Ashley Perepelkin, a self-proclaimed city girl, never imagined that she would one day be selling fresh beef from cattle she raised on her own farm in Alberta, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta, Perepelkin’s life took an unexpected turn when she met her now-husband Andrew, who happened to be a farmer.
The couple got married in 2010 and started farming grain together. However, when Perepelkin decided to venture into cattle farming, she quickly realized that she had a lot to learn. “A lot of things were learned, unfortunately, through trial and error,” she admits. Determined to gain the necessary knowledge and skills, Perepelkin enrolled in a continuing education course at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, Alberta.
It was during this course that Perepelkin discovered the potential of AI in agriculture. Watching a video about how AI could revolutionize farming practices, she became excited about the possibilities it offered. One of the main advantages Perepelkin saw in using AI on their farm was the cost-effectiveness it provided. “Employees are expensive, especially when you don’t exactly know what you’re looking for at the beginning,” she explains. “It’s hard to train somebody.”
With the help of AI, the Perepelkins can now monitor various aspects of their cattle’s well-being, including health, activity, nutrition, and growth. This technology allows them to gather real-time data and make informed decisions based on the insights provided. By analyzing the data collected, they can ensure that their cattle are receiving the right nutrition, identify any potential health issues early on, and optimize their growth.
The implications of AI in agriculture are significant. Not only does it offer farmers like the Perepelkins a cost-effective solution to managing their farm, but it also improves efficiency and productivity. With AI, farmers can automate tasks that were previously time-consuming and labor-intensive, freeing up their time to focus on other aspects of their operation.
Furthermore, AI can help in reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of farming practices. By precisely monitoring the health and nutrition of their livestock, farmers can ensure that resources are used efficiently, reducing the need for excessive feed and medications. This, in turn, leads to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to farming.
The story of Ashley Perepelkin’s journey from a city girl to a tech-savvy farmer is a testament to the transformative power of AI in agriculture. By embracing this technology, she has not only overcome the challenges of starting a new venture but has also found innovative ways to improve her farm’s productivity and sustainability.
As AI continues to advance, it holds great promise for the future of agriculture. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow, manage, and harvest our food, making farming more efficient, sustainable, and profitable. For farmers like Ashley Perepelkin, AI is not just a tool; it is a game-changer that has opened up new possibilities and transformed their lives.
