Farmers Differ On Benefits Of Artificial Intelligence

Farmers in the United States and Argentina have sharply different views about the benefits of artificial intelligence and other data-driven tools in agriculture.

A recent Purdue University survey found 23 percent of U.S. producers identified increased production as the main benefit of AI. In comparison, 14 percent cited reduced labor and 11 percent pointed to reduced risk or uncertainty. More than half, 52 percent, said they saw no meaningful benefit for their operation. Argentine farmers were more positive. Increased production accounted for 37 percent of responses, followed by reduced risk or uncertainty at 28 percent, and reduced labor at 14 percent. Just 21 percent reported no meaningful benefit.

The researchers say differences in survey design mean the comparison should be viewed cautiously. They also note that U.S. farmers may question whether AI recommendations are practical to follow, with 63 percent saying recommendations would sometimes be difficult to implement.