Using Artificial Intelligence on-farm

GenAI-based tools can create new content, answer questions, and help you solve problems. The most popular GenAI tools include ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Gemini, but there is an increasing range available. We have our own GenAI tool – DAiSY.

There are many potential uses for GenAI on farm. It can be used to make more informed decisions by quickly analysing information. It also has the potential to reduce your mental workload by filtering and summarising data, freeing up your energy for what matters most.

You might choose to use AI to complete repetitive admin tasks to save time. It could turn your farm data into practical insights and give you and your team instant access to technical knowledge and farm-specific information. AI could improve communication on your farm, including real-time translation to help overcome language barriers.

Through the voice functionality, it can also be used as a sounding board when considering issues or changes on farm.

In 2025, DairyNZ commissioned Perrin Ag to explore the opportunities of GenAI for NZ dairy farmers. The report provided a summary of current insights, what farmers are currently using GenAI for, and emerging tasks that farmers might use it for in future.

Using GenAI on your farm

While adoption is growing, farmers who already use GenAI are finding it valuable in a range of ways. The quality of answers generated by AI tools depends on the questions you ask and the instructions you provide (also called ‘prompts’). Be as specific as possible; for example, including details like region, herd size, feed type, and your goals may help get more useful answers. The more context you provide, the more accurate and useful the AI’s response will be. One of the benefits of GenAI is that you can ask follow-up questions to refine the response or request information in a step-by-step format if you need more clarity.

The Perrin Ag report found several ways farmers are already using GenAI tools, as outlined below. These examples help illustrate what’s currently available. However, they should not be viewed as a replacement for independent, professional advice. DairyNZ does not endorse any particular GenAI tools or uses.

Feeding and grazing decisions

Some farmers used Gen AI to balance their cows’ diet and make grazing decisions. To do this, you could try asking: “I’m feeding X amount of spring pasture, I want to produce Y amount of milk, and have these supplements available - how much should I feed and what minerals do I need?” You can upload photos of mineral bags, and GenAI will read the ingredients and calculate dosage rates. It’s fast, and you can run “what if” scenarios. While answers aren’t guaranteed correct, the speed provides information that can help you make informed decisions quicker.

Supporting your farm team

Farmers have created custom AI chatbots using their farm policies and trusted resources. This enables staff to ask questions on their phones, like “How much magnesium should I dust?” or “What do I check for if I got a coliform grade?” The chatbot can make it easier and faster for staff to access the right information and limit the need to find someone to ask for help. Just remind your team to double-check anything that doesn’t sound right. DAiSY is a good place for your team to access trusted information.

Analysing farm data

Farmers have uploaded kill sheets, herd testing data, and reproductive records into AI tools to quickly spot patterns. For example, upload your kill sheets and ask AI to analyse carcass weight, liveweight, and dressing out percentage; it can save hours compared to manual analysis.

Breeding decisions

GenAI-powered breeding tools have been designed by farmers to create bull teams based on published traits, cow records, and their breeding goals. You can potentially use GenAI to decide which cows should receive sexed semen, or score cows against TOP standards using photos.

Saving time on administration tasks

GenAI is being used on farm to draft documents, record and transcribe meeting minutes, write SOPs, and translate instructions for staff. One manager noted a significant time saving using GenAI for admin tasks - it’s like having an executive assistant.

Troubleshooting equipment

When equipment breaks down, uploading photos to AI tools can help identify issues and troubleshooting steps. You can even upload manuals and ask, “Where are the grease points?” or “What does this fault code mean?”

Getting started

Start small and experiment. You can download a free AI app like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini on your phone, or use it on a computer. Use it instead of Google for simple questions. As you get comfortable, try more complex tasks. Try DAiSY - you’ll find DAiSY by clicking the icon in the top right of your screen.

Experiment with Copilot in Microsoft. Use it to help draft letters or emails and to search for information.

Try out the voice features. Many AI tools let you talk hands-free, perfect for when you’re driving around the farm or busy with other tasks.

