At the UK’s inaugural AI(Live) conference on artificial intelligence in livestock farming, 300 delegates, including industry leaders, government officials, and farmers, gathered to explore AI’s future in agriculture. Technology expert Dan Sodergren emphasized the unique nature of each farm and the necessity for farmers to guide AI development to ensure it serves their needs and offers a return on investment. He highlighted the importance of inclusive access, particularly through rural broadband, to harness AI’s potential. A recent survey revealed that while over half of farmers utilize data regularly, only a small fraction currently employ AI for business decisions. Concerns about reliability, cost, trust, and data security hinder broader adoption, with many farmers seeking more education on the technology. Paul Horwood, a conference organizer, noted the event’s success in sparking crucial discussions, stressing the importance of the industry leading AI system development, educating farmers, and building trust. Sponsored by several organizations, the conference aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing AI for livestock production.
Should farmers be central to AI development?
