DISCUSS: Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

In Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, the HAL 9000 computer introduced moviegoers to the notion of artificial intelligence — and how it might go awry.

Date Posted: May 16, 2024

Theresa Sisung, Michigan Farm Bureau

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the use of advanced technologies — like machine learning, computer vision, robotics and data analytics — to optimize processes.The use of AI in agriculture has potential to enhance efficiency through precision agriculture, optimize resource use and improved production.

AI enables farmers to collect and analyze data on soil conditions, weather patterns and crop health to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, fertilization and pest control. Technology such as drones, robots and autonomous vehicles can utilize AI to collect data and perform tasks like planting, harvesting, weeding and spraying, all with minimal intervention from the farmer.

AI algorithms can then analyze historical data and real-time inputs to predict crop yields, market trends and potential risks such as diseases or adverse weather conditions.

Beyond its uses on the farm, AI algorithms can optimize supply chain processes by analyzing factors such as demand forecasts, transportation routes and inventory management.

While AI holds potential to revolutionize agriculture, it's also important to consider issues such as data privacy, algorithm bias and accessibility to ensure equitable benefits for stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

MFB staff contact:

Theresa Sisung, 517-323-6729

Policy references:

AFBF Policy #146, Artificial Intelligence
AFBF Policy #536, Proprietary Data

Additional resources:

Questions:

What incentives are available and what more are needed to allow farmers to acquire and scale these technologies?
What can be done to ensure that quality data is fed into AI models to help ensure unbiased and accurate predictions?
What protections need to be in place to protect both data privacy and security with AI technologies?
Try it out! Open ChatGPT by visiting https://chat.openai.com and ask it to create something to share with our group. Try these if you’re unsure what to ask:
- A few months back we talked about value propositions. Ask ChatGPT to create a value proposition for someone joining an agriculture organization.
- Ask ChatGPT a question regarding a production practice or farming technique.
- Have you considered writing a letter to a township board? Ask ChapGPT to take a stab at drafting the letter and see what it comes up with.