Workshop on Precision Livestock Farming
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 18, 2026) — A recent workshop held at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with North Carolina State University provided undergraduates with practical insights into precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence’s role in enhancing hog welfare.
About the Workshop
The Transdisciplinary Experiential Learning (TEL) Summer Workshop focused on integrating knowledge from various disciplines—such as animal science and computer science—to explore how precision agriculture can boost swine production. This initiative is part of the Proactive Pig Production (P3) project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and involves collaboration with Iowa University.
Insights from Experts
Dr. Mulumbet Worku, a CAES professor, emphasized the need to address industry challenges through novel AI technologies that observe animal behavior. Dr. Lingjuan Wang Li from N.C. State highlighted that animals can act as effective sensors for distress, indicating the utility of AI in monitoring and responding to their needs.
Hands-On Learning
Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including assembling a programmable logic controller used to manage temperature in swine housing. The workshop underscored the importance of a transdisciplinary approach, involving students from various fields, including psychology and the arts.
Student Perspectives
Brianna Thorpe, a psychology student at A&T, expressed that the workshop broadened her understanding of agriculture and the significance of innovative technologies in animal welfare. She recognized the value of comprehending the interplay between climate, environmental factors, and animal behavior, even outside of her major.
The collaborative effort not only aimed to tackle real-world problems in the swine industry but also enriched student experiences by fostering interdisciplinary connections.
