The future of agriculture is increasingly intertwined with technology, and one of the most promising tools on the horizon is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, the creation of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, is finding numerous applications in agriculture, from optimizing crop production to improving efficiency and sustainability. However, as with any powerful tool, there are cautions to consider.
AI’s potential in agriculture is vast. It can analyze soil and crop health, manage precision irrigation, detect pests, and even aid in livestock management. By crunching vast amounts of data, AI can help farmers make data-driven decisions, leading to higher yields and reduced resource waste. It can also predict weather and market trends, manage supply chains, and develop more resilient crops. For instance, driverless farming technologies are already being tested, promising to revolutionize the way crops are grown and harvested.
However, the use of AI in agriculture also comes with its share of concerns. Data security and privacy are paramount, as is the high cost of implementation. There’s also the risk of job displacement due to automation and potential environmental harm from misuse or poorly designed systems. Ethical issues like biased algorithms, lack of transparency, and accountability for AI errors need to be addressed. Over-reliance on AI can be risky, especially if the systems are not fully reliable or if the data they are trained on is not representative of a specific farm’s conditions.
Dr. Eric Prostko, in his June 2025 article for Southeast Press, highlighted concerns about the use of AI in weed management, emphasizing the potential for harmful outcomes when the technology is used inappropriately. This sentiment echoes through other areas of crop management, such as disease and nematode control. While AI tools may bring greater value for farmers with little access to Extension agents or consultants, there are still many unanswered questions.
For instance, who is responsible if an AI diagnosis is wrong? How are fungicides, rates, and spray intervals determined? Who decides what is appropriate for a crop grown in a specific region? These are critical questions that need addressing before farmers can fully trust AI to diagnose disease problems and make management recommendations.
Despite these cautions, AI holds immense potential for American farmers. From drones applying fungicides to more robust genetic traits, advancements in technology can help farmers address the basics of crop production and solve problems in innovative ways. AI could help farmers be more productive and more profitable, but as the saying goes, “look before you leap.” It’s crucial to do your homework before completely trusting AI or someone who depends entirely on AI to manage your crops.
In the end, while AI is a powerful tool, it’s not a panacea. It’s a tool that should be used wisely, with a clear understanding of its limitations and potential risks. As we move forward, it’s essential to strike a balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining the human touch that has been the backbone of agriculture for centuries. After all, the buck stops with the farmer, and it’s their livelihoods, and the food supply, that are at stake.