ALLIED
BULLetin
Spring 2016
Volume 2, Issue 1
HIGH-TECH Oversight Drone Use in the Cattle Industry Takes Off By Jared Wareham, Allied Genetic Resources As you gaze across the ever-changing technological landscape, what do you see? In addition to the undulating peaks of the smart device revolution that’s well underway, what other far out technologies grasp your attention? Presently, the majority of the most innovative technology exists in the row crop sector of agriculture. However, the inevitable tide of progression is slowly leaching through to the beef industry. The use of aerial drones is a prime example. Can you envision the impact they could have on how beef businesses operate over the next decade? Let’s take a look at what they currently offer, federal regulations governing use, and some outside-the-box ideas that could become reality. This high-tech tool has begun to find its sea legs in select niches prepared to embrace unconventional concepts, such as the beef marketing segment. With their superb photography and
videography capabilities, cutting edge marketers have found ways to enhance the visual dynamics of their products’ forms and functions. Combine the drone technology with high-speed smart devices and a potential buyer can study a new product from almost anywhere in the world. Would you like to get a cow’s eye view as she travels through a new serpentine alleyway to make sure it’s the one you want? Quality video is now effortlessly captured by flying a drone equipped with GPS and auto-leveling capabilities through the alleyway at a cow or calf ’s eye level. Several cattle handling companies have already started offering enhanced product videos that give the buyer an up-close “animal” view, as well as, a bird’s eye view from above the equipment in operation during the cattle handling process. Ben Spitzer of Silo & Company Productions in Texas is one such pioneer currently using drone technology for marketing, as well as ranch management.
While filming videos for cattle equipment companies, he was able to gather beneficial insight into another advantage drones provide. “Cattlemen can learn a lot about animal behavior and how they respond to pressure by watching video captured from above during the gathering and sorting process. Using that footage will increase your understanding of herding habits, which can increase your effectiveness at quality animal handling practices. This reduces the stress on the cattle and the cattleman,” he said. The bird’s eye view capability has also landed the drone as a premier way for realtors to capture breathtaking aerial footage of ranches for sale. A complete video profile of the property lines, interior grazing paddocks, agriculture buildings, and corrals can be captured with views from 5-400 feet high. There is a legitimate role for these unmanned aerial scouts in beef production systems that have significant infrastructures to govern and analyze on a daily basis, such as ranches with expansive acreages and large feedlots. Ranchers and cattle managers are already adopting the use of drones to aid with checking cattle and fences, because of their ability to scan large areas from a tactical point-of-view. Spitzer also elaborates on his recent experience with drone usage on the 3K Ranch in Texas. “During the severe flooding we had this past spring, my drone became an invaluable tool for us. We were able to survey all of our boundary fences with the drone to determine the amount of damage that had been done. We could fly into places that were otherwise unreachable. This allowed us to gather supplies and form a strategy ahead of time, so that when the flood waters receded, we were ready to make immediate repairs keeping the ranch fully operational,” he said.
Ben Spitzer of Silo & Co Productions using his drone to produce high quality footage for New Day Genetics.
Managers will also spend substantially less time pinpointing the exact location of cattle herds by observing footage sent back to their mobile phones from the drones. He or she can use the drone to fly into areas enveloped with difficult terrain that could require hours to cover by ATV or horseback. Furthermore, a properly trained
drone operator can use his or her equipment to examine grass conditions, monitor herd health, or to identify animals off feed. Dr. Bill Brownsberger, a veterinary practitioner with over 30 years of experience suggests drone technology could expand even further into animal agriculture. “Drone technology could be virtually limitless with regards to animal maintenance. I see a real tool that could be used to identify and monitor animal health from afar without disturbing their natural state with human interaction or a feed truck. A manager may be better served to view them from above with a camera-equipped aerial drone to increase his or her ability to diagnose potential problems in cattle quicker and more accurately,” he said. Strategic use of this new technology will allow business-minded cattlemen to reach new paradigms of workforce efficiencies, as well as adding a previously unexplored element of precision to their beef operations. “The technology is currently available to preprogram a drone to fly the fence lines of a ranch at a set time daily. It will automatically take off on its own and send a video feed to your mobile phone of the real time conditions. If a damaged fence is found, it can be marked with GPS coordinates that will be sent to the manager for repairs. This is just the beginning of what will be available to ranches that embrace this technology and invest in operational skillset development,” said Spitzer. This technology also has the ability to branch out into other industries where hands-on oversight presents a challenge.
