Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in agriculture, particularly in enhancing agronomic recommendations and improving input application accuracy. However, a recent survey conducted by CropLife and Purdue University reveals that while AI holds significant promise, it is unlikely to replace agronomists anytime soon. This finding is part of the 2024 CropLife/Purdue Precision Survey, which has been monitoring trends in precision farming technology since 1996.
The survey, which polled 108 agricultural retailer input suppliers across the United States, highlights a growing interest in automation, drones, and AI technologies. Despite the complexities surrounding these innovations, many dealers are keen on integrating them into their operations. Currently, only 11% of the surveyed dealers offer AI solutions that identify weeds for targeted spraying. However, a quarter of them plan to roll out such services within the next three years. This shift indicates a significant potential for AI-powered spot spraying technologies, which can precisely identify weeds and minimize chemical usage in fields. Major players in the industry, including John Deere and various startups like Greeneye Technologies, are ramping up their development of these AI tools.
Interestingly, nearly half of the dealers surveyed believe that AI will lead to better agronomic recommendations. The survey underscores the stagnation in agronomic practices, with many fertilizer recommendations remaining unchanged for decades. The report notes that while some innovative technologies, such as chlorophyll sensors and electrical conductivity measurements, have not delivered the anticipated results, the industry is still searching for that “next thing” to propel agronomic practices forward. Despite the optimism surrounding AI, the majority of dealers maintain that it will not replace the essential expertise of agronomists nor significantly reduce operational costs associated with labor.
The financial viability of precision farming technologies remains a critical concern. The survey reveals that most dealers are not profiting from their precision products and services, although they are breaking even on several offerings, including precision soil sampling and variable rate applications for fertilizers and pesticides. In contrast, services like satellite imagery and drone applications have been reported as financially unviable by many dealers. This mixed financial performance raises questions about the sustainability of precision farming practices in their current form.
Automation technologies, often heralded for their potential to reduce labor costs, may not deliver the expected savings. Less than one-third of surveyed dealers believe that automation will decrease their labor needs related to crop inputs. This finding may come as a surprise to many in the industry, as labor savings are frequently viewed as a primary benefit of automation. However, the survey indicates that most dealers expect automation and robotics to enhance the accuracy of crop input applications and reduce errors, which could lead to more efficient farming practices.
The implications of these findings are significant for the agricultural sector. As AI and automation technologies continue to evolve, they promise to enhance precision farming practices, yet the need for human expertise remains paramount. Agronomists will continue to play a critical role in interpreting data and making informed decisions based on AI-generated insights. Moreover, the financial challenges faced by many dealers in the precision farming space highlight the need for ongoing innovation and adaptation to ensure the profitability and sustainability of these technologies.
As the agricultural industry navigates the complexities of integrating AI and automation, the insights from the CropLife/Purdue Precision Survey serve as a vital resource for understanding the current landscape and anticipating future trends. The journey toward a more precise and efficient agricultural system is ongoing, with AI poised to be a key player in shaping its future.