How new ag tech is helping farmers detect bovine respiratory disease early and save billions in cattle losses.

On this episode of The Iowa Ag Podcast, I sit down with Yale Zhang, an entrepreneur with a background in industrial engineering and multiple startups under his belt. We met at the Iowa Ag Expo, where Zhang shared the fascinating journey of his company, Seismi, which pivoted from human healthcare technology to the agricultural industry. Initially, Seismi developed a device for senior living facilities to monitor heart rate, respiration, and bed presence. However, after three years with virtually no adoption, the company found an unexpected opportunity in veterinary medicine and livestock monitoring. The transition was driven by interest from companies in animal health and agriculture, ultimately leading Seismi to a new focus: detecting bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a major cause of cattle losses.

Zhang explains that BRD costs the beef industry an estimated $4 billion annually. Current detection methods rely on cowboys visually identifying sick animals, a process that is often too slow and imprecise. Seismi developed a sensor-based system that attaches to existing ear tags and wirelessly charges when cattle drink water. This system monitors heart rate and respiration to identify early signs of disease before symptoms like fever become visible. By detecting illness sooner, farmers can reduce mortality rates, use antibiotics more effectively, and improve overall herd health. The company is also working with Kansas State University to refine the technology, with initial tests showing promising results. In addition, researchers at Purdue University are exploring the device’s potential for detecting heat stress in cattle.

Despite these advancements, Zhang and his team face significant funding challenges. They were awarded a grant from the USDA to further validate their technology, but due to federal budget constraints, the funding has been halted, maybe indefinitely. Zhang expresses frustration over the lack of communication from the USDA, especially since the grant was intended to help improve agricultural productivity and biosecurity. While he understands the need for fiscal responsibility, he emphasizes the economic impact of innovations like Seismi’s sensors, which could significantly reduce losses in the beef industry. To keep moving forward, the company is redirecting its focus toward pet health applications, which require less capital investment and have strong market interest.

Zhang and I also discuss the economic realities of the beef industry and how farmers are some of the most resourceful and entrepreneurial individuals. Technology adoption in agriculture is heavily dependent on ROI, making affordability a key priority for Seismi. Zhang believes that by keeping costs low—around $25 per sensor, reusable for several years—even small cow-calf operations will benefit. He stresses that early detection of BRD can not only save cattle but also improve profitability for producers by reducing treatment costs and preventing long-term health declines in affected animals.

The episode wraps up with Zhang reflecting on his journey as an immigrant entrepreneur in America. He praises the country’s free-market system, which has allowed him to build multiple businesses and innovate in unexpected ways. Despite funding hurdles, he remains optimistic about Seismi’s future and the impact their technology could have on agriculture. I admire the dedication of farmers and ranchers, there is so much that passion and legacy drive their work despite narrow profit margins. The conversation underscores the importance of continued innovation in agriculture and the role that entrepreneurs like Zhang play in shaping the future of the industry.

Check them out at seismi.co.