For my summer research project as an I-BELIEF University of Illinois Beef Extension intern, I am studying technology adoption among beef cattle producers. I developed a survey, pre-tested it, and now have it posted live and ready for responses. You can help and take the survey here.
What’s this survey about?
Technology continues to be developed, changing the face of agriculture. Innovation and the implementation of these technologies have shaped the way we raise cattle today. New technologies, such as sensors, drones, AI, virtual fencing, remote cameras, and precision tools, will allow beef cattle production to continue to evolve and hopefully become more efficient.
This survey is all about technologies available to the beef cow-calf producer. We ask you about your operation, any usage of this technology, and about your attitude towards it. The survey is completely accessible via phone or computer. Plus, it should only take you about ten to fifteen minutes to complete.
What’s in it for me, the cattle producer?
There’s no question implementing these new technologies will take time and you may have questions. Research needs to be done to adequately answer your questions. Your insight will help guide this future research and help provide the feedback needed to fund these projects. Furthermore, University of Illinois Beef Extension wants to help provide you with the tools, resources, and help to adopt and implement new technology. Your input will help us to help you, in the best form possible.
Land-grant colleges, like the University of Illinois, are public institutions with a mission to provide practical education, conduct research, and serve their communities. We want to serve you by making sure research is being conducted and through applying these research findings to your real-world challenges and operations.
The details, condensed:
We’re asking you: to fill out a short online survey.
How long: Approximately 10-15 minutes.
By when: The survey will close July 25, 2026.
How: Fill out this link.
Olivia Shike is a student who works in beef production, research, and producer outreach as a University of Illinois Extension intern in the I-BELIEF program through the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. This article has been reviewed by Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Travis Meteer.