Let's clear something up right away: when livestock producers talk about "AI," they're usually referring to artificial insemination, the tried-and-true reproductive technology that's been improving genetics for decades. But there's another AI making waves in agriculture right now: Artificial Intelligence.
At SMART Reproduction, we've built our reputation on providing elite sheep and goat genetics through artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and export services. But we're now stepping into the second arena, and we're excited to share why.
Selected for Innovation
SMART Reproduction has been selected to participate in VentureWell's FLIPspace 2.0 cohort, a competitive accelerator program focused on advancing artificial intelligence applications in real-world industries. Under the leadership of Brittany Scott, Founder and CEO, our team is developing a smartphone-based platform that uses machine learning and computer vision to help producers make better decisions about their livestock.
This isn't about replacing what works. It's about adding a new layer of precision to an industry that's been operating on experience, intuition, and manual assessment for generations.
The Problem We're Solving
The U.S. sheep and goat industry faces a significant challenge: we import a substantial portion of our lamb and goat meat despite having the land, expertise, and infrastructure to produce it domestically. One major bottleneck? Inconsistent quality and limited data across the supply chain.
Producers often make breeding, health, and marketing decisions based on visual assessment alone. Is that doe ready for artificial insemination? Is this buck's conformation ideal for a Boer goat breeding program? How does this lamb's muscling and finis compare to industry standards? These questions typically rely on the producer's eye, which can be excellent, but also subjective and difficult to scale.
Add to that the complexity of maintaining records, tracking genetic improvements, and communicating quality metrics to buyers, and you have an industry ripe for technological support.
What We're Building
Our platform leverages the device most producers already carry in their pocket: a smartphone. Using computer vision technology, the system will analyze images of sheep and goats to provide objective assessments of key traits related to health, conformation, and readiness for reproduction and to market.
Think of it as a digital expert looking over your shoulder, not to replace your judgment, but to enhance it with data-driven insights. The technology can help identify:
- Body condition scoring with consistent, objective metrics indicating readiness for market
- Structural soundness indicators relevant to breeding programs
- Health markers that might warrant veterinary attention
- Readiness for reproductive procedures including artificial insemination timing
For producers working with elite genetics, whether through our catalogue of premium Boer goat and dairy goat semen, or their own breeding programs, having objective data creates opportunities for better record-keeping, informed breeding decisions, and stronger market positioning.
From the Barn to the Buyer
Here's where smartphone technology transforms the entire supply chain, not just the breeding barn.
When producers can document livestock quality with consistent, data-backed assessments, several things happen:
Better breeding decisions: Instead of guessing whether a particular ewe is ready for embryo transfer or which buck best complements your herd genetics, producers can compare objective measurements over time and across animals.
Stronger marketing: Buyers, whether domestic processors or international export clients, increasingly want data. Being able to say "this lamb consistently scored a 3.5 BCS (Body Condition Score) on a 1–5 scale" carries more weight than "looks good to me."
Quality consistency: One of the challenges in competing with imported lamb and goat meat is demonstrating reliable quality standards. Technology that helps producers maintain consistent quality metrics strengthens the entire U.S. supply chain.
Reduced import dependency: When American producers can confidently supply consistent, high-quality animals, we reduce the need to import meat from Australia, New Zealand, and other countries, keeping more agricultural dollars in the U.S. economy.
We have seen firsthand how technology can level the playing field. You don't need to be the biggest operation or have decades of experience to make data-driven decisions. A smartphone platform puts sophisticated assessment tools in the hands of beginning producers, women in agriculture, and anyone building a sheep or goat enterprise.
The democratization of technology matters. It means a first-generation producer can access the same decision-support tools as a multi-generational operation. It means producers in remote areas can get objective feedback without waiting for an extension specialist to visit. It means we build skills and confidence across our entire industry.
What This Means for Producers
If you're raising sheep or goats, whether dairy goats for milk production or Boer goats for meat markets, this technology is being designed with you in mind.
The platform won't require specialized equipment beyond your smartphone. It won't replace the reproductive technologies you're already using, like artificial insemination or embryo transfer. Instead, it adds a layer of precision and documentation that makes those tools even more valuable.
Imagine being able to:
- Track body condition changes throughout a doe's pregnancy with objective scores
- Compare ram lambs objectively before deciding which to keep for breeding or to market
- Document the genetic improvement in your herd with visual data over multiple generations
- Share quality metrics with potential buyers when marketing your superior genetics
These capabilities don't replace the producer's expertise, they amplify it.
The Bigger Picture
Our participation in the VentureWell FLIPspace 2.0 program represents a commitment to innovation that extends beyond SMART Reproduction's core business. Yes, we'll continue providing elite genetics, artificial insemination services, and export coordination. But we're also investing in tools that strengthen the entire industry.
The U.S. sheep and goat sector has incredible potential. We have the genetics, the land, and increasingly, the market demand. What we need are the tools and systems that help producers operate with confidence, consistency, and data to back up their quality claims.
Technology alone won't solve every challenge facing small ruminant producers, but combined with good genetics, sound management, and strong marketing, it can help close the gap between where we are and where we could be.
Moving Forward
As we develop this platform through the VentureWell accelerator, we'll be seeking input from producers, veterinarians, extension specialists, and industry partners. The goal is to build something genuinely useful: not just technologically impressive.
If you're interested in learning more about SMART Reproduction's genetics programs, exploring partnership opportunities, or staying updated on our technology development, we'd love to connect.
Ready to explore elite genetics for your operation?
- View Our Catalog of premium sheep and goat genetics
- Interested in partnerships? Contact us to discuss opportunities
- International clients: Complete our interest form for export services
The Bottom Line: Technology should serve producers, not complicate their lives. As SMART Reproduction develops new tools for livestock assessment, we're keeping that principle front and center. The future of American sheep and goat production will be built on elite genetics, sound reproductive practices like artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and yes: smartphones that help producers make smarter decisions from the barn to the supply chain.