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Cargill is investing nearly $90 million in automation and technology upgrades at its Fort Morgan, Colorado, US, beef facility as part of its 'Factory of the Future' initiative.

The upgrades, to be implemented over the next several years, aim to improve operational efficiency, increase yields and enhance workplace safety. The company has already spent $24 million on technology enhancements at the site since 2021.

A key addition will be Cargill’s proprietary CarVe system, a computer vision tool that measures red meat yield in real time, allowing managers to optimise cutting processes and reduce waste. According to the company, improving yield is particularly critical as US cattle supplies remain at their lowest levels in years.

Jarrod Gillig, senior vice president of Cargill’s North American Beef business, said: “Before CarVe, yield data was always yesterday’s news. Now, we’re making decisions in the moment and saving product that would’ve been lost. By applying smart technology to the problem, we’re getting more meat from every animal, reducing waste and making protein production more efficient and sustainable from start to finish.”

In addition to plant investments, Cargill is contributing to housing initiatives in Fort Morgan. The company is backing a $40 million housing development for employees, with 27 townhomes completed and an 81-unit apartment complex scheduled to open this autumn. It has also provided over $500,000 in grants to local organisations to support childcare and housing programmes.

Gillig added: “Fort Morgan plays an important part in Cargill’s critical role as a food company to the nation and the world. By partnering with local ranchers and farmers in Colorado and the region, we’re working hard to produce more food with less impact there so we can move it to store shelves and ultimately family dinner tables across the country.”