Airdropping vet supplies to remote ranch locations in situations of emergency or when vehicular access is limited by inclement weather, such as a flood could be a game-changer. After running a cost-benefit analysis of the devotion of time, fuel, and vehicle wear to run to town for vet or other herd supplies, maybe at some point it becomes cheaper to have them airdropped to the ranch. Even though that’s not the case now, it could be with enough interest and use. Currently, one of the biggest drawbacks to increased implementation of aerial drone usage is price. You can buy cheaper drones between $500 and $1,500 that will give you some very basic functions, but will be fairly limited on range and battery life. The tab for a drone capable of high quality video, extended range, and good battery life will be around $3,500 and up. “Brand new technology is always expensive. However, as it becomes old technology, that initial price point changes dramatically. Just think back to what the first VCRs cost. It was substantial, yet here we are today, and they are obsolete pieces of equipment. Drone technology will work no differently. At some point, price and product performance will make it a must have tool for any ranch. Today, however, battery life, range, and overall cost will be limitations until that traditional technological curve plays out,” explains Spitzer. Sharpen your favorite No. 2 pencil and begin calculating the cost-benefit analysis of new tech like a drone on your operation. The amount of money you could save may more than pay for a drone. It may even reduce your labor requirements enough to translate into time you’ve been looking for in your
personal life. Deer stand maybe? Perhaps it’s time for Jr. to step up and take a larger role in the operation? Technology manager may become an important new niche to be filled by someone one on your farm or ranch. Someone with that innate skillset for it like many of the young people graduating high school and college have could be looking for just that job. In addition to a hefty price tag, the use of aerial drones is coming under increased scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA. There is a growing list of regulations separated into categories under recreational and civil use. For some very important and obvious reasons, unmanned aircraft use needs to be regulated for safety and security. Aerial drone technology has found a fixed position in our industry. Its current foothold will continue to evolve into new roles and careers cultivated through improved technology, increased affordability, and additional innovation by forward-thinking minds. The filtration of additional technologies into the beef industry will only hasten over time. New generations of producers that have grown up as “high-tech rednecks” will innately seek out business improvement solutions, like drones and mobile apps. They will unconsciously continue to pioneer the principal framework for working smarter, not harder.
Reprinted with permission from Missouri Cattlemen’s Magazine.
“I think drones will find themselves very useful at monitoring hunting and fishing areas for more than just wild game. For example, keeping an eye on all your private fishing holes for trespassers and unwanted activity is a necessary task for companies that offer high quality outdoor experiences. It would also serve as an excellent way to scout for game over substantial areas,” said Dr. Brownsberger. Perhaps the most unique use of aerial drones can be linked to what Amazon is planning with the launch of their new airdrop services. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, check out the video online. As a good friend of mine would say, “It’s worth a Google.” Amazon has announced future plans to begin airdropping customer orders using unmanned aerial drones. This concept appears way ahead of the curve, but it may not be as far out as one would think. These processes could be useful in the beef industry as well. Make better management decisions by studying how your herd reacts to pressure and adjusting your strategy to compensate.
Father: “Bill sure has a nice set of calves out of his new SimAngus herd bulls.” Daughter: “Aren’t those the hybrid bulls that look like Angus, but have more muscle, more growth, and more pounds.” Father: “Yep. He bought those bulls from New Day Genetics.” Daughter: “Don’t they have a huge supply of older, age-advantage bulls?” Father: “One of the largest!” Daughter: “And, I heard their service is second to none.” Father: “That’s what Bill says. He swears by them. He says they’re only a text message or phone call away.” Granddaughter: “Sounds like it’s time one of you gave them a call.”
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING MORE THAN “JUST A BULL” MAKE NEW DAY GENETICS....
