The interview portrayed in this submission is a product of the authors’ imagination. While the interview may reference actual people, the subject matter and language attributed to those people is entirely fictitious.
Saint Francis High School, Mountain View, CA
Citation Style:
MLA - 9th Edition
Narrator: Imagine the year is 2040. Artificial intelligence has since transformed nearly every corner of human life–restaurants, grocery stores, and even the very source of our food: farms. Standing at the top of this agricultural revolution is Andy Irvin, the visionary creator who harnessed AI to create the most advanced and efficient farming system in human history. Andy’s AI-driven farm doesn't just produce bigger, healthier crops–it outperforms every competitor in yield, quality, and most importantly sustainability. His methods have redefined what eco-friendly farming means and set a new standard for farmers worldwide to follow. Without AI, agriculture would still be bound by its primitive limitations. But thanks to Andy’s innovations and utilization of such technologies, farming is no longer a battle against nature, but an optimized system where technology and nature can work together. AI didn’t just change farming, it elevated what we knew to a new level.
Shivam Verma (SV): Welcome back, folks. I’m your host, Shivam Verma, and you’re on the latest episode of Age of Agriculture. I am super excited for today's episode because recently new technological and political policy changes have been made within the farming industry. Personally, I love to know where my food comes from, how it's made, and every detail of what goes into my body. I have been given the honor of being in the presence of several esteemed experts within the field and today we will be diving into these developments such as globalization, environmental solutions, and technological advancements; as well as the solutions they can provide to both producers and consumers. Along with that, we will be examining the suggested policies of our newly inaugurated president and what he plans to do in the future of this industry. Without further ado let me introduce my co-hosts for today!
[Theme Song]
Alexa Indigo (AI): Hey guys! I'm so glad to be on today’s episode. I have been a fan for so long now and have always wanted to be a part of a podcast. Sorry for the blabble. Anyways, I am Alexa Indigo and I teach Advanced Agricultural Insight at Harvard University. I know it sounds boring, but I love to shed light on the amazing field of agriculture which is so often overlooked. In my class, my students and I take a deep dive into new practices and potential changes that could help benefit the farming community.
Austin Ians (AI): Hello, Everyone! My name is Austin Ians and I am just so excited to be with you today on this episode. I work for the government as a U.S. Senator and work alongside people to find solutions to keeping our environment stable and healthy. In my free time, I usually spend time with my family and horseback riding makes me feel relaxed on the inside. I love supporting and nurturing our habitat because, to me, it just seems so important. This also makes me want to keep myself and others healthy. You want to be healthy. Don’t you right?
Audience: Yeah!
Shivam Verma (SV): That brings me to something I’ve been curious about–precision agriculture. I’ve read that new technologies now allow farmers to directly target certain crops, making water usage more efficient. From what I’ve read, the efficiency of water usage can be reduced by up to 30% while also increasing crop yields (USDA). But I'm a little bit confused, how does that work in practice? Wouldn’t less water for the crops mean there would be a reduction in crops produced?
Alexa Indigo (AI): That's a great question, Shivam! Precision agriculture relies on advanced data which comes as a benefit of the recent collaboration between farmers and data scientists. Their collaboration allows for advanced satellite images to create advanced automated irrigation systems that ensure the most optimized amounts of water are used. Another benefit of these images is their application to other resources farmers use such as pesticides and fertilizers. Since 2021, fertilizer costs have surged from 80% to 250%, making cost-efficient solutions like precision agriculture more important than ever (ICL Group). Thus by using precision agriculture, we reduce waste whilst also increasing efficiency as seen by a 4% increase in crop production(Americanfem). With this increase in production comes many benefits for the overall agricultural market. The result for consumers like us? Lower food prices because the people cultivating our food are spending less on water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Austin Ians (AI): Exactly! While providing benefits for the consumer, let’s not forget that food and its quality come as a result of the state of our environment. New farming systems similar to that of precision agriculture are now being used to prevent environmental degradation. Automated farming systems significantly reduce fertilizer runoff into water, which is a major concern for the ecosystem of the growing crops. The GAO reports that excessive fertilizer use has contributed to widespread contamination of U.S. waterways, but automated application can cut these spilloffs by over 20% (GAO Report, 2024). I have also heard of similar studies related to fertilizer usage, particularly by an Iowa state study. In their study, researchers used precision agriculture to analyze and test nutrient levels by comparing fertilizer placements and their interaction with herbicides. The research team concluded, however, that to maximize the usage of fertilizers individual samples must first be tested which offers the most practical use for farmers to use precision agriculture.(ISU) While many farmers don’t currently use precision agriculture yet. I believe that policies supporting precision agriculture can help improve production and mitigate environmental impact. While this issue may seem superficial currently, inactivating or in extreme cases forcing farmers to adopt these effective strategies, would benefit a whole lot more than without such policies. Even without specific policies in place, recent studies show some of the basic benefits of beginning to use precision agriculture such as a 4% increase in crop production(AEM) So imagine what would happen if we could get mandates on precision farming.
Shivam Verma (SV):That makes a lot of sense, but what about the use of space? I’ve also been seeing reports saying that these technologies can also benefit forests. How exactly does that work?
Austin Ians (AI): Aah, great question. When farmers can maximize the use of their land, they don’t need to clear out additional forests to expand their production. Instead, they can focus on getting the most out of their land which they already cultivate, and work on trying to reduce their environmental footprint. In a recent study by the Association of Equipment Managers (AEM), they noted the already-seen benefits of just several groups of farmers utilizing precision technologies. They noted that if 90% of farmers were to utilize such methods there would be a 16% reduction in fossil fuel, a 21% reduction in water use, and a 6% increase in crop production without having to expand their farms (AEM). So while it does take a lot of participation from hundreds of thousands of farmers to reach these expectations, the benefits that precision agriculture has accomplished have already been astounding.
