Ep 32: Talking Livestock Data Analytics

EPISODE 32:

You’ve collected all this data on your livestock, now what?  

It’s a common conundrum when it comes to agtech adoption, but it’s a question livestock analytics platforms are looking to solve.  

In this week’s episode we’re joined by livestock agtech adoption specialist and podcast regular, Penny Schulz, who says collating data is not a new concept, but technology that analyses and visually presents that data as actionable insights, is a new frontier.  

This frontier is being led by female-founded Black Box Co and we speak to Black Box co-founder Emma Black about their cloud-based software which analyses data that’s integrated from the paddock, crush and across the supply chain – presenting growers with visual, data-driven insights on their cattle’s production. 

We also talk to Jessie Chiconi from one of the country’s most renowned Wagyu beef production operations, Chiconi Grazing. Jessie tells us about how Black Box has helped them collate, interpret and present a huge depth of data on their 3000 plus head of cattle. 

FEATURING:

PENNY SCHULZ – LIVESTOCK AGTECH ADOPTION SPECIALIST

Penny and her husband Jason run a family sheep and cattle operation at Field in South Australia’s Limestone Coast region. She also works off-farm delivering projects to the livestock industry and university teaching, with her expertise in the fields of agtech adoption, livestock genetics and farm business management. Penny has been appointed to the role of Livestock Technical Specialist with the SA Drought Resilience, Adoption and Innovation Hub, with a focus on farmer adoption. 

EMMA BLACK – BLACK BOX CO

Emma grew up in western Queensland and over the past 15 years has worked in various roles from on-farm nutrition to beef processing to gain an in-depth knowledge right along the supply chain. Through this experience Emma and her co-founder Shannon Speight identified a gap in the lack of use and transparency of data in the beef supply chain which led them to develop, Black Box Co Software; a platform that ingests raw data from right along the beef supply chain, turning it into easy-to-understand digital insights enabling producers to drive productivity, sustainability and profitability.  

JESSIE CHICONI – WAGYU BEEF PRODUCER  

Jessie Chiconi is a prominent figure in the Australian Wagyu industry, known for her dedication to excellence in cattle breeding and her innovative approach to data-driven livestock management. As a key leader in Chiconi Grazing Pty Ltd – Ausgyu Wagyu, Jessie has played a vital role in taking the family-owned and operated Wagyu enterprise to global recognition. Jessie has been instrumental in integrating advanced technologies like the Black Box platform into their operations. Her focus on consistency, predictability, and quality in genetics and products has ensured the success and sustainability of their large-scale operation.