Ashley Perepelkin, a self-proclaimed city girl, never imagined 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.
The couple got married in 2010 and began farming grain together. However, when Perepelkin expressed her desire to have cattle, she found herself facing a steep learning curve. “A lot of things were learned, unfortunately, through trial and error,” she admits.
Determined to improve her knowledge and skills, Perepelkin enrolled in a continuing education course at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, Alberta. It was during this time that she came across a video showcasing the potential of AI in farming, and she became instantly intrigued.
One of the main advantages of AI in agriculture, according to Perepelkin, is the cost-effectiveness it offers. “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 monitor their cattle’s health, activity, nutrition, and growth, all without the need for additional human resources.
The use of AI technology in farming is not limited to monitoring cattle. It can also assist with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and even predicting weather patterns. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can provide farmers with valuable insights and recommendations, helping them make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
The implications of AI in agriculture are significant. It has the potential to revolutionize the industry by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving sustainability. With the world’s population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for food will continue to grow. AI can play a crucial role in meeting this demand by enabling farmers to produce more with fewer resources.
However, the adoption of AI in agriculture is not without its challenges. The upfront costs of implementing AI systems can be a barrier for many farmers, especially small-scale ones. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy and security, as well as the potential for job displacement.
Despite these challenges, the future looks promising for AI in agriculture. As technology continues to advance and become more affordable, more farmers like Ashley Perepelkin are likely to embrace AI as a tool to enhance their farming practices.
For Perepelkin, the journey from being a city girl to a farmer utilizing AI has been a transformative one. She has not only acquired new skills but also discovered a passion for sustainable and efficient farming practices. With AI by her side, Perepelkin is confident in her ability to provide high-quality beef to consumers while minimizing the impact on the environment.
As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, it is clear that AI will play an increasingly vital role. By harnessing the power of technology, farmers can not only improve their productivity but also contribute to a more sustainable and secure food system for future generations.
