Governor’s task force meets with leaders at NTC to discuss future of AI in agriculture

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - It’s quite clear that artificial intelligence is on the rise. Farmers are adapting to a new wave of productivity.

“There’s just a whole system monitoring all kinds of different data points so that farmers can best react to each individual cow’s needs in terms of do they need a vaccine?” says Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek. “Do they need medicine? Do they need some assistance with their mobility?”

Meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, members of the Governor’s Task Force collaborated with agricultural leaders from NTC and UW-Madison to discuss the future of AI in their field. They’re working to make sure all parties involved can collectively benefit from the advancements.

“How do we make sure that our farmers, our employers, our manufacturers have access to this technology,” says Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary/CEO Missy Hughes. But also when they look to their workforce that the workforce is ready to engage with it. To service the technology, to use it, and to really make it come to life.”

While AI has its positives, there are challenges to overcome.

“The key is training and understanding what the technology can bring as far as productivity and efficiency,” says Hughes.

But the future is exciting to see what may be in store.

“Wisconsin is leading the way and just our planning and preparation and coming up with policy recommendations,” says Pechacek. “So that we can be at the forefront and continue to have a workforce that is the envy of the nation.”

“I am learning more and more every day about what artificial intelligence can do,” says Hughes. “Whether it’s in health care, farming, or manufacturing. It’s just going to change the world.”

According to Pechacek, another big benefit seen within agriculture is helping farmers work on food supplies, leading to saving money. Click here to learn more about the task force and their initial plan.

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