In late January, the global agritech community was jolted by news from China, where a company unveiled its latest artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, DeepSeek. This new program, reportedly matching the sophistication of existing AI systems, was developed at a significantly lower cost. The revelation sent ripples through the U.S. technology sector, with stocks of American AI-focused companies plummeting, causing temporary financial turbulence.
This event underscored a point made by Brian Lutz, Vice President of Agricultural Solutions at Corteva Agriscience, just weeks prior at the 2025 Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) annual meeting. Lutz addressed the audience, acknowledging the pervasive influence of AI. “You don’t have to look far at all to see AI in action. Really, AI is all around us,” he stated, highlighting the technology’s ubiquity.
Despite AI’s growing presence, its adoption in agriculture remains somewhat sluggish. A CropLife® magazine survey conducted in the fall of 2024 revealed that only 28% of agricultural retailers planned to invest in AI-based systems for 2025. This figure lagged behind other ag tech segments like drones (30%) and software systems (29%).
The latest data from the 11th annual CropLife Ag Retailer Buying Intentions Survey paints a similar picture. While 30% of respondents anticipate increased spending on AI systems this year, a notable 22% plan to reduce their AI investments. The majority, 48%, intend to maintain their 2024 spending levels on new AI systems.
The introduction of DeepSeek and the subsequent market reaction serve as a stark reminder of AI’s potential to disrupt established industries. For agriculture, this means both challenges and opportunities. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into farming practices could drive significant efficiencies and innovations. However, the industry must also navigate the economic and competitive implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies. The path forward for AI in agriculture is clear: it’s a journey of adaptation, investment, and strategic planning.
