To help producers navigate complex financial decisions, the Dairy Management program at UW-Madison has released the AMS Transition Budgeter. This web-based tool allows farmers to move beyond “back-of-the-napkin” math and visualize the long-term financial impact of retrofitting their farm for robotics.

While many people think of AI chatbots as sophisticated question-answering tools, research shows these systems can do much more. Advanced AI systems hold the potential to reshape how farmers and other agricultural professionals work.

Automation is no longer a distant vision. Technology is being used to fill labor gaps, trim costs, increase efficiency, and boost precision. Success, though, still begins with a solid plan.

The progression toward automation is partly based on a shortage of workers, but it is part of a natural progression. Switching from work that is heavily dependent on people—whether it’s you, family members or hired employees—can be complicated.

This is the first article in a series on key considerations for technology and automation investment in agriculture.

Adopting new technology in agriculture is a significant investment that can be highly profitable if done well, or costly if not. The first step is to be aware of and understand the issues that can influence the outcome, followed by gathering the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Using technology in farming isn’t just a choice—it’s necessary. As farms use and rely on more technology, farmers and industry stakeholders are looking at advanced tools like robots, automated equipment, and self-driving machines.

Automation and technological advances offer many opportunities to increase labor efficiency and productivity, but they also carry risks and large costs.