Smarter Vats. Tighter Yields. 10% Less Variability with AI

LEWISVILLE, Texas, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial intelligence and machine learning is transforming cheesemaking—and the results are undeniable. By applying advanced AI and machine learning, Ever.Ag's Cheese Yield Optimization software has already reduced standard deviation in key production metrics by approximately 10%, driving meaningful improvements in yield consistency, quality and financial performance. For cheesemakers, that's not just a technical win—it's a bottom-line breakthrough.

In an industry where raw milk accounts for up to 80% of total production costs, improvements in yield can lead to millions in additional revenue and profits for high-volume processors. Historically, discovering those hidden efficiencies meant deploying costly sensors, retrofitting equipment, or relying on guesswork—methods that are often error-prone, time-consuming, and only partially effective. That's changing.

Designed to work across a variety of existing systems, the AI-powered Cheese Yield Optimization platform transforms real-time production data into actionable guidance—optimizing moisture, reducing variability, and helping operators make smarter, faster decisions at every step of the process.

Decades of Experience, One Smart Solution
The development of Cheese Yield Optimization was shaped by direct collaboration with cheesemakers themselves. Their insights, intuition, and day-to-day experience played a foundational role in training and validating the system. Rather than replacing jobs, this partnership ensures the technology enhances human expertise—offering tools that support decision-making, reduce manual guesswork, and elevate the craft of cheesemaking through precision and consistency.

"Cheese Yield Optimization is setting a new standard in intelligent dairy manufacturing," said Ryan Mertes, Chief Solutions Officer. "It delivers precision without requiring expensive new infrastructure—and Valley Queen has been a great partner in helping us prove that AI can transform operations."

From Insight to Impact at Valley Queen
One of the clearest early adopters is Valley Queen Cheese in South Dakota. During the first phase of implementation, the company reduced standard deviation by approximately 10%—a significant improvement to drive yield consistency and quality. That translated to higher output, fewer undergrade vats, and stronger financial performance, all without changing a single piece of core equipment.

"This technology lets our cheesemakers push performance with confidence," said Jason Mischel, VP of Sales and Milk Procurement at Valley Queen. "We're optimizing formulation strategies, reducing waste, and relying on real-time insight—not just hindsight."

Following the strong initial results, Valley Queen is planning to scale the solution more broadly, reinforcing how AI-powered software can support long-term sustainability and profitability across the industry.

Precision Without the Price Tag
Unlike systems that require expensive infrastructure or sensor-heavy retrofits, Cheese Yield Optimization delivers measurable results through software and expert-calibrated insight. It enables faster deployment, lower capital investment, and real-time ROI. It's built for scale—line-by-line, plant-by-plant.

As processors face increasing pressure from market volatility, supply chain constraints, and sustainability goals, AI is reshaping what's possible in dairy manufacturing. Cheese Yield Optimization delivers precision, intelligence, and measurable gains—turning every liter of milk into an opportunity for impact.

Learn more about how processors are transforming yield into opportunity at ever.ag/cheese-yield-optimization.

ABOUT EVER.AG

Ever.Ag is a leading provider of innovative AgTech solutions and services that connect and empower the entire agricultural supply chain—from farm to consumer. With a deep commitment to advancing how agriculture works, Ever.Ag delivers market intelligence, risk management, and cutting-edge software that enable smarter, more sustainable operations across dairy, livestock, crops, and agribusiness sectors. Backed by decades of experience and a passion for industry innovation, Ever.Ag helps producers, processors, and partners make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and feed a growing world with confidence.

SOURCE Ever.Ag