By Deloris Pittman A recent partnership with ALA Engineering brought "smart feeding" to the Klostermann Feedlot Innovation Center (KFIC) at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead. Through collaboration with the Nebraska-based company ALA Engineering, the university integrated of autonomous feeding truck use into the feedlot. The technology aims at boosting feeding efficiency and tackling the issue of a limited workforce. Autonomous trucks and other upcoming technologies were demonstrated at ENREEC in conjunction with the AgTech Connect conference. Organized by The Combine, Nebraska's ag tech incubator and accelerator (based at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln), the conference brought together founders, investors, producers and industry partners for live technology demonstrations, expert-led roundtables, keynote speakers and startup showcases. Related:FDA authorizes emergency use of wound spray for screwworm The conference provided the opportunity to see cutting-edge ag technology operating in a real-world setting. Attendees also had the chance to see autonomous trucks, learn about UNL’s advanced feedlot technologies, and also hear brief talks on current and emerging challenges/technology in the beef industry. An ongoing challenge for feedyards is delivery of consistent rations. The other challenge is finding experienced labor. ALA Engineering identified the need for more than incremental fixes to existing equipment. This led to the development of autonomous feed truck technology to enhance reliability and efficiency. Jacob Hansen, CEO and co-founder of ALA Engineering, said that the goal of the autonomous feed truck is to augment, not replace, skilled labor and make feedyard operations more efficient. Hansen said, "The goal is to enhance the lives of both the livestock and the operators by enabling operators to engage in higher-value tasks." Drawing on his family’s experience in the industry, Austin Aulick, ALA CFO and co-founder, said, "Feed trucks and finding feed truck drivers are two crucial