From agriculture to AI-griculture: How tech is changing farming
Technology is changing how farmers monitor animals and run their businesses, with artificial intelligence, robots and apps taking on tasks once handled by eye or paperwork. Farmers in Northern Ireland say these tools can spot health problems sooner and make routine work more efficient, while good broadband helps rural businesses operate and grow.
On George McMaster’s farm in County Antrim, an AI camera tracks a herd of 300 cows and flags changes that may indicate illness or lameness. Caleb Howard uses robotic milking for his 90 Jersey cows and says improved broadband enabled him to open a farm shop with electronic payments; Robert Smyth uses an app to manage records for 100 dairy cows. FarmDrive developer Gareth McDonald describes the technology as an adviser that helps farmers find the right information, rather than a replacement for them.
In short
- AI cameras can flag cattle health changes early.
- Robots and apps are streamlining milking and farm records.
- Reliable broadband is helping rural farms run new services.
Explained simply
Farming is changing as sensors, software and machinery take on some of the work of checking animals and keeping business records. Artificial intelligence can analyse information from cameras or other equipment and alert farmers to changes that may need attention.
Farmers still make decisions about their animals and businesses, but tools such as milking robots and record keeping apps can help with routine tasks. Reliable broadband also lets farms use online services, including electronic payments for customers.
These changes matter because they can help farmers spot possible health problems earlier and organise their work. How useful the tools are depends on reliable internet access and on farmers interpreting the information they provide.