On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center became a hub for innovation as lawmakers from the Pennsylvania Senate participated in a roundtable discussion focusing on the future of agriculture. The dialogue centered around the transformative impact of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality on farming practices, highlighting how these technologies are reshaping the agricultural landscape in Pennsylvania.
Troy Ott, dean of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, emphasized the dual nature of technological advancements, noting that while they present significant opportunities, they also pose challenges for farmers and natural resource management. “Those who effectively adopt these technologies are going to be winners in the next decades,” Ott stated, underlining the necessity for the state to embrace these innovations to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. The discussion also spotlighted several initiatives aimed at fostering agricultural innovation, including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s $10 million agricultural innovation grant program and Penn State’s Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative. These efforts aim to enhance food production systems and biodiversity while promoting environmental conservation.
The roundtable featured insights from various industry leaders. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding shared his observation of orchard staff utilizing drones for real-time monitoring, illustrating how technology can streamline operations and improve yield predictions. “That’s one person with one piece of technology in a single orchard flying over,” he remarked, highlighting the efficiency gains possible with modern tools. Ott further elaborated on the role of digital tools and AI in agriculture, discussing the potential for predictive maintenance and decision support systems that could revolutionize land and resource management. He introduced the concept of “digital twins,” where farmers could input data about their land and receive AI-driven recommendations for optimal resource use.
Daniel Dotterer, an eighth-generation farmer, brought a personal perspective to the conversation by discussing his use of augmented reality in farming. He described augmented reality as a tool that overlays holographic information onto the physical world, making complex data more accessible. Dotterer also noted the impressive data collection capabilities of modern farming equipment, such as robotic milkers that track numerous performance metrics.
However, the panel did not shy away from addressing the challenges that accompany these advancements. Dotterer pointed out the growing issue of veterinary deserts, which limit access to essential veterinary services for farmers. Additionally, he highlighted the rising costs associated with high-tech agricultural tools and the increased energy demands that come with implementing AI technologies. Daniel Foy, CEO of AgriGates, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for locally produced agritech solutions and robust cybersecurity measures to protect farmers’ data. Foy noted that a staggering 63% of agritech originates from outside the United States, and he stressed the importance of developing homegrown innovations to support local producers.
While acknowledging the hurdles, Foy remained optimistic, framing these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. He underscored the importance of maintaining Pennsylvania’s status as a leading food-producing state and agritech hub. The discussions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show not only highlighted the current state of agricultural technology but also set the stage for a future where innovation plays an integral role in overcoming the challenges faced by the industry.
