• April 9, 2026
  • 51min 50sec

Processing and Artificial Intelligence

Guests: Jay Pokorny, Extru-Tech, Inc.; Allison Blomme, Kansas State University; Scott Sutton, Muenster Pet

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This episode was recorded at the Pet Food Collab in Manhattan, Kansas. Guests introduce themselves and their backgrounds. Jay talks about his KibbleCon Legacy Keynote, “Optimizing Production with Process Analytics,” and Allison summarizes her presentation, “The Digital Age: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pet Food Production.” (00:48) Processing and Artificial Intelligence are central themes discussed throughout this episode.

Episode 13: Processing and Artificial Intelligence

Timestamps:

Allison gives some examples of how AI can be used in production facilities. Sensors on equipment, production schedules, product formulation, supply chain, logistics, and marketing were all mentioned. (11:24) Here, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Processing is explored through practical applications.

The panel talks about challenges for small and mid-size companies when it comes to deploying AI. Jay discusses how a company can go about adding AI to its production system. (16:45) In particular, the panel’s views highlight solutions involving Artificial Intelligence within processing workflows.

Debbie details results from an online survey her group conducted about how many companies in the industry were using AI, and if not, what reasons they had for not using it. Scott and Jay share their perspectives about small and mid-size company barriers to deploying AI. (25:13) Survey results further illustrate processing requirements as well as new opportunities for Artificial Intelligence adoption.

The guests talk about AI hallucination and drift, and the best ways to manage around it. Jay talks about some of the efficiency and quality improvements that can be expected when adding AI to a production facility. The panel talks about flexible versus frozen scheduling and using ingredients that are perishable, such as meat products. (30:13) This segment addresses Processing and Artificial Intelligence’s challenges in maintaining quality and efficiency.

Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (47:03)

Conclusion

Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people. Join us at the Real Science Exchange – Companion Animal virtual pub table. Please be sure to register for our upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars. In summary, this podcast continues to spotlight innovations in Processing, as well as Artificial Intelligence, for the pet food industry.

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