A brave new digital world (MBiz Magazine)

In a recent article on ways that Manitoba businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (AI), Jacqueline Keena shared insight into how AI is being used to inform decision-making in the agriculture industry.

“I think AI is providing a good opportunity to increase efficiencies in how we farm here in Manitoba and across the whole agriculture industry,” she said.

She pointed to  two examples of AI that could potentially change the way we farm in this province.

EMILI is currently working with a company called Geco Strategic Weed Management on a software system that uses AI algorithms to determine where herbicide-resistant weeds are likely to emerge so they can be addressed proactively and more intensely. It’s hoped that it will mean producers will need to use less herbicide to deal with weeds that can have a significant impact on the yield and quality of a crop.

Another AI-powered device being tested at EMILI’s Innovation Farms sites is a new crop sentry system designed by Winnipeg-based AGi3. The system looks like a typical weather station and collects data on conditions in the field that is then used to provide ongoing, realtime yield predictions. Producers could then use that information to determine if they’re on-track for a significant yield and if investing in additional nutrient or pesticide applications is warranted.

Keena’s advice to producers who are considering incorporating AI into their farm operations is to take a measured approach.