AI technology developed in Saskatchewan is transforming the way farmers evaluate their grain, according to third-generation farmer Chris Procyk. From GPS on tractors to precise controls on seeders, technological advancements have brought significant benefits to the agricultural industry. However, challenges arise when it comes to selling the grain. For generations, grain quality has been assessed at elevators or labs by human graders, involving the evaluation of 55 different characteristics of wheat through visual or chemical inspection. Procyk highlights the subjectivity of this approach, emphasizing the variability in grading from truck to truck, field to field, or bin to bin. This poses a significant challenge for farmers aiming to obtain top dollar for their grain.
Procyk has discovered a game-changing solution in Ground Truth.Ag, a Saskatchewan-based company that utilizes AI to grade grain. This AI technology can analyze every single kernel in a sample and assign a specific damage score to each, providing a much more consistent analysis. The financial impact of accurate grain grading cannot be overstated, as the difference between a grade-1 and grade-2 grain can lead to a substantial loss over the course of an entire harvest. The AI system provides the capability to create greater consistency throughout the supply chain.
According to Ground Truth.AG’s CEO, Kyle Folk, this is only the beginning of AI’s role in the agricultural sector. With the potential that AI holds, Folk envisions a future with even more sophisticated applications in agriculture. Procyk agrees, stating that AI could help farmers better trust their processes, ensuring the quality of grain that Saskatchewan is known for. Quicker, more accurate decisions can be made with the aid of AI, ultimately eliminating the need to redo tasks due to poor information.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, AI technology is proving to be a game-changer, offering benefits in efficiency, consistency, and profitability. The potential for even more advanced applications in the future indicates that AI is poised to play a significant role in optimizing efficiency and profitability for farmers. In conclusion, the transformative impact of Saskatchewan’s AI technology on grain grading is just the beginning of what could be a revolution in the agricultural industry.