Unearthing the potential - AI and Big Data in Agriculture
Recently, Chat GPT’s launch has brought the progression of artificial intelligence onto our newsfeeds and into debate. It is a large language model that can hold both intellectual conversation and demonstrate creativity. However, many don’t understand the extent to which such technologies have already been integrating within our industries throughout the past decade and farming has not been left behind in this.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is where computer systems perform functions which traditionally require human intelligence, such as data analysis and decision making. These technologies are then used as tools in industry, such as a robotic milking unit which can not only milk cows but also predict the development of illness or when a cow is on heat. AI uses large quantities of statistical data, referred to as ‘Big Data’, as the fuel to perform its function. For a robotic milking unit this includes the data collected from the milk testing unit, weigh scales and activity collars. Whilst the robotic milking unit cannot replace the role of a herdsman entirely, harnessing its competencies can allow a herdsman to potentially manage larger herds with less assisting farm workers.
Across all sectors of agriculture, the progression of AI has the capacity to help farmers navigate further pressures that are stacking up against the industry. Firstly, on a ground level, the development of driverless tractors and drone sprayers could help reduce the increasing staff burdens. For farm managers, the further development of ‘precision farming’ technologies could go beyond the precision fertiliser spreading and drilling we see today and into the use of drones and satellites to be able to identify developing crop diseases and predict prime harvesting dates over large areas. In support of this, UK policy makers are using the Farming, Equipment and Technology Grant to incentivise farmers, to improve farm efficiency through the investment in farm technology.
The collection of big data across the industry also has the potential to accelerate research and increase the benchmarking data available to farmers. For example, looking back on the past year the particularly turbulent market conditions have left farmers with the challenge of navigating volatile fertilizer, fuel, and grain prices. But, in the future with more real time data available on crop yields and weather implications, there is the potential to predict the movements more accurately in the global markets.
However, when AI is put up for debate, many concerns surface including job displacement, privacy of data and the absence of regulatory platforms. These concerns are endorsed globally, as shown by the open letter which has recently been published, asking to put a temporary pause on the development of the larger AI technologies. This letter has been championed by industry tech leaders including Steve Wozniak, one of the co-founders of Apple, with the motive to allow the industry time to evaluate the ethical threats and establish regulatory guidance. The resolution of these issues is going to be crucial before AI paths its way further into our industries. But once resolved it is inevitable that AI and big data will form part of the solution to helping farmers navigate the future.
From a professional perspective at Evolution ABS, we have anticipated that AI will bring automation to many of our processing functions, but see this as an opportunity to focus on what we are most passionate about - developing relationships with clients and helping them work through complex areas such as business restructuring, succession, and management planning.
Chloe Fewings BSc (Hons)
Accounts Trainee
Chloe joined Evolution ABS in September 2020 after graduating from The Royal Agricultural University in July 2020, where she studied BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management.
Chloe is now working towards her ACCA qualification.
In her spare time Chloe enjoys helping out on her parents dairy and arable farms, and playing hockey.