LEWISVILLE, TEXAS – Software and services supplier Ever.Ag revealed its newest solution makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to produce more effective cheese yields.

The company said it designed its newest program, Cheese Yield Optimization, to help cheese manufacturers maximize efficiency, reduce waste and increase profitability.

"What is exciting about Cheese Yield Optimization is it learns from existing and new data sets to highlight operational improvements, without taking away the 'art' of making cheese,” said Ryan Mertes, Ever.Ag’s head of manufacturing solutions. “The system does this with recommendations tailored to the user.”

Mertes said customers will receive results in as few as 90 days because the system uses existing data.

Per Ever.Ag, the AI assistance enhances decision-making at a cheese plant, leading to improved product consistency, quality and yield. The supplier said customers can use the technology to improve margins and bottom lines with yield improvements and undergrade reductions.

Most of the cheese production process is digitized with the Cheese Yield Optimization system, the company added. Ever.Ag said the software analyzes a plant’s data to provide “actionable recommendations” and “suggested recipe changes for tomorrow's production.”

Simon Drake, executive vice president of data science solutions for Ever.Ag, called the AI-driven solution a “game changer” for the cheese manufacturing industry.

“It combines our expertise in (AI) with our deep understanding of dairy processes to create a tool that not only enhances efficiency but also preserves the unique artistry of cheese making,” Drake said. “By integrating AI into cheese production, we're enabling manufacturers to not only maintain but also elevate the quality and consistency of their products. This technology represents a significant step forward in supporting the dairy industry's move towards more sustainable and profitable practices, ensuring that the time-honored tradition of cheese making thrives in the modern era.”

The company noted that its new technology also supports workforce transitions and knowledge retention “as younger employees take over plant management.”