the supply chain. In an article published in The Hill, Richard Hudson, co-chairman and founder of the bipartisan Agriculture and Rural America Task Force, signals the need for a quick change in the industry. "If the American meat production industry is to truly bounce back stronger than ever, state and federal officials must work alongside industry leaders to implement proven solutions to properly restore and strengthen our supply chains while also producing safe food.
Many meat processors are already leading the way and investing in new technology to address future supply chain disruptions related to infectious diseases. Historically, too much of the burden to ensure food safety has fallen on food preparers and cooks, even though some pathogens simply cannot be eliminated in the kitchen. New technologies and strategies are now available to help ensure the safety of the food we eat and to help prevent disease outbreaks without compromising animal welfare or workers’ safety by controlling the pathogens at feed mills, farms and processing plants," he said.
At the same time, Tyson Foods, one of the companies hard-impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, announced that it has placed an emphasis on testing and developing automated tools for its production line. The company's Manufacturing Automation Center was opened in August 2019 and aims to develop automation and robotics for the company line in order to help improve efficiency and workplace safety, something that has only become more important in recent months. They are specifically working on an automated deboning system for chicken. According to Tyson Chief Executive Noel White, quoted by the Wall Street Journal, the company's automation program would likely be even more important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. So far, $500 million was invested in the program but the amount of money could increase to better respond new challenges appeared in the production field. Also, Decker Walker, a managing director with Boston Consulting Group, believes the number of companies adding automation in production will only increase in the next few years.
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