Improve your results with better prompts. Be specific and provide context. For example, instead of “How much supplement should I feed?” try: “I’m based in Canterbury, feeding 600 cows on spring pasture averaging 22% DM and 11 MJ ME/kg DM. I want to maintain 1.8 kg MS/cow/day. I have PKE and grass silage available. How much of each would you recommend I feed?” Add your own farm data by uploading your own photos, spreadsheets, soil test results, or herd data for more tailored responses. Paid versions allow more uploads, more questions, and better privacy.

Creating custom tools - Advanced users can build farm-specific GenAI assistants by uploading policies and reference documents, so answers are based on your system and sources. These GenAI assistants can also be tailored for the specific needs and languages of different users.

GenAI limitations

GenAI can and does make mistakes (hallucinations): Always sense-check outputs, especially for critical decisions.
Most GenAI tools use open internet information, which may not be correct or trustworthy. Look for tools that only use trusted resources like DairyNZ’s DAiSY.
GenAI can’t replace your farm-specific knowledge: GenAI should support your decision-making, but doesn’t replace your judgment.
Bias in responses: GenAI may be weighted toward overseas farm systems. Use local info to reduce bias.
Data integration challenges: Most GenAI tools don’t connect easily with farm management software and data files may need to be manually fed into your preferred tool.
Privacy and data security: Free tools may use your data. Paid versions offer enhanced privacy as users can control the privacy settings.
Need for digital literacy: There’s a learning curve. Support and training may help you get more accurate and relevant outputs.

Future AI

GenAI represents a significant opportunity for dairy farmers, not to replace farmer knowledge and judgement, but to enhance it. Think of it as a capable assistant for routine tasks and strategic thinking, helping you brainstorm ideas and explore options for strategic planning, while you stay in control of the final decisions.

The technology is evolving rapidly, but the principles remain the same: start small, experiment with low-risk applications, and always assess AI outputs with a critical eye, applying your own knowledge and judgement to validate outputs. To maximise GenAI’s value, invest in up-to-date, good quality, and accurate data and record keeping. Ensure data is in digital software that can be used with GenAI tools.

Future thinking – GenAI’s role

Farming will soon involve spending time to get the most from GenAI tools, including training GenAI to your needs and validating recommendations. This should enable you to focus on high-value activities.

In their 2025 report, the Perrin Ag team used trends in GenAI development and its use to imagine what farmers may use the tools for in the following 3-5 years. GenAI will be used to enable:

Greater integration with farm software and databases
Real-time decision support as data integration improves
Ready-to-use GenAI workflows for common tasks (e.g., feed budgeting, rostering)
Automated processes for routine, repetitive tasks

The table outlines potential future use on dairy farms in a ‘conservative’ future, where there has been less development and on-farm adoption, and an ‘aspirational’ future, where there is much wider application of GenAI.

Aspect	Current State	Conservative Future	Aspirational Future
AI in decisions	Minimal use; relies on experience	AI helps with insights and recommendations	AI is a digital partner, fully integrated
Data integration	Not integrated	Limited, mostly manual input	High, with real-time and adaptive learning
Agentic (automated decision-making abilities)	Not present	Only simple, rule-based tasks	Can coordinate and learn within set boundaries
Key tools	None listed	Standalone AI tools, embedded GenAI in software, proven workflows	More customised tools and agents
Pasture management	Farmer uses experience or basic software	GenAI models decisions and suggests best options	GenAI uses sensors and virtual fencing for real-time management
Herd management	Farmer splits herd by age	GenAI analyses herd data and suggests optimal splits	GenAI manages tasks, leave, and schedules in real time
Labour	Manual rosters, paper or spreadsheets	GenAI helps optimise tasks and rosters, manual leave updates	GenAI manages tasks, leave, and schedules in real time
Data analysis	Fragmented data and alerts make big‑picture insights difficult and time-consuming	Farmer uploads files, GenAI finds insights and trends	GenAI continuously analyses live data, flags patterns, and recommends actions

*adapted from table developed by Perrin Ag based on conceptual future trends

Disclaimer

These examples highlight how farmers are currently exploring and applying generative AI tools. They are intended as examples only and should not replace independent technical advice or professional recommendations. DairyNZ does not endorse any particular generative AI tools or uses. If you choose to use GenAI, take care to assess what works best for your farm and situation.