By ANDREA VARGO Technology has a critical impact on the profits
of local hog and dairy operations. Records provide information
to let producers know if they are doing the right things.
Computers give Pat Fitzsimmons of Cokato an edge in the hog
business. He has a computer system to run ventilation fans,
heaters, and the air intakes. "We were a test site for Phason in
Canada through Ray Dot in Cokato," said Fitzsimmons. Phason
provided the software system, and the work was done by Ray Dot.
Located northwest of Cokato on Wright Co. Rd. 100, Fitzsimmons'
1,200-sow farrowing operation relies on the computer to keep his
animals comfortable and healthy. A built-in alarm system goes
through the computer and calls a list of names within minutes if
problems occur. The computer system collects information that is
critical to the huge operation. It records and monitors
temperatures around the clock. The capability to monitor feed
levels in the bins and to place calls for feed orders when
necessary is part of the system,