Your Genetic Solutions Partner.
JARED WAREHAM 660-492-2777 jared@alliedgeneticresources.com
DREW MORAN 660-351-2825 admoran3@hotmail.com
Focused on Service.
B186 BLACK SIMANGUS™ BULL BY DSFC JOSSLYNS BLK POWER.
4069B BLACK BALANCER® BULL BY PROTEGE 15W.
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YOUR RANCH READY AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BRAND
Please join us...
WHEELER & SONS LIVESTOCK AUCTION • APRIL 9, 2016
Osceola, Missouri
100 Age Advantaged SimAngus™, Angus, Simmental and Balancer® Bulls READY FOR HEAVY SERVICE AND BRED TO COMPLIMENT ANGUS BASED COWS:
Calving Ease
Large group of Elite Angus bulls with exceptional genetic strength for Calving Ease, Growth and Carcass.
Growth Muscle Maternal Quiet Disposition
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Your Genetic Solutions Partner. www.NewDayGenetics.com
YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND RANCH READY BRAND
“
Jared, I was just thinking of the degree of customer service you have provided for me ever since we started doing business together. Since you have started a new venture I want your new customers and prospective customers to realize the quality of customer service they can realistically expect themselves. When I was buying herd bulls, you always provided me with excellent quality bulls well suited to my operation, reasonably priced and promptly delivered. The service that really stands out in my mind is this. I purchased two bulls at a sale while my ranch was listed for sale. The ranch was sold a few days later leaving me with two surplus bulls. I needed to resell them, hopefully without losing money. I did not buy them from Jared. I explained my situation to Jared and he came to my rescue. I had the bulls delivered to Jared. He kept them for a few days, sold them for my purchase price and delivered them to their new owners. All Jared would accept from me was a well-deserved thank you.
“ ”
- Charles White, Cattleman from Missouri
“
The main reason I want to work with Jared & Drew, is I know that they’ll take care of me. I have bought bulls all over the country and these guys have been the best at helping make sure things are just right. If I have a bull issue or cattle question, they go out of their way to see that my needs are met. And, they have the bull supply big enough to accommodate my need for groups of half-brothers or related genetics.
”
- Jay Payne, Latigo Cattle Co.
The bulls that come from Jared and Drew are absolutely ready for the breeding season and their calves have been really nice. The customer service I get is second to none. I really feel that they care about my success. They take time to visit about my needs and treat me like a friend, not a customer.
”
- Macshane Bartley, Cattleman from Kentucky
“
The one thing I really appreciate about the New Day Genetics team, is their sincere dedication to developing problem-free bulls that are ready to go to work. It’s obvious that, Drew and Jared really care about functional cattle and professional service.
- Steve Wheeler, Wheeler and Sons Livestock Auction
”
Bulls grown slower, so they last longer...
“
My dad has worked with Jared and Drew for several years. With their help has built the genetics in our family herd tremendously. They have provided us with several top quality bulls that have been developed in a way that allows the bulls to perform and maintain a healthy body condition throughout the breeding season. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to start a bred heifer business out of that herd there was no question as to who I would turn to make sure I was offering the best product I could, starting with proper bull selection. With the combination of great genetics and professional customer service, it easy to see, it’s more than a job at New Day Genetics, it’s a passion! Any time I need something they are never more than a phone call away and they are always willing to help. The difference in New Day and their competitors is that the competitor’s service is done when New Day’s has just begun.
”
- John Campbell, Campbell Emery Operations, LLC
“
Jared and Drew offer some of the best service I’ve ever had. It’s easy to see that they genuinely care about your success. Neither of them is ever more than a phone call or text message away. That’s why I continue to trust them and their bulls to get the job done for me.
”
- Todd Lawson, Cattleman from Central Missouri
PO Box 6, Huntley, MT 59037
YOUR RANCH READY AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BRAND
Please join us...
WHEELER & SONS LIVESTOCK AUCTION • APRIL 9, 2016
Osceola, Missouri
100 Age Advantaged SimAngus™, Angus, Simmental and Balancer® Bulls