Episode 58 - AI on the farm: revolutionising dairy management

In this episode we explore the transformative power of AI in the dairy industry. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop discusses how AI is revolutionising his dairy farm, from optimising herd genetics to improving decision-making in farm management. He shares his journey from scepticism to embracing AI, and how his venture, Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions, helps other farmers do the same. PhD student Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun from the University of Canterbury joins to talk about her research into AI-powered chatbots for dairy farmers. She explains how these tools help manage information overload and preserve valuable farm knowledge, offering tailored insights and streamlining decision-making for better efficiency.

 

Guests include:

1. Matthew Zonderop, Waikato Sharemilker
2. Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun, PHD Student, University of Canterbury

Hosts:

1. Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
2. Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter

 

Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop is harnessing AI to transform his dairy operation, using it as a powerful tool for herd improvement, farm management, and decision-making. Initially sceptical, he discovered AI’s potential after it quickly corrected an error in his spreadsheet, leading him to explore its wider applications. Now, AI analyses his herd’s genetic data, optimising bull selection and accelerating genetic gains beyond traditional methods. By integrating AI into daily operations, Matthew has shifted from reactive to predictive decision-making, streamlining feed budgeting, paddock planning, and financial forecasting. His tailored AI model stores farm-specific data, providing instant, data-driven insights that enhance efficiency. Seeing the potential for broader impact, he founded Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions to help other farmers leverage AI for genetic and management improvements. While some may question AI’s limitations, Matthew believes the only constraint is imagination, viewing it as a game-changer for the dairy industry’s future.

PhD student Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun from the University of Canterbury is researching how AI-powered chatbots can support dairy farmers in managing information overload. In collaboration with AgResearch, her work focuses on making AI tools both technically effective and user-friendly. Mamehgol highlights chatbots as intelligent assistants, helping farmers filter vast amounts of data to provide instant, tailored insights. These tools can also preserve decades of farm knowledge, ensuring valuable experience is not lost. By integrating AI, chatbots simplify decision-making, reducing the need to sift through endless reports and applications. Looking ahead, Mamehgol sees chatbots evolving to analyse images and videos, assisting with crop and livestock monitoring. She encourages farmers to engage with AI, as increased interaction improves chatbot recommendations. While AI will not replace human expertise, it can act as a powerful extension of farmers’ knowledge, combining intuition with data-driven insights to improve efficiency and sustainability.

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