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 Alberta farm 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.
In 2010, Ashley and Andrew got married and ventured into farming grain together. However, when Ashley decided to introduce cattle to their farm, she faced a steep learning curve. “A lot of things were learned, unfortunately, through trial and error,” she admits. Determined to enhance her knowledge and skills, Ashley enrolled in a continuing education course at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, Alberta.
During her studies, Ashley stumbled upon a video showcasing the potential of AI in agriculture, and she immediately became intrigued. She realized that employing human labor on the farm could be expensive and challenging, especially when she was still learning the ropes herself. “Employees are expensive, especially… when you don’t exactly know what you’re looking for at the beginning,” Ashley explains. “It’s hard to train somebody.”
With the help of AI, the Perepelkins are now able to monitor their cattle’s health, activity, nutrition, and growth more efficiently than ever before. AI technology allows them to collect and analyze data on each individual animal, enabling them to make informed decisions and provide personalized care.
This innovative approach to farming has significant implications for the agricultural industry. By harnessing the power of AI, farmers like Ashley Perepelkin can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the well-being of their livestock. The ability to monitor individual animals’ health and growth in real-time enables farmers to detect potential issues early on and take immediate action, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive herds.
Furthermore, AI technology can help farmers optimize feed and nutrition plans, minimizing waste and maximizing the animals’ growth potential. This not only improves the farm’s profitability but also reduces its environmental impact.
The integration of AI into agriculture is part of a broader trend known as agritech, where technology is being used to revolutionize traditional farming practices. From drones and sensors to AI-powered analytics, agritech is transforming the way farmers operate and manage their farms.
However, it’s important to note that AI is not meant to replace human farmers but rather to enhance their capabilities. While AI can automate certain tasks and provide valuable insights, human expertise and intuition are still crucial in making informed decisions.
As Ashley Perepelkin’s story demonstrates, embracing new technologies like AI can open up exciting possibilities for farmers, even those who may have started with little to no farming experience. With the right tools and knowledge, farmers can leverage AI to improve their operations, increase productivity, and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector.
In conclusion, Ashley Perepelkin’s journey from city girl to AI-powered farmer highlights the transformative potential of technology in agriculture. By embracing AI, farmers can revolutionize their practices, improve efficiency, and ensure the well-being of their livestock. As agritech continues to advance, the future of farming looks promising, with AI playing a crucial role in shaping the industry.
