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AI Changing How Ag Retailers and Cooperatives Work

In the complex European Food Systems, agricultural cooperatives and retailers play a role far more strategic than simply selling seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides. They form a crucial link connecting farmers with input manufacturers, policymakers, finance providers, and increasingly, the agri-tech innovations reshaping modern agriculture. Most farmers lack the scale or bargaining muscle to negotiate directly with multinational input suppliers. Cooperatives pool the purchasing power of hundreds or thousands of farmers, allowing them to negotiate better prices, more favorable payment terms, and sometimes even customized products e.g seed varieties suited for local conditions. Retailers go beyond this by stocking inputs closer to farms, ensuring that farmers have quick, local access to high-quality seeds, fertilisers, crop protection, and veterinary supplies. And as new biological inputs, precision technology, and ESG standards add layers of complexity that individual farmers might struggle with, modern ag retailers and co-ops often act as trusted advisors. It is therefore fundamental that ag retailers and cooperatives understand how to leverage AI in bridging the gap between farmers and the big boys.

The use of artificial intelligence techniques is highly advantageous in agriculture today, with the billions of data points being produced. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to improve customer connections and operational efficiencies is enabling agricultural retailers to embrace their role as trusted advisors. New AI technology is helping farm supply cooperatives and agricultural retailers improve their operations and build stronger relationships with customers, which is very important. Suppliers of farm products now have access to AI applications that are specifically built to help with field agronomy and crop production. These apps are in addition to general AI platforms that can be used to make ordinary business tasks easier.

Leveling up comes with some resistance given that we humans tend to fear the unknown. Those skeptical of AI taking their jobs and changing the game could use AI to write job descriptions and weekly client interaction summaries. Prior to taking on more challenging assignments, retailers and cooperatives could focus AI application to fine-tune internal efforts. For early adopters, trying out several acceptance pathways can increase their chances of success.

Additionally, agricultural retailers can begin to utilise AI in order to optimise workflows for basic company tasks such as accounting, human resources, operations, and sales. When compared to the amount of work that is required to construct or deploy such instruments, the use of artificial intelligence to evaluate and streamline these functions delivers a high return on investment. However, businesses ought to establish boundaries for the use of consumer information and stay aware of the changes in data privacy that would result from the implementation of AI tools.

Many Client Relationship Management tools (CRMs) are not intended to serve the specialised responsibilities associated with selling inputs and the normal duties of an agronomist or advisor. This has seen lower adoption and utilisation of CRM tools. “AI can bridge that gap,” said Lawrence King, CEO of Headstorm and founder of the Ag Retailer app, AGPilot. This app does away with the inflexible procedures that require agronomists to manually enter data into CRMs, monitor operations, and record notes from customers. While visiting different clients, agronomists may use the app to have natural-sounding conversations with AI, which can help them take notes and move deals forward more quickly. AI has the ability to sift through handwritten comments from customers and compile a detailed profile of each individual. This includes customer buying habits and preferences, personal facts like birthdays and relationships, which strengthens personal connection. Another game changer from the US is Agvance, a software that lets the ag retailer team stay in touch with customers and each other while giving customers real-time information about things like field applications, fuel fill-ups, grain positions, pay-off, and more.

Speaking of building trust with farmers, ag retailers and cooperatives can leverage AI in their advisory role with regards to on-farm practices. An AI-generated identification of possible pest and disease threats enables the agriculture retailer to reinforce their status as a trusted advisor to the grower and develop a future sales opportunity. Outreach may extend beyond current clients to adjacent farms.

Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence have swiftly expanded the field's capabilities beyond "traditional AI" data analysis and classification. In the next stage of artificial intelligence development, known as "generative AI," patterns learnt from current data are used to generate new data. Agricultural retailers who adopt new AI technologies can enhance labour augmentation, streamline workflows, and achieve better Returns On Investment. Those who are eager to explore the waters of artificial intelligence will have an advantage through early adoption and trustworthy relationships.

Three New Drones Dropped

Da-Jiang Innovations, China, has discreetly introduced three of its newest agriculture drones to global markets; the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P. It matters not if you're a small-scale producer, a large-scale commercial enterprise, or run a hillside orchard by yourself, the new DJI Agras drones are tailor-made for your farm. The three drones’ commonalities lie in the company's signature features of automation, security, and raw payload capability. DJI’s global rollout comes nearly eight months after the company first unveiled the drones domestically in China. Let’s explore what each drone has to offer.

A flying tractor: The Agras T100 is the most technologically sophisticated drone in DJI Agriculture's History, with the maximum rated takeoff weight. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 149.9 kg, a 75-liter spraying capacity, and a 150-liter sowing capacity. With the addition of 62-inch carbon fibre blades and a coaxial twin-rotor arrangement, the Agras T100 can reach a top speed of 13.8 meters per second. The new DJI drone's strong performance is enhanced by cutting-edge safety technologies like phased array radar for 360-degree object detection and avoidance, laser radar, and a five-eye fisheye vision system. By mapping obstacles and optimising flight paths, the AI algorithms of the Agras T100 further streamline operations. An additional degree of security and usability is provided by AR features like safe landing projections and real-time flight trajectory predictions. The T100 also supports transportation in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. It can lift 85 kg and alter its posture intelligently, which makes moving cargo easy. Its battery charges in 9 minutes and is designed to use less energy! This lowers expenses and increases uptime.

Strength + Speed: With many of the same capabilities as the T100, the Agras T70P is a step down in payload. The Agras T70 series, which includes the improved T70P, has a wider range of features for spraying, spreading, and lifting. The T70 series has a 70-liter spraying load and longer battery life. It also has important safety features like AI-powered obstacle recognition and AR-assisted flight navigation. These drones can also lift up to 65 kg, which makes them good partners for a wide range of farming chores.

