From Classroom To Cutting-Edge Cattle Solutions

From Classroom To Cutting-Edge Cattle Solutions When Dakota Belling, co-founder and CEO of Bovi-Jet, first teamed up with Eugene Meyer at Iowa State University, neither could have predicted that their class project would grow into a groundbreaking business revolutionizing cattle care. “Our journey began with an idea rooted in practicality: designing devices that automatically apply pour-on insecticide to the backs of cattle,” Belling says. “It takes care of more external parasites and soaks in to handle some internal parasites as well.” The duo quickly recognized the challenges faced by beef and dairy producers. Dairy operations, where cows move single file through alleyways, presented opportunities for automation. Inspired by garage door laser sensors, Belling and Meyer developed a system that detects cow movement and applies insecticides in a seamless, continuous manner. By upgrading to dual laser sensors, the device ensures precise application, maximizing efficiency and coverage. On the beef side, the challenges were different. Beef calves typically weigh between 500 and 700 lbs. and don’t move as uniformly as their dairy counterparts. “They tend to stack up too much, so we came up with something more realistic and specific,” Belling explains. This led to the creation of the Bovi-Jet chute-mounted unit, designed for use during routine tasks such as vaccinations and ear tagging. By integrating its pour-on applicator into the chute, each calf receives a targeted dose as it’s individually secured. The device mounts to a stationary top bar of the chute with three bolts and wingnuts, with the pump and circuit board secured on either side of a chute bar. The hose connects to a nozzle that points down the animal’s back, applying pour-on from the shoulders to the hip. When the animal is in the headgate, the nozzle extends, and the pump distributes product along the back, covering 4 to 6 ft. Belling and Meyer’s innovation didn’t stop at automated application. Recognizing the importance of accurate dosing — especially for preventing resistance among parasites and reducing waste — they developed a version that connects directly to a chute’s scale head. This mechanism calculates the exact dosage based on each animal’s weight, eliminating guesswork and lowering the chances of underdosing or overdosing. Recognizing the varied settings of cattle operations, the team created models powered by interchangeable Milwaukee and Dewalt batteries, along with a 110-volt option. Whether in remote pastures or modern feedlots, ranchers can rely on these components to treat thousands of cattle on a single battery charge. The Bovi-Jet product line offers multiple tiers, from basic models without apps or control panels to advanced versions that integrate seamlessly with existing livestock management software. The pair handles production, assembly and shipping directly from their garage in Ames, Iowa. They’re attending farm shows, reinvesting all profits into the company, and considering adding dealer partnerships. The entry-level unit costs $1,200, the mid-tier model is priced at $1,800, and the scale head version, currently in trials, costs $2,500. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bovi-Jet, Ames, Iowa (ph 515-423-7202; dakotabelling@bovijet.com; www.bovijet.com).

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