AI Push on Farms: New U.S. Bill Targets a Technology Most Farmers Still Ignore
A bipartisan proposal seeks to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in agriculture even as three out of four farmers say they are not using AI tools today.
Washington is moving to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in agriculture at a time when most producers still have little or no exposure to the technology. Last week, lawmakers introduced the bipartisan FARM AI Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, a proposal designed to expand USDA support for AI research, workforce training and precision agriculture programs. The initiative comes as new industry data reveals that 75% of farmers in the United States and Canada are not currently using artificial intelligence on their farms, raising questions about how quickly the sector can embrace the next technological revolution.
The legislation, introduced by Representatives Don Davis of North Carolina and Zach Nunn of Iowa, seeks to position artificial intelligence as a strategic tool for improving productivity, conserving resources and maintaining U.S. competitiveness in global agriculture. The bill would designate AI as a priority research area within USDA programs, increase funding for Extension services, create new workforce development initiatives and establish a senior federal advisor dedicated to agricultural artificial intelligence. Supporters argue that the technology could become essential for addressing labor shortages, climate variability and rising production costs.
Lawmakers See AI as the Next Agricultural Revolution
According to the proposal, artificial intelligence could transform farming by improving real-time decision-making through applications such as yield forecasting, disease detection, precision nutrient management and water conservation. The legislation is also the House companion to a Senate proposal introduced earlier this year, highlighting growing bipartisan consensus that agricultural innovation should become a national priority.
"Feeding America is national security, and the future of agriculture will depend on our ability to innovate," Representative Don Davis said in support of the bill.
For many policymakers, AI represents a new frontier in precision agriculture that could significantly improve efficiency and sustainability while strengthening the resilience of U.S. food production systems.
Most Farmers Are Still Not Using Artificial Intelligence
Despite the growing enthusiasm in Washington and among technology companies, adoption at the farm level remains surprisingly low.
Farmer Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools
| Farmer Response | Share of Respondents (%) | Estimated Number of Farmers* |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 14% | 95 |
| No | 75% | 507 |
| Not Sure | 11% | 74 |
*Based on a survey sample of 676 farmers. Source: Bushel State of the Farm Report.
The findings show that only 14% of producers currently use AI technologies, while another 11% are uncertain whether the tools they already use incorporate artificial intelligence. The numbers suggest that many precision agriculture systems may already be embedding AI capabilities without farmers fully recognizing them.
Lack of Understanding and Trust Remain Major Obstacles
The survey also revealed that adoption barriers are less about access to technology and more about uncertainty and confidence.
Main Reasons Farmers Are Not Using AI
| Primary Reason | Share of Respondents (%) | Estimated Number of Farmers* |
|---|---|---|
| Not sure what AI could help with | 26% | 131 |
| Haven't had time to look into it | 26% | 131 |
| Don't see a clear benefit | 21% | 106 |
| Don't trust the tools and data | 21% | 106 |
| Too complex or time-consuming | 3% | 15 |
| Other reasons | 3% | 15 |
*Based on a survey sample of 504 farmers not currently using AI. Source: Bushel State of the Farm Report.
The data indicates that more than half of farmers either do not understand how AI could benefit their operations or have not had the time to evaluate the technology. Another significant portion remains skeptical about the economic value and reliability of AI-generated recommendations.
Industry experts argue that this trust gap may become the biggest challenge to broader adoption. According to Katya Kheistver, chief operating officer and chief product officer of precision agriculture company OneSoil, financial support is important but insufficient.
"What stops farmers from using AI-based services is a lack of trust," she said, arguing that many systems operate like "black boxes" that fail to explain how recommendations are generated. Kheistver believes federal support should focus more heavily on implementation companies and advisory services that work directly with producers in the field, helping integrate technologies and providing ongoing training and support.
This approach could prove critical as agriculture enters a new phase of digital transformation where adoption depends not only on technology availability but also on producer confidence and practical value.
A Multi-Billion-Dollar Opportunity for Agriculture
The economic implications of artificial intelligence in agriculture could be significant. Analysts estimate that AI-powered precision farming tools could improve productivity, reduce input waste and optimize resource use across millions of acres.
For producers facing tighter margins, increasing climate risks and rising input costs, technologies capable of improving decision-making may become increasingly attractive. However, the latest survey findings indicate that the agricultural sector remains in the early stages of AI adoption, with education, transparency and demonstrable economic returns likely to determine whether artificial intelligence becomes a mainstream farming tool over the next decade.
