How Tech Helps Modern Swine Farms

Smart Barns Support Swine Producers

Swine producers today face daily challenges in managing time, labor, and animal welfare. Thanks to new technologies, many of these tasks are becoming simpler and more efficient. 

Smart barn systems, precision monitoring, and real-time automation are transforming swine operations. These tools not only support animal health but also help producers reclaim valuable time. 

“Innovation is giving producers the ability to reclaim hours in the day, know their animals are cared for and ensure every aspect of their operation is running smoothly,” said Tom Kain, technical sales manager for Grain & Protein Technologies’ AP brand. 

Kain works with farmers to implement technologies that match their specific needs. “Every operation is different, and so are producers’ priorities. Some are focused on improving efficiency with better data. Others emphasize feed monitoring, biosecurity or animal health,” said Tom. “The key is identifying those goals early when evaluating new technologies.” 

A key starting point for many is onsite connectivity. Once connected, farmers can add a smart controller for remote access. This allows them to monitor barn conditions and make real-time changes from anywhere. 

One helpful tool is AP Connect, an environmental monitoring system. It tracks barn temperature, humidity, and air pressure, giving producers updates from any location. 

Other advanced features include: 

• Ventilation systems that adjust based on weather forecasts 

• RFID or SSID tags for tracking feed intake and animal health 

• Bin monitors that alert when feed runs low, ensuring timely deliveries 

Even farms in remote areas benefit from smart tech, as many devices now have built-in connectivity that does not require external services. 

Photo Credit: Barn control panel