Grainswest - Tech 2026

Tech 2026 grainswest.com 35 participates with their data, for example, at a greater level than ever before, and more so than in the Big Data boom. It’s this participation that will seamlessly drive the change. Still, he cautions farmers to be careful how they use AI. People now have built-in biases toward certain search engines and understand that a Google search is not the same when done through Yahoo, Bing or DuckDuckGo. The realization is dawning that AI is the same. “AI systems are just as biased as the search engines,” he said. “In some ways they’re more biased, and they’re sensitive to the question that you ask and the history of what you ask.” A chatbot’s response will differ greatly between a person with no chat history and one who is an established user. They are known to tell you what you want to hear, which underpins the goal of tech companies to keep users coming back. “It seems the tools want you to continue to use them, so they have to treat you nicely,” admits Bobo. He nonetheless believes farmers should utilize AI to collect and manage data in all areas of farm business. As well, the combination of AI and robotics will likely give rise to greater farm automation. This may assist with the perennial agricultural labour shortage. Naturally, there will be less jobs for humans to fill. Bobo is the first to admit the AI revolution will be “highly disruptive” but ultimately beneficial. Young people especially will have to understand how they fit into this new AI-centric economy, which is likely to create a level of angst. Bobo noted this happens in any technological shakeup and always produces winners and losers. Within 10 years, though, nobody will discuss AI. “And that’s because it’s going to become so ubiquitous most of its applications we won’t even really think of as AI anymore,” he said. Ultimately, it will improve income and livelihoods. “Certainly, that’s the story we have been telling for the last 50 years,” he said. GRAIN MARKETER IN YOUR POCKET When market variables are outside a farmer’s control, their first question is often, “Should I sell now?” Whether it’s an earthquake, famine, flood, war or rumours of war, these things tend to make people jumpy. Ag tech companies are developing decision-making tools that produce reliable answers and reduce anxiety. GrainFox has created Sinoa, an agriculture-specific AI chatbot designed to give farmers timely answers on everything from prices to weather. “The real challenge always has been how to take all of that and turn it into an actionable item, or confident decision at the right time for our growers,” said company CEO Mark Lepp. The company’s historical data as well as that of companies it has acquired, provide source material. GrainFox’s team of analysts—flesh-and-blood analysts— must evaluate more data than is humanly possible. Sinoa augments their services and assists in the development of custom recommendations for customers. AI activates archived information to produce reliable recommendations. Uptake and user activity suggest this approach is well received, said Lepp. They have the confidence to act on the system’s recommendations. “It’s going to … actively help people make decisions,” said Lepp. “That’s a really cool part of how technology is evolving and making a big impact on people’s lives.” Human grain marketing conversation will continue, but Lepp sees AI as a second key touchpoint to support decision-making. “It’s better than not having a second source or another source of information,” he said. “We have very extensive procedures and protocols for analyzing the markets, coming up with strategies and making sales recommendations. The technology is so good that it’s like a live analyst in your pocket.” Lepp predicts farms will increasingly use AI agents in many aspects of their operation for their value creation and speedy decision-making capabilities. Given the high stakes nature of farming in 2026, who wouldn’t try everything at their disposal? “To do whatever you can to break even or make profits is critical,” said Lepp. “There will be a lot more tools available for growers to utilize. Imagine if you told someone 10 years ago that this could be available? It’s like, ‘yeah right.’ Within a decade, the use of AI may become commonplace on the farm. Experts suggest it will assist in the decision-making process.