OAKWOOD GA.— Wayne-Sanderson Farms signed a multi-year agreement with biotechnology systems company TARGAN to integrate its artificial intelligence (AI)-based poultry systems into the producer’s broiler hatcheries nationwide.

“Wayne-Sanderson Farms is excited to team up with TARGAN on innovative technologies in our hatcheries,” said Kevin McDaniel, senior vice president and general manager of fresh operations at Wayne-Sanderson. “As we evaluated important advancements to incorporate into our company, TARGAN rose to the top of the list. This collaboration will strengthen our system from live production through processing.”

Utilizing AI, machine learning and high-speed vision systems, TARGAN poultry systems help optimize efficiencies for producers. While improving hatchery processes, the systems strengthen global food sustainability and animal welfare.

TARGAN will install the first units at Wayne-Sanderson’s hatcheries during the third quarter of 2023. The biotech company noted that the installation will be its first commercial collaboration.

“We are pleased to have Wayne-Sanderson Farms, a well-respected company with a long history and exceptional expertise in the poultry industry, as our first commercial collaboration,” said Ramin Karimpour, founder and chief executive officer at TARGAN. “We have built a company with notable strengths in both engineering and biology, and we are confident our technology will enhance operations and positively impact the poultry industry for years to come.”

Wayne-Sanderson operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Its workforce includes over 26,000 people.