Farmweld Introduces FAST™ II

			FAST II is the next generation in automatic sorting scale technology. Farmweld’s new scale offers four sorting modes with smart features for easy split-weight feeding, training and sorting for load-out, plus simple sorting.

Pork producers and consultants from around the globe got a peek at the very latest automatic sorting technology from Farmweld at this year’s World Pork Expo. The Teutopolis, IL-based company unveiled FAST II, a state-of-the-art stainless steel sorting scale that’s driven by HerdStar™ electronics, designed specifically for sorting and managing pigs.

Last year Farmweld drew crowds to its booth and the attention of some of the most respected players in the industry when it introduced FAST (Farmweld Automatic Sorting Technology). Farmweld is widely recognized for its leadership in designing automatic sorting facilities and transferring technical knowledge to the industry. The introduction of FAST II reflects the company’s ongoing mission to provide the most advanced technology available to pork producers.

FAST II’s scale components were engineered by veteran scale designers for durability, pig comfort and operator-ease. “Like Farmweld’s other products, we crafted our new FAST II scale to withstand long term wear in a pig barn,” says Frank Brummer, Farmweld president and owner.

FAST II features a unique flip-up console compartment that keeps the display screen clean and protected. “When you are power-washing the barn, you don’t have to worry about soaking the monitor,” says Brummer. Entrance gate width can be adjusted with a single hand, without the hassle of clumsy chains and pins. The scale’s entrance gates can be operated at low air pressure and are designed to close comfortably behind small or large pigs. The scale was also designed with several safety features, including guards over moving parts and pinch-points.

			The FAST II scale is more than just a sorting system. It provides a management tool for analyzing pig distribution, growth and much more.

The ESP™ System (Electronic Sense of Position) is an automatic pig sensor that allows the scale to know where the pig is on the scale. The system eliminates the need for optical sensors or trigger weights. Competitive scales require operators to frequently clean optical sensors or update gate trigger weights as pigs grow. With the ESP System, the scale senses where the pig is standing so gates close at just the right time – not too early or too late.

Pigs in facilities with FAST II are housed in one large pen divided into a loafing area and one or more food courts. Pigs learn to walk through the FAST II scale to get to the food courts. The scale exit gate directs the pig to the left or the right side. One side is designated as the “Heavy” side, and the other is the “Light” side.

There are four modes of operation: Simple-Sort, Sort-to-Train, Sort-to-Feed and Sort-to-Sell. The new scale has been designed so there’s less need for operators to input complicated information or settings. The operator simply has to select the desired mode, and the scale goes to work.

			FAST II can be used for pigs from weaning to finish weight.

FAST II is an innovative tool that will revolutionize pig management and barn record keeping. More than just a sorting system, it is an important tool for analyzing pig distribution, growth and much more. The large display screen provides several easily accessible reports such as the Daily Group Histogram, a graphic display that shows the distribution of the scale weight readings in two to 20 pound increments. Other reports, such as the Daily Group History, Sort Data and Inventory report, are also easy to access.

Bob Baarsch, a pork producer based in LeRoy, MN, was an early adopter of FAST technology. He was instrumental in drawing together the engineers to design the HerdStar electronics for the FAST II scale. Baarsch has been operating the new FAST II scales in two new barns with 600-head rooms. Baarsch says that not only does the FAST II do a superior job of sorting pigs, FAST II has the potential to eliminate the weekly barn sheet.

“The grower can electronically record critical information such as inventories, number of pigs moved in, moved out or dead, right in the barn,” says Baarsch. The data could then be delivered via wireless communications to a communications hub and transferred to other locations via the internet. “This will greatly reduce the amount of manual paperwork required to monitor pig inventories,” says Baarsch.

FAST II is easy to install and use. There are no extra steps needed to set up weight categories, and there’s no stumbling through confusing menus. Just plug it in, adjust the scale air pressure, turn it to AUTO and the system is ready to go and collecting data.

“FAST II is a great new tool that delivers countless opportunities for producers to improve management decision-making,” says Brummer. “We are convinced its outstanding sorting capabilities and ability to transform raw data into useful information, combined with its durability, ease-of-use and safety features, will be a great benefit to producers.”

Click here for more information on FAST