An API, application programming interface, allows two software programs to talk to each other. MetaFarms and AgView have an API, an intentional connection between the two programs providing essential services to pork producers. MetaFarms customers can create an AgView account then the API connects the platforms so data sharing becomes automatic and seamless.

MetaFarms’ software platform, and customer support, help livestock producers use their data to maximize operational profitability and provide the best possible animal care. AgView, a free software contract-tracing platform developed by the Pork Checkoff, will help mitigate the spread and damage caused by a potential foreign animal disease outbreak in the U.S. swine herd. Due to the API, the two platforms work together for the pork producer’s benefit without additional data entry required.

With AgView, producers enable a swift and efficient response to potential foreign animal disease outbreaks. Producers of all sizes and types can securely share location and pig movement data with state animal health officials to rapidly contain disease threats and determine where the disease is or is not present. Consequently, AgView promotes business continuity by uniquely making disease traceback and pig movement data available to the USDA and state animal health officials on day one of a FAD.

For MetaFarms’ platform users, the ability to participate in AgView through the API captures the best of both systems’ abilities. By entering data in MetaFarms’ Sow, Finish, and Sales platforms, producers use their own data to better monitor, measure and manage their businesses. Select data flows into AgView for achieving data sharing, movement tracking and incident management.

Producer-users of AgView set permissions to provide real-time health status plus site and pig movement data from participating farms to state animal health officials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed FAD outbreak, this information will aid in response. These AgView features could help the pork industry rapidly contain or regionalize a potential FAD outbreak.

Protecting the U.S. swine herd from the ravages of a potential foreign animal disease outbreak includes preparation. On March 7, U.S. pork producers participating in the National Pork Industry Forum approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system. A producer-led task force led to these recommendations which were approved by Forum delegates:

If approved by USDA, these recommendations would become regulations to safeguard the industry. These efforts gain even more importance in light of a 2020 study conducted by Iowa State University economists saying an outbreak of African swine fever in the U.S. could cost the swine industry $50 million over 10 years.

As of August 2024, AgView has recorded more than 1,200 producer-user adoptions, and nearly 1.5 million pig movements since its launch in November 2020. With the API between MetaFarms and AgView, participation becomes easier and FAD preparedness advances.

If you have questions or comments about these columns, or if you have a specific performance measurement that you would like us to write about, please contact: Boettger at [email protected]  For more information on MetaFarms, call 952-215-3224 or email [email protected]. For more information on AgView, call 800-767-5675 or email [email protected].