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Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform society, including how we work, live, learn and, of course, how we farm. But there is still much to learn about AI – including how it works and who stands to benefit from the technology. On Dec. 10-12 at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel, attendees of the 2024 CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show will have the opportunity to learn more about advancements in AI technology and how it’s shaping the future for ag retailers.

“We’re very excited about this year’s short course sessions and I’m especially excited about our sessions in regard to AI technology in ag retail,” said Lee Helgen, executive director of MCPR. “I anticipate these being very informative sessions relating to the state of AI and some of the potential issues and opportunities that lie ahead with this technology.”

The first session, AI Guided Advancements in Agriculture, will provide an overview of how AI is being used in agriculture, provide some success stories for its application and discuss future opportunities and challenges for further adoptions. The session will be led by Dr. David Mulla, executive committee member of the National AI-CLIMATE Institute and professor of soil and water resources at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Mulla will provide information on the rapidly emerging AI applications that are being used to assist producers to improve productivity, efficiency of inputs and sustainability of agricultural practices such as tillage, planting, irrigation, fertilizer, crop protection and harvesting.

The session is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

The second session, titled AI in Agriculture: Shaping the Future for Farmers and Ag Retailers, will provide an educational overview of AI and its growing role in agriculture. Panelists will showcase how AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision and robotics are set to revolutionize farming practices. In addition, the session will provide information on how AI is transforming the way data is used to improve decision-making, optimize resource use and enhance collaboration between farmers and retailers.

Panelists for this session will include Teddy Bekele, chief technology officer at Land O’Lakes, and Tami Craig Schilling, agronomic digital innovation lead at Bayer Crop Science. As a seasoned executive at a Fortune 500 farmer-owned cooperative, Bekele spearheads digital transformation, information technology and cybersecurity initiatives through his adept leverage of technology and data.

This session is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 at 8 and 8:55 a.m.

For more information about the 2024 CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show or to register, please visit the MCPR website. Agendas and session information are being updated regularly.