On Wednesday, a roundtable discussion at the Pennsylvania Farm Show brought together lawmakers, farmers, and agricultural industry leaders to explore the transformative role of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality in shaping the future of agriculture. The event highlighted the pressing need for Pennsylvania to embrace technological advancements to maintain its competitive edge in an evolving agricultural landscape.
Troy Ott, dean of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, emphasized the dual nature of technological developments: while they present significant opportunities, they also pose challenges for farmers and natural resource management. He underscored the necessity for agricultural stakeholders to adopt these innovations effectively, stating, “Those who effectively adopt these technologies are going to be winners in the next decades.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussions, which focused on initiatives like the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s agricultural innovation grant program, recently funded at $10 million, and Penn State’s Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative, aimed at enhancing food production and biodiversity.
Panelists shared insights into how new technologies are already making a difference in the field. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding described the use of drones in orchards, where staff can monitor blossom counts in real-time, translating these data points into potential harvest yields. This application of technology not only boosts efficiency but also illustrates the fascinating intersection of agriculture and advanced tech. Ott further elaborated on the impact of AI and digital tools, envisioning a future where smart equipment could predict failures and streamline operations through decision support tools. He introduced the concept of “digital twins,” where farmers could input detailed information about their land into AI models to receive tailored recommendations for resource use.
However, the integration of such technologies is not without its hurdles. Daniel Dotterer, an eighth-generation farmer, pointed out the challenges posed by veterinary deserts and rising equipment costs associated with high-tech tools. He also noted that increased reliance on AI would likely lead to higher energy demands, raising concerns about sustainability and resource management in the agricultural sector. Daniel Foy, CEO of AgriGates, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for Pennsylvania to develop its own agritech solutions to reduce reliance on foreign technology. He called for a stronger focus on cybersecurity to protect farmers’ data, emphasizing that 63% of agritech solutions currently originate outside the United States.
Despite these challenges, Foy remained optimistic, framing them as opportunities for growth. He argued that addressing these issues could help solidify Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in food production and agritech innovation. The roundtable discussion underscored the critical role of technological advancements in agriculture, revealing both the potential for increased efficiency and the need for strategic support and infrastructure to navigate the complexities of this rapidly changing landscape.
