Ordering feed can get complex...fast!

One of the hog sites we are monitoring with the FarmStreams sensors and mobile app program is a 3 barn, 6 group site.  Each of the three barns is split in the middle to make 6 groups.  Each of the 6 groups has a set of tandem bins delivering feed to two feed lines in each group.  Total of 12 feed bins, total of 12 feed lines.

The barn worker at the site has been ordering the feed aggressively as we documented in a previous post.  The typical routine has been to order a half load (12T) for 1 of the bins on each side of a building.  Example, Bldg 1, East Side (12T) + Bldg 1, West Side (12T).  Bldg 2 orders always get grouped, and bldg 3 orders always get grouped.

We are only 6 weeks (42 days) into the turn and the feed inventory is already flipped upside down.  It can happen very fast.  Bldg 3 east side has 1 bin empty, and Bldg 3 west side is essentially full with both bins.  The software is accurate as was attested by the barn manager in a physical inventory taken earlier today.

How does this happen?

1.  Placements of animals is uneven in the groups.
2.  A group hit harder with mortalities or health challenges can also throw intake projections.
3.  Average weight of the animals starting is not the same between the groups.
4.  Poor feed ordering.  Feed deliveries when their is not room in the intended bin results in the truck dropping feed in other bins.
5.  Pigs, chickens and turkeys can eat differently.  Perhaps the environment is different or the feed quality differs between groups.
6.  Feed delivery trucks can make mistakes and feed that everyone thinks ends up in a bin can end up in a different bin all together or back at the feed mill.

So, why is this a problem or who cares?

1.  When the bins get out of whack it is more difficult to keep track of.  No one ever wants to run out of feed so there is a tendency to over-order feed.
2.  It is also very easy for the bin getting depleted much faster to run out of feed too quickly leaving the site with a set of bins out of feed for a period of time.
3.  Delivering feed on feed can cause flow issues.
4.  Delivering feed on feed can cause the nutrition plan to not be executed as well as planned.
5.  For companies keen on analytics, having this information available in a robust database to

What is the solution?

Use the BinLogic sensors and feed line sensors to keep track of inventory.  Integrate with feed mill software to ensure accurate and timely deliveries.