THE FUTURE OF TRANSFORMATION Cargill is developing open-source software that will transform and digitize food supply chains. At the same time, the company serves as a key investor in independent startups forging new ground for the industry. In 2018, Cargill invested in Ireland-based Cainthus, which uses artificial intelligence with smart cameras to observe nutritional, behavioral, health, and environmental activities of cows and cattle. That data enables the farmer to make better decisions to improve farm operations and animal health. Cainthus has commercially installed cameras on a dozen farms in the U.S., monitoring thousands of cows. Bushel, an independent software company based in Fargo, North Dakota, is creating software that reaches 40% of grain origination in the U.S., creating the largest technology network among growers and grain buyers with $22 billion in contracted grain within its ecosystem. Cargill has been a supporter of the business and was key in its most recent round of capital investment this spring. Every day, Cargill’s technology is tracking and sharing vital data with business partners to inform better operations, including more efficient shipping patterns, factory automation, and satellite tracking that monitors land use and climate conditions. Apps built by Cargill teams use AI and machine learning to reduce waste, such as iQuatic, which provides highly accurate data on shrimp feeding habits. Others leverage predictive analytics that rely on chicken sounds to adjust their care plan. Such seemingly minor changes can help ensure more precise feed usage and production, with a positive effect on animal welfare and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to its incubator enterprise, Cargill opened an Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. The lab, led by the company’s own Digital Labs staff, is working directly with Cargill business leaders, operations teams, and customers to move digital ideas into test mode within weeks.
Kershaw (center) at the launch of the Univ. of Ill. Cargill Innovation Lab
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“This pipeline of talented software engineers and data science students is allowing us to modernize our worldwide supply chains and food systems quickly,” expressed Kershaw. “We need to keep pushing the boundaries of what technology can do. Given the success we see with our advancements and strategic partnerships in the tech industry, I look forward to seeing how we’ll continue to innovate and push ahead to meet the demands of the world.”
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Cargill Headquarters | Wayzata, MN
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