AI and Its Impact on Agriculture
Leveraging Generative AI as Your Thought Partner
Artificial intelligence is not coming to agriculture.
It is already here.
From autonomous equipment to predictive analytics to generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot, the question is no longer whether AI will impact your work. The question is how you will use it.
This post summarizes the key ideas from my keynote and gives you a practical starting point.
What Artificial Intelligence Actually Is
Artificial intelligence is a prediction engine trained on patterns in data.
It does not understand.
It does not think.
It predicts.
Generative AI, specifically, predicts the next most likely word based on patterns it has seen before. That is why it feels intelligent. It is very good at organizing information, structuring ideas, summarizing content, and drafting responses.
Think of it like LEGOs. Small building blocks assemble into complex structures. Generative AI works the same way, building outputs from patterns.
Understanding this removes fear and hype.
The Four Main Chatbots
From the Quick Start Guide to AI :
Google Gemini
Great for research, brainstorming, and working inside Google’s ecosystem.
ChatGPT
Strong at writing, brainstorming, tutoring, code help, and building structured workflows.
Claude
Known for longer context windows and strong writing and summarization.
Copilot
Embedded inside Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Works within your organization’s environment.
Think of these like different experts you can tap depending on the task.
You do not need to master all of them. Start with the one integrated into your workflow.
Free vs Paid Versions
Most platforms offer both free and paid tiers.
Paid versions often include:
- More powerful models
- Fewer rate limits
- Better context memory
- Advanced integrations
You do not have to pay for every tool. But better models and fewer limits often matter in professional use.
Data Privacy Matters
Before using AI with customer data:
- Know where your data is going
- Protect proprietary information
- Follow company policy
From the guide :
- Gemini may use shared content to improve models with personal accounts.
- ChatGPT and Claude allow you to turn off training on your content.
- Microsoft Copilot stays within your organization’s environment and does not use prompts to train large language models.
Always align tool choice with your company’s data expectations.
Proper Prompting Changes Everything
If you remember one framework, remember this:
Context
Specificity
Structure
Bad prompt:
“Find the best hikes in Hawaii.”
Better prompt:
“I need a list of the best hikes on Oahu in October that are under four miles round trip. Include difficulty level and estimated time to complete.”
The more context you provide, the better the output.
This is not about tricking the AI. It is about thinking clearly.
What Proper Use Looks Like
There is a difference between task transfer and partner thinking.
Task transfer:
- “Write this for me.”
- “Make the decision.”
Partner thinking:
- “Help me think through this.”
- “What am I missing?”
- “Summarize my thinking so I can refine it.”
AI works best when it enhances your thinking, not replaces it.
Practical AI Use in Agriculture
From the keynote progression:
Level 1: Communication Assistance
Turn field notes into professional follow-up emails in seconds.
Level 2: Expanding Notes
Use dictation or photos of handwritten notes and have AI clean them up and expand them.
Level 3: Upload and Analyze
Upload spreadsheets, field reports, or sales data and ask deeper questions.
Level 4: Ongoing Projects
Use structured AI projects to build customer plans, sales strategies, or seasonal planning workflows.
Now think about ROI.
If AI saves:
- 10 minutes per follow-up
- 20 minutes per field report
- 30+ minutes per data management task
Multiply that across every grower.
That time compounds fast.
Generative AI “Life Hacks”
These are practical ways to use AI outside of work to build comfort and fluency.
Hack 1: Create Images
Generate or edit marketing images, presentations, or simple graphics in seconds.
Hack 2: Plan Trips
Have AI help organize itineraries, compare options, and structure travel plans.
Hack 3: Homework Help
Take a photo of a math problem and ask AI to explain it clearly so you can better help your child.
Hack 4: When You Get Stuck
Upload photos, documents, or drafts and keep the conversation going. Ask follow-up questions. Iterate.
The more you interact with it, the more natural it becomes.
How to Start Tomorrow
- Use AI for one email.
- Upload one document and ask three thoughtful questions.
- Start one ongoing project.
- Always review and verify outputs before acting.
And remember:
We should not enter a world where AI thinks for us.
We need to build a world where AI works with us.
Want Structured Learning?
If you want free, credential-based AI training, explore IBM SkillsBuild.
Here’s how to find the AI courses, since they are not immediately obvious:
- Go to: https://skillsbuild.org/adult-learners/digital-credentials
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Digital Credentials.”
- Use the search bar and type “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI.”
- Filter by “Beginner” or “Intermediate” if needed.
- Look for badges related to Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals or AI Applications.
Many of the AI courses are nested inside broader digital credential tracks, so searching directly for “AI” is the fastest way to locate them.
Additional Resources
- My Quick Start Guide to AI
- Keynote Overview Slides
- www.exploringedtech.com
If you have questions or want to continue the conversation, fill out the contact me form and I’ll be in touch! Contact Me
AI is not a replacement for your expertise.
It is a tool that, when used well, makes your expertise more powerful.
Exploring EdTech 
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