Grainswest - Tech 2026

Tech 2026 Grains West 6 AI isonthefarmtostay CANADIAN AGRICULTURE HAS JOINED THE AI revolution. Because data has become so central to farm produc- tion, the transformation is effectively unstoppable. A smart technology, AI can analyze multiple streams of data to guide automated processes and produce recommendations farmers and agronomists can act upon. On the farm, precision ag platforms, camera- and sensor-equipped machinery, remote sensing conducted by drone and satellite and the daily output of weather services all contribute. There is also huge opportunity to utilize AI along the balance of the agrifood value chain from breeding to food manufacturing. Whereas the agriculture sectors of certain nations now make bold strides in AI adoption, Canada has fallen behind. This is among the findings of a report by Farm Credit Canada released July 16. The report notes that among countries, Canada ranks 25th in private investment in agricultural R&D. It also notes just 1.8 per cent of Canadian ag businesses employ AI while other domestic industry sectors average 12.2 per cent. On the upside, the report states Canada is well positioned to take advantage of AI opportunity with strong ag tech resources, research capacity and a trusted agricultural brand. Nations that now lead AI advancement do so through co-ordinated investment strategies, government–corporate collaboration and clear policy guidelines. To address the country’s shortcomings in adoption, the federal government launched Canada’s AI for All strategy on June 4. The document is both a roadmap and rallying call. An illustration of just how widespread AI adoption in agri- culture may become, two stories in this annual ag tech issue examine new gear and technologies that predominantly utilize AI. “Practical automation” (pg. 38) visits the exhibition floor of Germany’s Agritechnica, one of the biggest farm expositions on the planet. Hot new technologies featured at the 2025 event set aside full self-driving automation to focus on AI-driven farm implements that self-correct on the fly. Several of these products are now in use on Canadian farms or are headed this way. Similarly, “Ag tech roundup” (pg. 22) includes gear that is in development or newly on the market. All of this innovative software and digitally supported equipment relies on AI. In “Prompt service” (pg. 32), our cover story, we look to human experts and AI itself for analysis. What possibilities does AI adoption hold for farmers, and why has agriculture been slow to take advantage of this revolutionary technology? Aspects of broad AI adoption have caused alarm. This in- cludes worries about the loss or radical transformation of jobs in certain sectors. As the world grapples with the pros and cons of AI, it is quickly becoming commonplace in daily life. On the farm, it is likewise here to stay. EDITOR’S MESSAGE In our examination of on-farm power generation, we talk to farmers who have installed solar arrays and experts such as Braden Schroeder of Badlands Electric to calculate ROI. Photo by Bryce Meyer Photography. POWER SUPPLY CALCULATION One of the few stories in this special ag tech edition of GrainsWest that does not touch upon some aspect of AI, “Har- vest the sun” (pg. 26) examines a much more well-established technology. Farmers are well aware solar panels are readily available for installation on their land. But what about the financial calculations? What factors make a farm operation suitable for the set up of a solar energy system, and does it make financial sense to do so?