Labor shortages in Northeast Georgia's poultry industry are driving the adoption of new technology, including automation and robotics, to boost production while reducing resources
New technology is filling the gap as labor shortages have reshaped poultry operations in Northeast Georgia. Billy Farmer, regional manager at Hog Slat Inc., the parent company of the Georgia Poultry Equipment Co. in Lexington, said the shift toward automation is picking up speed.
“Continuous monitoring of feed, water, growth and management is moving operations from reactive to proactive,” he said in an email. New technological advances are allowing farmers to cut down on resources while boosting production. Robotics is also becoming a larger part of the industry. Products such as cooling systems, fans and egg packers are increasingly sought by producers.
Farmer said growers are looking for a strong return on investment.
“The ROI has to make sense,” he said.
The need for poultry products and equipment in Oglethorpe is extensive. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Oglethorpe County is the third largest poultry producing county in Georgia. That demand is felt directly at the Georgia Poultry Equipment Co. store in Lexington. Manager Justin Armour said the customer base in the county has remained steady, with many seeking cooling technology.
“If it’s hot outside, we’re selling cooling products, fans and cool cells. If it’s cold outside, we’re selling heating-type products,” Armour said.
While the company also offers swine farming equipment, poultry remains at the center of the business.
“The poultry side is definitely the side where we see the most sales,” Armour said.
Rising costs are also a concern for farmers in the area. Armour said prices have gradually increased over the years, with tariffs adding to the pressure.
Even so, local producers continue to buy what they need.
“It’s kind of a business to where, if you’re going to be in that space, you have to expect the expenses,” he said.