Artificial intelligence to predict milk production

A new artificial intelligence-based tool will be able to more efficiently predict milk production from 1.5 million cows on Arla’s farms in Europe.

200 million kilos of milk can be used more efficiently each year due to a new artificial intelligence-based tool according to Arla Foods. The new milk intake forecasting tool is put into use in all Arla’s markets across Europe. This includes Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Effective improvement

The process for predicting milk production usually took up tons of excel spreadsheets and hours of time. In fact, a very inefficient process. The new forecasting tool speeds up the process from several days to just a few hours. The data made from the tool is also better and more valid than before, making it possible to base strategic decisions on in an, up until now, unreachable scale. Knowing production beforehand gives Arla insights in the value chain that can further better production and delivery.

A sustainable implementation

Knowing the scale of the milk production beforehand won’t just be better economically. There is a sustainability perspective as well. Because the AI technology is so efficient that the production can be foreseen three to five months in advance, unnecessary emissions from truckloads can be cut. It’s simply better planning. On top of that, Arla has boasted a CO2-emission of nearly half of the global average.

Large potentials with AI technology

Artificial intelligence is able to process big data in a way, that might change the food industry for good. Increasingly, these kinds of technologies are offering valuable use in improving traceability and trust. And ultimately, they might shape food supply chains to withstand the predicted challenges of the future.

Read more on technology in food production here.

Source: Food Ingrediens 1st