Ultimately, machine learning might become as revolutionary as the tractor itself if it delivers on the promise of offering trusted, data-driven recommendations that lead to lasting benefits for farmers, animals and the land.
A Purdue report found as the global population rises, it could take a “miracle that dramatically shifts the annual rate of corn yield improvement” to feed everyone.
“We’ve proven [corn yields] can push over 800 bushels per acre, yet the average is way below that” at around 180 bushels of corn per acre, said senior R&D manager Eric Spandl. “So how do we bring that up and be more efficient with the acres that we have?”
Phenotyping scientist Cody Hoerning sets up to photograph a cart of corn plants given different fertilizer mixtures Oct. 31 at the WinField United Innovation Center in River Falls, Wis. (Anthony Souffle)
Young stalks of corn sat in pots juxtaposed against a sterile laboratory backdrop at the WinField United Innovation Center in River Falls, Wis., on a recent Thursday. Phenotyping scientist Cody Hoerning was tracking how different fertilization rates perform using advanced imaging.
“This center is the creation of the data,” Bekele said. “Can we now use artificial intelligence to make that available in real time so farmers and retailers can ask a question about something we’ve tried here?”
That breakthrough has already happened with the company’s crop protection guide, an enormous book of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and additives. An AI chatbot tool in development can offer “real-time advice and recommendations,” said Dawn Wyse-Pester, director of innovation at WinField United.
