Case Study: Sue - Applying AI & Digital Skills in Agriculture

Background

Sue works as an agricultural consultant and adviser, supporting a major UK/Ireland agribusiness through a maternity leave role, while continuing to lead her own consultancy practice. She operates at the intersection of traditional farming practices and emerging digital transformation, helping farms adopt modern, data-driven methods.

Challenges Encountered in the Field

• Legacy Processes and Resistance:
  Many farms and agricultural organisations still rely heavily on manual, paper-based data collection and record-keeping, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and hampered decision-making. Sue encounters resistance to technology and AI within the agricultural sector but approaches this with legitimate enthusiasm, acting as an advocate to demonstrate what is possible and teaching others how to embrace digital tools effectively.
• Data Overload:
  After “in person” meetings, where ever they may take place, Sue collects detailed notes, which require careful synthesis to convert into clear, actionable guidance.
• Digital Adoption Barriers:
  Office based stakeholders are inclined to show reluctance or are slow to adopt AI and digital tools, even when field based operatives and farmers demonstrate openness and progressive attitudes.

Practical Applications of AI and New Skills

1. AI as a Productivity & Research Tool

   • Sue uses ChatGPT extensively as a “digital sounding board” to validate complex calculations and accelerate problem-solving— pieces of work that would have taken hours, if not days, are now refined to minutes. This doesn’t mean less is done; she’s a huge advocate of the 80:5 rule - 80% of the work completed in 5% of the time - meaning she puts the 20% icing on the cake, leaving time for more!
   • She leverages AI to organise her voluminous notes into structured, constructive plans, helping her prioritise tasks and communicate more effectively.

2. Farm Data Digitisation & Automation

   • Building simple Microsoft 365-based data capture apps (using SharePoint Lists and Power Apps) that allow multiple users on farms to log slurry application and other nutrient management data digitally, replacing paper forms (or non existent records!).
   • Developing automated workflows for nutrient planning, integrating AI-generated narratives to provide clearer insights alongside raw numbers.

3. Data-Driven Farm Management with Power BI

   • Transforming cattle weight spreadsheets into dynamic Power BI dashboards that provide actionable insights on animal growth rates, efficiency, and cost impact, enabling farmers to optimise feeding and sale timing.
   • Using slicers and filters to allow farm managers to analyse performance by sex, batch, and sale period, making decision-making more data-driven and timely.

4. Overcoming Resistance with Positive Messaging

   • Crafting tailored, solution-focused communication using AI tools to address common pushback against digital tools (e.g., security, ease of use), backed by evidence and FAQs like those for DocuSign digital signatures.
   • Acting as a pragmatic champion for digital transformation, showing enthusiasm and educating stakeholders on practical AI benefits.

5. Planning for Ambitious AI Integrations

   • Exploring custom GPT models for nutrient planning to further automate and yet personalise farm management advice, with a clear understanding of practical constraints and phased implementation.

Real-World Impact & Insights

• Time Savings & Efficiency:
  AI-assisted workflows and automation have dramatically reduced time spent on calculations and report generation, freeing Sue to focus on higher-value advisory work.

• Increased Confidence & Capability:
  Sue feels empowered by AI tools, describing them as an “entire support network” that helps manage complex tasks professionally.

• Cultural Shift Catalyst:
  By demonstrating practical AI use cases and consistently advocating digital adoption, Sue is helping shift attitudes within her organisation and client farms, even when encountering systemic resistance.

• Environmental & Economic Benefits:
  Improved data-driven decision-making helps reduce unnecessary feeding days and methane emissions, aligning farm management with profitability and sustainability goals.

Sue’s Reflection

“Using AI has transformed how I manage data and communicate in my work. It’s like having a full team behind me, helping me organise information, validate ideas, and advocate for positive change in agriculture. I believe optimistic tenacity is essential for anyone driving change in agriculture. There are pressures, yes—but I try to make choices rooted in optimism, anchored in a real belief in what I can contribute to farms, their communities, and the wider world we live. This journey with AI isn’t just about tech; it’s about using the tools available to lead with purpose and create lasting, meaningful impact. The journey isn’t without challenges, but the potential benefits for efficiency and sustainability are enormous.”