Farmers in New Zealand are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence, specifically generative AI (GenAI), to improve farm productivity and decision-making. A report from DairyNZ indicates a rising interest in these technologies, although concerns about trust and accuracy remain prevalent. The research, authored by Rachel Durie from Perrin Ag, emerged from inquiries by farmers regarding the potential of GenAI in agricultural practices.
Durie noted that while the number of farmers utilizing GenAI tools is still limited, there are instances of daily usage for enhancing decision support and communication. Innovations include the development of customized chatbots and breeding tools. One example highlighted in the report is a farmer who created a chatbot linked to reliable resources, facilitating quick access to management information for his team.
Callum Eastwood, a senior scientist at DairyNZ, emphasized the importance of understanding the benefits and challenges associated with these technologies. He mentioned ongoing efforts to explore how GenAI can be effectively integrated into farming while addressing ethical considerations and potential risks. The farmer utilizing the chatbot has made it clear to his staff that it is intended as a supportive tool rather than a primary decision-making resource.