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Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming the link between data collection and decision-making. Under the guiding theme "Intelligence in Animal Farming", EuroTier 2026 will showcase how digital technologies are helping farmers improve animal welfare, reduce workload and manage increasingly complex production systems. Organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), EuroTier, the leading trade fair for livestock professionals, takes place from 10 to 13 November, in Hanover, Germany.
In the last decade, livestock farmers have invested in sensors, management software and automated systems. Data on animal behaviour, feed intake, climate conditions and health status are now collected continuously on many farms. The challenge is no longer gathering intricate information. The challenge is turning these growing volumes of data into practical management decisions.
The livestock sector has already been building digital infrastructure. Sensors record activity, cameras monitor animals and herd management software stores enormous amounts of information.
“Sensors collect real-time data 24/7,” says Susanne Gäckler, livestock expert at the DLG. “Artificial intelligence helps interpret the data and identify areas where action is needed – often much earlier than would be possible without digital support,” she adds.
The current technical developments go a step further. While earlier digital systems focused primarily on monitoring individual parameters, AI-supported systems can integrate information from multiple sources, identify complex patterns and provide more comprehensive decision support.
According to Prof. Matthias Schick of Strickhof and AgroVet-Strickhof in Switzerland, the future of livestock farming lies in connected systems that combine data from sensors, cameras and herd management platforms. By integrating artificial intelligence into these data streams, farmers can identify problems earlier, optimise processes more quickly and make more informed decisions on animal welfare, labour efficiency and farm profitability.
Recent developments include systems capable of listening to animals and detecting health issues through sound analysis, camera-based technologies for assessing the condition and behavior of animals, and AI-powered tools that analyse data to support management decisions.
“These developments show how artificial intelligence is making the leap from experimental applications to practical animal husbandry. Based on current market trends, we expect to see even more AI-powered innovations at EuroTier 2026,” says Gäckler.
Early Detection
One of the most visible applications of AI is animal monitoring. Modern systems combine cameras, microphones, wearable sensors and digital identification technologies to track animal behaviour around the clock. Changes in movement patterns, feeding behaviour, body condition or vocalisation can indicate potential health issues long before they become visible during routine inspections.
In dairy farming, camera systems are increasingly being used to detect lameness, monitor body condition and support calving management. In pig production, sensors and cameras help identify deviations from normal behaviour and allow farmers to intervene earlier.
For many producers, the value lies not in replacing the stockperson's eye, but in helping direct attention where it is needed most.
The Rise of Camera-Based Monitoring
While many early digital systems relied on individual sensors, a growing trend is the use of camera-based technologies. According to EuroTier trend analyses, camera systems are increasingly being used alongside other monitoring tools. Combined with AI, they can assess behaviour, mobility and welfare indicators across larger groups of animals without requiring manual observation.
The development reflects another important trend: animal welfare is becoming increasingly measurable. Researchers are already investigating how movement patterns, tail posture or even animal vocalisations can be used as objective welfare indicators.
Connected Systems Instead of Isolated Solutions
Despite rapid progress, one challenge remains. Many digital tools still operate independently from one another. Sensors, herd management software, climate systems and feeding equipment often generate valuable information but do not communicate effectively across platforms.
Experts therefore see cross-manufacturer connectivity as one of the next major steps in digital livestock farming. The goal is not simply to generate more data, but to combine information from multiple systems to support decision-making on animal health, welfare, labour management, energy use and profitability.
Beyond Animal Monitoring
The role of AI extends beyond animal housing. As documentation and reporting requirements continue to grow, AI-powered systems are beginning to support regulatory compliance and administrative processes. Automated documentation and digital records could reduce paperwork while providing more transparent evidence of animal welfare and management practices.
This development may become increasingly important as consumers, regulators and supply chain partners demand greater transparency in livestock production.
Farmers Remain Central
Despite growing interest in AI, one message is clear: technology is designed to support, not to replace livestock producers. The quality of decisions will still depend on the experience and judgement of farmers. What AI offers is faster access to relevant information and better tools for dealing with increasingly complex production systems.
Examples presented as world premieres at EuroTier at the last edition include systems that continuously analyse sounds in livestock houses to identify potential respiratory problems at an early stage. Other innovations used image recognition and computer vision to assess animal condition automatically, while AI-supported decision-support tools combined data from multiple sources to optimise feeding, health management and production performance.
AI at EuroTier 2026
From 10 to 13 November 2026 in Hanover, EuroTier will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in AI, digital livestock farming and connected management systems.
Companies, researchers and livestock professionals will present practical solutions designed to improve animal welfare, efficiency and sustainability.
Under the guiding theme "Intelligence in Animal Farming", visitors will be able to explore how data, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping livestock production—and how these technologies can generate value on farms today.
July 10, 2026 - DLG
