It was lovely to be the closing keynotespeaker for #AiLive
It was lovely to be the closing keynotespeaker for #AiLive
The Future of Farming is Here: And Why the Agri-Tech Revolution is More About People Than You Think
Ever feel like the future's rushing at you faster than a runaway tractor? 🚜
Trust me, you're not alone. After spending years talking about the #FutureOfWork and the #FifthIndustrialRevolution, I've learned something crucial:
We're living through unprecedented change, and for those in agriculture, it feels like planting seeds in a whirlwind.
But here's the thing – what if we could harness that wind? 💡
Forget 2040. The Future is 2030
Look, I'm an environmentalist and technologist who's been experimenting with #AI since before it was cool. And I'm telling you straight: the future isn't coming – it's already here. We need to shift our timeline to 2030, not 2040. The pace of change with AI is so rapid that what seemed like sci-fi last year is now daily reality on farms.
It's About Time, Money, and Energy
Let me bring this back to basics. Throughout my career – from founding tech companies to speaking on BBC Watchdog – I've learned everything boils down to three resources: time, money, and energy. Technology should optimize all three. But to embrace it, we need our energy up and minds open.
As I always say: "With the right people, you take over the world. Without them, that world will take over you." This isn't just a catchy phrase from my keynotes – it's fundamental truth.
The AI Tsunami: Let's Ride This Wave
I'm amazed at how AI is changing business! 🚀 We've all seen Terminator, but the reality in agriculture is far more optimistic. Think of AI as your most capable farmhand ever.
The numbers blow my mind: ChatGPT usage multiplied five times between July 2024 and 2025. This isn't about writing emails – it's fundamentally changing how we solve problems, from crop disease diagnosis to market analysis.
Two Paths Ahead
Having worked with over 100 organizations on their AI strategies, I see a fork in the road. One path: the "let it rip" open-source approach – innovative but risky. The other: dystopian centralization where mega-corps control our food security.
The answer? A narrow middle path balancing innovation with security. This is why I bang on about AI policies in every talk – it's not if you'll use AI, but how.
Leading Through Change
Let's be honest – change is hard. I've seen the change curve play out hundreds of times: from frustration to experimentation. As leaders, we must guide teams through this.
How? Move from being bosses to leaders. A shocking 64% of people haven't received adequate AI training. That skills gap creates anxiety. Bridge it!
Where Agriculture Stands on the Hype Curve
After 20 years watching tech cycles, I know agriculture is perfectly positioned. We're already on the "slope of enlightenment" for technologies we need most. Knowledge graphs, cloud AI – they're here, ready to implement. Forget quantum AI for now; the revolution's already at your fingertips.
My Vision for 2030: Three Pillars
- The Connected Farm Ecosystem: Imagine every animal, pasture, and decision connected. You become the conductor, using real-time data for smarter decisions. India's already doing this with soaring AI adoption.
- Sustainable Profitability: AI will drive carbon-positive farming. I've seen AI-powered irrigation cut water usage 20-30% without sacrificing yield. China's five years ahead – we need to catch up!
- The Human Element: This is crucial. AI doesn't replace farmers; it augments them. Combine your grandfather's wisdom with tomorrow's algorithms.
The Future's in Our Hands
We're living through the fifth industrial revolution. I've spent my career experimenting with these technologies, and I'm telling you – the agricultural future isn't distant; it's being built today.
Revolutions don't wait.
The question is: will you be an active participant or passive observer?
Are we going to start planting those seed and start rearing the young?
As Gandhi said:
"The future depends on what you do today."
The tools are here. The potential's immense. Time to embrace change and lead into a connected, sustainable, productive agricultural future.
If not us, then who? If not now, then when? 💪
Dan Sodergren | Tech Futurist | #AI #FutureOfWork #5thIndustrialRevolution
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