BERLIN — In the world of agriculture, technology is playing an increasingly vital role. Dirk Siemers, a 43-year-old poultry farmer from Diepholz, Germany, is at the forefront of this agricultural transformation. After taking over his family’s poultry operation in 2019, Siemers has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize his farming practices and ensure the welfare of his 12,000 hens.

Using a sophisticated app on his smartphone, Siemers is capable of monitoring various metrics related to his farm. He stated, ‘Here I have the values from my stables,’ as he refers to the data regarding temperature, humidity, feed levels, and even water consumption per animal.

Benefits of AI in Agriculture

According to Siemers, capturing comprehensive data is essential for effectively leveraging AI in agriculture. He noted, ‘We try to capture as much data as possible here.’ His background in computer science as an IT specialist enables him to make the most of AI technology in his farming operation.

AI expert Christian Lamping from Big Dutchman elaborated, ‘Artificial intelligence learns from examples.’ Unlike conventional digital applications, which operate on predefined data sets, AI systems process thousands of images and data points to learn and adapt. This capacity enables them to identify patterns and make decisions that surpass human capabilities.

Data Quality and AI Training

However, the efficiency of AI relies heavily on the quality of data input. Lamping emphasized, ‘You want an AI that can handle as much data as possible, that is robust, so you need enough data.’ Jörg Kleine-Klatte, also from Big Dutchman, echoed this sentiment by stating the importance of evaluating multiple factors, such as air quality and animal behavior, to improve health outcomes for livestock.

Continuous Monitoring through AI

AI technology not only enhances data collection but transforms how farmers interact with their livestock. Traditionally, farmers rely on periodic checks to assess animal health. However, with AI, Siemers can continuously monitor his farm, which allows for quicker responses to any potential issues. ‘A computer can react much faster than we can, and a computer sees everything,’ he explained.

The integration of AI systems in agriculture is still in its infancy, but Siemers remains optimistic about future developments. ‘I expect that soon we’ll have AI applications for my stalls that can evaluate the movement patterns of the animals,’ he remarked. The pursuit of innovative solutions in farming not only holds the potential for increased productivity but also aims to promote better animal welfare.

As farm technology continues to advance, Siemers represents a growing number of farmers who recognize that adopting AI is essential for the future of agriculture, especially in a rapidly changing world.

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