Tiny yet Mighty: You might want to consider the Agras T25P if you're operating in smaller groups or on your own. It can carry a 20-kilogram payload and spray at a rate of 16 litres per minute despite its small size, folding design, and intended use in solo operations. Its highly targeted uses are made possible by the ability to alter the droplet size between 50-500 μm. Orchards, slopes, and scattered fields are no match for the T25P's fully automated mapping and spraying capabilities, which it shares with its larger siblings.

According to DJI, half a million agricultural drones are currently in the air, assisting farmers in 100 countries with the treatment of 300 different crop varieties. According to Yuan Zhang, the global sales head of DJI Agriculture, this new generation of drones is prepared to fulfil the ever-increasing demand. In addition to the worldwide launch, DJI is launching a new drone training program for farmers through DJI Academy. Operators will learn to fly these drones safely and efficiently for agricultural spraying, spreading, and more in courses that start in 15 locations across Asia and the Americas. With this new launch, DJI is signaling a major expansion in the way agriculture is conducted worldwide.

Regulations for drone spraying vary by country in Europe and are more restrictive than in parts of Asia. Strict aviation rules, high upfront costs, pilot licensing, and fragmented regulation have slowed widespread adoption. However, momentum is growing, especially for vineyards, orchards, and small, fragmented plots especially in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Aligning the regulatory frameworks for drones within the EU will be essential for the expansion of cross-border agricultural drone operations lest we are left behind.

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🌎 Out & About

16 and Over: As of yesterday, July 22, creators will need to be 16 or older to stream unaccompanied on YouTube. To continue live streaming, creators under 16 can provide an adult access to their channel as an editor, manager, or owner to start a stream from their account. Previously, YouTube's Live Control room was used. YouTube requires adults co-creating with a minor to be "visibly present" and just as involved in the live stream. To find out more, visit Engadget.

Lumpy Skin Disease in France: Minister Annie Genevard announced the launch of a vaccination drive following first-ever outbreak of communicable lumpy skin disease in cattle in France. The government procured sufficient vaccine doses from the vaccination bank of the European Commission to inoculate all animals inside the authorised zones within 48 hours of the first outbreak being verified. At the start of next week, the vaccines will be ready for the immunisation campaign to launch. Humans cannot contract LSD from bites from contaminated insects, ingestion of meat, milk, or cheese from infected cattle, or direct contact with affected cattle. Animals carrying the disease or "vectors" (insects) such as horseflies and biting flies can spread it. Here is more about the LSD strategy.

An Unusual Celestial Visitor: A comet from beyond our Solar System has been confirmed by astronomers. Following the well-known 1I/ʛOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019, this newly discovered interstellar object, officially designated 3I/ATLAS, is the third of its type to have ever been detected. Their utterly alien nature is what makes interplanetary objects such as 3I/ATLAS so remarkable. Unlike the other lifeforms in our solar system—planets, moons, asteroid, comet—and all the other celestial bodies—interstellar visitors are completely alien. They have information about the origin of worlds beyond our own and are therefore remains of other planetary systems. Catch the action on Live Science.

The Face of Farming: Europe’s farming population is ageing with the average farmer being 57 years old. But did you know that less than 11% of EU farms are managed by farmers under 40? Agritech startups, rural hubs, and digital solutions are part of how Europe can make agriculture attractive, profitable, and climate-resilient for youth. Additionally, Youth-run agritech ventures can accelerate sustainable practices and close the skills gap in climate-smart farming. These are some of the insights I derived while reading FAO’s new report, The Status of Youth in AgriFood Systems. The report’s global focus mirrors this European reality: Without young people staying in or entering agriculture, food security, rural vitality, and innovation will stagnate. If Europe wants its agritech innovations to tackle climate, productivity, and rural revitalization, the next generation is the engine. This FAO Report shows exactly why.

Bitcoin Blitz: The price of Bitcoin soared beyond $120,000 (about $183,000) on July 15th. This comes after a series of high-profile regulatory developments in the United States, dubbed "Crypto Week". This has grabbed our attention once again to the world's largest digital asset. More institutional investors (hedge funds, ETFs, pension funds) are allocating small %s to Bitcoin. If mainstream banks, sovereign wealth funds, or corporations adopt BTC as digital gold, demand could surge. Here’s what AI predicted on future Bitcoin prices.

Scrapped Ministry of Agriculture: The Ukrainian government recently reorganised, creating a new ministry that combines the responsibilities of the previous three: economy, ecology, and agriculture. Having served as First Deputy Minister of Economy before, Oleksii Sobolev is now in charge of the newly established ministry. It will take months before some of the merged ministries are fully operational. What does this mean for the agriculture sector. Find out on Agrarzeitung.

UK Lowers Voting Age: 16- and 17-year-olds will now have a say as to who represents them in government. In an effort to modernize democracy, the UK has lowered the voting age from 18 to 16 years. This used to be the norm in Scotland and Wales, with a Scottish referendum in 2014. Voters in England and Northern Ireland will experience an additional number of younger voters in national elections. But does this change anything? Here is what people had to say concerning this move.

Europe Smart Ag Investment: At a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 12.02%, the European smart agriculture industry is expected to reach a considerable USD 9.916 billion by 2030. Countries with well-established digital solutions and cutting-edge agricultural technology, such as Germany and the Netherlands, are expected to drive this expansion. Regulations and funding programs across the EU are promoting the implementation of smart agriculture solutions and standardising practices. Take a closer look at the market investment landscape on LinkedIn.

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