FARGO, ND — When it comes to artificial intelligence, many in the agriculture industry are skeptical of the new and rapidly advancing technology. However, some in the industry believe it could be a useful tool when it comes to educating those outside the agricultural sector about the story of agriculture.
Michele Payne, founder of Cause Matters Corp, was the keynote speaker at the seventh annual North Dakota Livestock Alliance Summit. During her time at the summit, she highlighted the ways AI can help the industry by combating misconceptions and false information. When searching for a simple question about farming using AI at the summit, the top sources AI pulled up for Payne were articles and information from animal and anti-livestock groups.
“I understand you may not want to deal with AI, but our future will be directly shaped by the way people’s opinions are formed based on the misinformation and disinformation promoted by activists like this list here,” Payne said.
When people in the agriculture industry share their stories and truths about agriculture online, it increases the likelihood that these will be the kinds of resources that AI will tap into in the future when asked a question about the agriculture industry, she said.
“Finding the actual story of farmers is important. I’ve seen YouTube videos quoted by farmers. I’ve seen blogs quoted by farmers, not often, but sometimes they come in,” Payne said.
Payne also emphasized the importance of sharing the story of agriculture with neighbors and friends whenever possible, which she said will help build consumer trust as people browse the grocery aisle. When consumers enter a supermarket, they are bombarded with labels and information that can be misleading. Payne specifically highlighted the marketing of non-GMO milk, adding that all milk is GMO-free. But those outside of agriculture may not know this useful piece of information.
Payne used a personal anecdote to emphasize the importance of sharing information about the agricultural industry, a story about her daughter’s time in college.
“She went to the University of Georgia and ran after them. She quickly discovered that all of her teammates in track and field and cross country had no idea what life on the farm was about, and she found herself answering questions about why there is no need for non-GMO milk and how we care for our animals,” Payne said.
In addition, Payne also emphasized how important it is for farmers to help other farmers in the sector by supporting them and their choices on their hectares or in their barns.
Emily grew up on a corn, soybean and wheat farm in southern Ohio, where her family also raises goats. After graduating from Ohio State University, she moved to Fargo, North Dakota to pursue a career in agricultural journalism at Agweek. She enjoys reporting on livestock and local agricultural businesses.
