From Manual Labor to Smart Management: How This Farm Runs a 30,000-Bird Operation with Just 3 People
Publish Date: October 26, 2023
“My wife, three workers, and I used to work from 4 AM until dark, every single day—collecting eggs, feeding, cleaning manure… We were exhausted. Now, at the same scale, three people manage it effortlessly. I even have time to
analyze market data.”
— Li Zhenhua, Manager of Prosperity Family Farm in Linyi, Shandong
Walking onto Li Zhenhua's chicken farm today, the first impressions are quietness and cleanliness. There's no strong ammonia smell, no workers rushing around—just the steady hum of equipment and the calm clucking of hens.
This is a working example of a fully implemented SmartPasture Automated Poultry Housing System.
The Challenge: Three Major Pain Points of Traditional Farming
Li’s struggles are familiar to many farmers:
High & Rising Labor Costs: Repetitive, physically demanding work made hiring difficult and expensive.
Unmanaged Risks: Relying on manual checks meant problems like ammonia spikes or temperature drops were often caught too late, leading to significant losses.
Flying Blind: A lack of data made it impossible to understand fluctuations in feed use or egg production, hindering informed decisions.
The Automation Upgrade: A Quiet Transformation
Last year, Li decided to implement our integrated automation solution. The change centered on four core systems:
1. Centralized Manure & Ventilation Management
"The most immediate change was the odor disappearing." Automatic manure belts at the base of the cages run on a set schedule eight times daily, removing waste immediately and conveying it to a sealed fermenter.
Simultaneously, the smart ventilation system adjusts automatically based on real-time sensor data, ensuring optimal air quality. Ammonia levels are constantly monitored; if they approach a threshold, the system increases
ventilation and sends an alert.
2. The "Hands-Off" Feeding and Egg Collection Line
Feed is delivered precisely to every trough via a central feeding line, on time and in measured amounts, eliminating waste and uneven feeding. The biggest hit with the staff is the automatic egg collection system. Eggs roll
gently onto a central conveyor belt, flowing smoothly to the grading and packing room. "Bending over to collect eggs used to be the main cause of back pain. Now, our staff can grade and pack while seated. Efficiency is up,
and the work is much easier," Li notes.
3. The 24/7 Environmental "Watchdog" & Digital Dashboard
In the farm office, a large screen displays real-time data from all three houses: temperature, humidity, ammonia, light levels, feed inventory, and daily egg count. An integrated alarm system pushes notifications to a mobile
app for any anomaly. "Once, a sudden night storm damaged a curtain, causing a temperature drop. My phone alerted me immediately, and we prevented any loss," Li shares.
Measurable Results: The Data Behind the Success
After six months of stable operation, the numbers speak for themselves:
Labor Hours Reduced by ~65%: Management shifted from 5 full-time workers to 3, focusing now on maintenance and data analysis instead of manual chores.
Improved Egg Production Stability: Consistent environmental conditions extended peak lay periods, increasing the annual average yield by approximately 5%.
Optimized Feed Conversion: Precision feeding reduced waste, improving the feed-to-egg ratio.
Higher Egg Quality & Premium Value: Breakage rates fell below 0.5%, and cleaner eggs allowed access to premium local supermarket supply chains.
Significantly Lowered Risk: Early warnings for environmental issues and potential health problems made risks manageable.
The Insight: Automation Doesn't Replace People—It Upgrades Their Role
"My workers are no longer just 'cleaners' and 'egg collectors.' They've become 'equipment managers' and 'production data analysts,'" Li concludes. "We now have more time to focus on how to raise healthier birds and market a
better product, instead of being trapped in endless physical labor."
For other farmers considering the transition, his advice is practical: "Don't feel pressured to automate everything at once. Start with a pilot project in one house, like we did. Prove the value, then scale up. The key is choosing
a reliable system with strong technical support."
The era of smart poultry farming is here. It's no longer a distant concept but a practical tool for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and building a competitive edge.
If you are interested in exploring how automation can be planned for your farm or would like to access more real-world case studies like Prosperity Family Farm, please visit our website or contact our technical consultant team
for a free Automated Poultry Farm Efficiency Analysis Report and a preliminary planning consultation.
