AI IN FARMINGâIS IT A SMART MOVE FOR FARMS IN ALBERTA?
In this day and age, artificial intelligence is the name of the game.
And as it continues to break barriers—not just in tech and manufacturing but also in agriculture—we can’t help but take a step back and ask questions before we go all in.
In this article, we’ll discuss the implications of AI in farming and other factors that will influence its development.
Skip to what you need to know:
- The Current State of AI in Farming
- The Impact of AI on Agribusiness
- The Growing Challenges in Agribusiness
- AI and Sustainability
- AI Integration Challenges in Alberta
- Emerging AI Trends
- How Can AI Benefit Farmers?
The Current State of AI in Farming
Perhaps the first question we should ask is: what kind of AI are we talking about?
Emerging AI TrendsWhile the most common AI technology utilized in agribusiness focus on precision farming and predictive analytics, below are some emerging AI trends used in farms in Alberta.Precision Farming and Predictive AnalyticsThese help farmers with water and nutrition management, crop rotation, timely harvesting, crop success, appropriate planting conditions, and pest infestations.Advanced Recognition and Picture Classification TechnologyThese enable farmers to individually monitor and assess an animal’s behavior by analyzing its bodily conditions and feeding patterns.Drones and ComputersThese help collect and analyze data to create a complete report of the farm, displaying the overall health of the farm and spotting any faults.AI-Enabled RobotsThese assist farmers with agricultural labor. They can verify crop quality and detect weeds while harvesting crops significantly faster.
But as the use of AI in farming continues to rise, no one can really say that it has reached its full potential.
AgTech companies are still trying to address the gaps in the design and development of specialized software and hardware essential for the seamless integration of AI technologies into farm operations.
But no one can doubt the impact of AI technology in the industry.
The Impact of AI in Agribusiness
Technology and innovation are the key contributing factors to why the industry is able to supply more food in a short amount of time.
And as the demand for food continues to rise, there is a need for more technological and innovative advancements in farming operations.
Studies show that the use of AI in agribusiness will continue to increase by more than 25% yearly through 2025 on a global scale.
It’s no wonder why Calgary Economic Development projected the industry to increase its investment in digital technology up to 23% between 2019 and 2022. They also found Alberta’s agricultural industry the fastest-growing user of disruptive technologies.
And the more the industry implements cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, the more it continues to change.
Some technologies the industry is implementing are already influencing the procedures and quality of crops and goods.
Clearly, the economy is changing, and with the abundance of farms for sale in Alberta, digitization can affect this change.
The Growing Challenges in Agribusiness
With the growing human population and environmental challenges like climate change and limited prime farmland, the need for improved crop yields and efficient use of existing agricultural resources has never been more pressing.
And as food demand rises and climate change continues to affect where and how we farm produce, our dependence on AI technology and innovation grows to meet the demand.
The impact of the increased use of AI in the agricultural sector is undeniable as the industry continues to grow, attract investments, and allow farms in Alberta to safely and efficiently produce and export food.
And as AI technology gradually becomes a part of our everyday life, Albertan growers are concerned about sustainability, water availability, and labor.
AI and Sustainability
The industry, government, and academia are collaborating to address these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of Alberta’s agricultural sector.
Experts are now using numerous subsets of AI to make agriculture sustainable in the face of climate change.
These subsets of AI include precision agriculture, crop monitoring, and predictive analytics, which help farmers make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
And by utilizing AI technology in agriculture, we can ensure the produce we supply is enough to feed a growing population while reducing environmental impacts.
AI Integration Challenges in Alberta
AgTech companies have introduced advanced tools such as collaborative robots and soil-sensing devices to optimize operations, increase produce and improve social and environmental results.
However, the challenge in integrating AI in the industry is not the lack of programs and procedures to address the pressing issues of farmers.
It is not that the technology is ineffective.
The weather, soil composition, pests—these conditions constantly shift from one sector to the next, even within a single field.
The problem scientists and developers are facing is creating technology farmers and producers can use across the industry.
And since the environment varies in each sector, the time to effectively roll out such technology is longer than in most other industries.
For AI technology to genuinely impact the field, additional effort, skills, and resources are required to evaluate these technologies in farmers’ fields.
How Can AI Benefit Farmers?
With a global revenue of $585 million (USD) in 2018 and a compound annual growth rate of 38.3% predicted in the following years, agribusiness is one of the fastest-growing fields of agriculture.
There’s no doubt that machine learning and agricultural robotics enhance the efficiency of agribusinesses’ modern technologies and algorithms.
As AgTech companies continue to develop AI-driven solutions, farmers can fulfill the increasing demand for food and optimize productivity and revenue while protecting Canada’s natural resources.
Looking for Your Next Farm in Alberta?
The agricultural sector in Alberta continues to rise with the help of AI, making it the perfect place to invest for those interested in agribusiness.
And as the demand for food and the global population continue to increase, farming is starting to look like a viable and profitable option for those looking for long-term investments.
On top of that, investing in farmland in Alberta can support sustainable agriculture practices and contribute to food security, especially with AI.
If you don’t know where to start, Hansen Land Brokers can help you find the best farmland for sale in Alberta.
With our auctions, you can find farmland in Alberta, perfect for agriculture, farming, investment, and development. We can also help you sell land and find the right buyer who meets your standards.
Contact us to learn more.
