Ashley Perepelkin, a self-proclaimed city girl, never imagined herself selling fresh beef from cattle she raised on her own Alberta farm with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). But life took an unexpected turn when she met her now-husband Andrew, a farmer, and embarked on a journey that would transform her perspective on agriculture.
Born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta, Perepelkin and Andrew got married in 2010 and began farming grain together. However, when she decided to venture into cattle farming, Perepelkin found herself facing a steep learning curve. “A lot of things were learned, unfortunately, through trial and error,” she admits.
To enhance her knowledge and skills in cattle farming, Perepelkin enrolled in a continuing education course at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, Alberta. It was during this time that she stumbled upon a video showcasing the potential of AI in agriculture, and her excitement grew.
Perepelkin recognized the benefits of AI in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. “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 AI, the Perepelkins can now monitor their cattle’s health, activity, nutrition, and growth, making informed decisions to ensure their well-being.
The implications of incorporating AI into agriculture are significant. Traditionally, farming has relied heavily on manual labor, which can be time-consuming and costly. By leveraging AI, farmers like the Perepelkins can streamline their operations, reduce labor expenses, and improve productivity. This technology allows them to collect and analyze data in real-time, empowering them to make data-driven decisions that optimize their farming practices.
Moreover, AI can be particularly beneficial for new farmers like Perepelkin, who lack extensive experience and knowledge in the field. By harnessing the power of AI, they can access valuable insights and guidance that would otherwise take years to acquire through trial and error. This not only accelerates the learning process but also minimizes potential risks and losses.
The integration of AI in agriculture is part of a larger trend known as agritech, where technology intersects with farming to revolutionize the industry. From drones and robots to smart sensors and predictive analytics, agritech is reshaping the way farmers operate and manage their farms. It presents an opportunity for farmers to embrace innovation and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.
For Perepelkin, the journey from city girl to AI-powered farmer has been transformative. What started as a chance encounter with a farmer boy has now become a passion for sustainable and efficient farming practices. With AI as their ally, the Perepelkins are setting an example of how technology can revolutionize agriculture and pave the way for a more prosperous future.
As the world faces increasing challenges in food production and sustainability, the adoption of AI and other agritech solutions becomes crucial. It is through the efforts of farmers like Ashley Perepelkin that we can harness the potential of technology to ensure a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector, capable of feeding a growing global population.
