When farmers adopt new digital technologies, it affects far more than just their bottom lines. It can impact a web of relationships between farmers and workers, banks, insurance companies, veterinarians, nutritionists, and cheese and yogurt companies. With almost 90% of agricultural executives reporting they use artificial intelligence, questions are arising around data ownership, access and how it's used. Read this blog for an overview of a project awarded $1.2 million by the National Science Foundation to study the impact of big data on agriculture and beyond.
What is the focus of the research on big data in dairy farming?
The project aims to explore how digital technologies and big data are transforming dairy farming, affecting not only farmers' work and identity but also the relationships within the entire agricultural ecosystem, including interactions with banks, insurance companies, and suppliers.
How is digital agriculture expected to impact the industry?
Digital agriculture is expected to enhance productivity, with benefits such as higher milk production and improved crop yields. However, it also poses challenges, such as the potential for negative impacts on relationships among stakeholders, particularly if data transparency leads to issues like insurance claim denials.
What methods will researchers use in their study?
Researchers will conduct fieldwork at 10 farms in New York and California in the first year, observing operations and interviewing farm owners and employees. This will expand to 20 farms in the second year, including discussions with third-party vendors and other stakeholders, to analyze how digital technologies are reshaping dairy farming practices.
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