Wheatland, N.D. – A number of leaders in the information technology sector gathered this week with growers in North Dakota to talk about the future role of artificial intelligence in the agriculture business.
Grand Farm hosted the ‘Elevate 2025’ summit, which also welcomed policymakers and startups, at the Innovate Campus in Wheatland.
“I think AI is a game changer,” said John Werner , managing director of Link Ventures.
“Five years ago, anyone who was an expert in AI could not have predicted how disruptive it could be, or what an amazing tool it could be.”
Werner praised the “spirit” and “aspirational goals” among his fellow industry colleagues.
“You have a bunch of different constituencies working together on how to innovate and innovate fast,” said Werner.
“There’s no reason why Fargo shouldn’t be and will be one of the major innovators and leaders.”
Jeroen Hoogendoorn is the vice president at CHS Inc..
It’s his second time visiting Grand Farm, which works to connect growers, corporations, startups, and researchers.
“We’re connecting people with farmers, and then they go and listen and start selling,” said Hoogendoorn. “So that’s a unique thing around Grand Farm.”
“We’re also educating ourselves by learning about the challenges that each of the companies have and then collaborate to work on standards for the industry.”
Hoogendoorn thinks it’s possible that Grand Farm could become the ‘Silicon Valley’ of agriculture.
“They’re getting there,” said Hoogendoorn. “The more traction they get with the bigger companies and the more we can do out in the field I would definitely say yes.”
Among the discussions, Hoogendorn says there was talk about creating the ‘internet of AI’, which would in essence connect artificial intelligence entities and creating a network.
“That’s almost mindblowing,” said Hoogendorn.
“We need to think about it more because it might create more fear among senior leaders, or people will understand it is here to stay and we’re just scratching the surface.”
But while Werner sees himself as an optimistic, he admits there are a number of unknowns about AI.
“I am a techo-optimistic, but I am recognizing that we don’t totally know how this will play out. I think there’s going to be job displacement and new kind of jobs.”
In the end, Werner applauded the overall discussions.
“Figuring out food and sustainability and how to live healthy lives and how AI can be a contributor is really important,” said Werner. “I’m proud what’s being put into motion here.”