Shivam Verma (SV): Wow! Thanks for the clarification Austin. I think that after hearing about all of these recent advancements in technology it makes me wonder what type of effects AI could have.
Alexa Indigo (AI): That is a great thought. Precision agriculture and ChatGPT develop a great interaction between each other discussing the importance of how ChatGPT can provide real-time benefits in supporting precision agriculture. Such as, “irrigation scheduling, optimal fertilization practices, and pest control” (Codiant), these crop management techniques are immensely prominent to keep the crop stabilized. ChatGPT can offer personal input on how to improve the crop's health and keep it efficient and sustainable. While AI provides input on those techniques, it also identifies “plant diseases and weed infestations” (Codiant) which are crucial to keeping the crop’s health sustainable. I personally think that AI is a powerful tool that provides several more benefits than just precision agriculture.
Shivam Verma (SV): I agree with that. Adding onto that, how has artificial intelligence made an impact on agriculture in the farming industry today?
Alexa Indigo (AI): Well, I believe that artificial intelligence increases profitability and efficiency in farming. A few things I’ve noticed are that AI can aid farmers in what to plant, when to plant it, when to fertilize, when to harvest and many other recommendations (FFA New Horizons). “For example, with Microsoft’s FarmVibes.AI tool, which offers features such as soil and yield maps and what-if analyses, farmers can assess yields on their farm and plan strategies to grow more” (FFA New Horizons). It’s sort of an interesting process about how AI can aid farmers by supporting the plants.
Austin Ians (AI): Adding to your words, Alex, I consider that “AI can indicate where fertilizer is needed (which conserves resources and reduces nitrous oxide emissions) and reduces water use through precision irrigation” (FFA New Horizons). AI is a prominent programming system that needs to be used in a resourceful way. You know what I mean? Right? Ummm…
Alexa Indigo (AI): I know what you’re trying to say; which I agree with. It’s that I consider AI can be brought to the future in a different direction. What if we can generate AI to provide income to labor workers in the farming industry?
Austin Ians (AI): Yeah, it's a magnificent idea which is totally in play in the real world right now.
Shivam Verma (SV): Really? Man, is that actually magnificent or what? Well, guys I know we had a very magnificent topic brought up; although there is a tradition that is held on this show.
Alexa Indigo (AI): Oh, yeah. What is it?
Shivam Verma (SV): Guess what, IT’S HALFTIME!!! Let’s call up our mystery guest today.
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
Shivam Verma (SV): Hello, who is this?
Brooke Rollins (BR): Hi, this is Brooke Rollins.
Shivam Verma (SV): Welcome to the show! Would you mind introducing yourself to the audience?
Brooke Rollins (BR): Of course! Hello everyone, I am Brooke Rollins, and I am very excited to be here today. Recently, I was sworn in as the 33rd US Secretary of Agriculture and since then I have been working with President Trump to help him advance his economic agendas (USDA). I am also the founder, president, and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, or AFPI, a nonprofit, non-partisan research institute that seeks to advance policies that put the American people first (AFPI). I am excited to share some of my insights and knowledge with you and the audience today.
Shivam Verma (SV): That is awesome. First off, congratulations on your new position. It must feel amazing to be in such an honorable role. I want to ask, what are some of the goals you hope to achieve as you serve as the US Secretary of Agriculture?
Brooke Rollins (BR): Thank you so much, Shivam. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to the position that I am currently in, and I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me on the way. To be honest, I am just a small-town girl from Glen Rose, Texas, who wants to give back for everything that she has been given. As mentioned in my confirmation statement back in January, I shared five of the key priorities that I hope to accomplish during my time as the US Secretary of Agriculture. First, I will work to ensure that the disaster and economic assistance authorized by Congress is deployed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Next, I seek to do everything possible to get a handle on the state of animal disease outbreaks and eradicate them. Third, I hope to pass a Farm Bill that provides the certainty and predictability that our farmers need. Fourth, I will restructure the US Department of Agriculture to put America first and respond to the needs and desires of the American people. Finally, I will work to ensure not only the prosperity of our rural communities today, but also tomorrow and into the future (Rollins Confirmation Statement - 22 January 2025). To keep things simple, as President Trump puts it, I want to support the American farmer, defend American food self-sufficiency, and restore agriculture-dependent American small towns to prosper and flourish (USDA).
Shivam Verma (SV): Well, I think it is safe to say that American agriculture is in good hands for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, we are running low on time, so thank you for joining us today on The Twenty Minute Lanconomics.
Brooke Rollins (BR): Thank you for having me.
Shivam Verma (SV): Absolutely. I can see how exploring these alternative policies of agriculture are crucial to food stability and environmental preservation for consumers. And even as you two have said [points to Alex and Austin], the introduction of precision agriculture and AI have plans with similar outcomes to those of Brooke’s policies. It is amazing to me how the government, science, and technology all work together and have the same sort of goal. However, what fascinated me the most was to see how all of these intricate ideas relate to the common people such as us, farmers, and the consumers.
Alexa Indigo (AI): Thank you so much for having us on your episode! I’m glad that you were interested in a topic a little bit outside your comfort.
Austin Ians (AI): Me too, and I would love to come back again if you ever have any more questions or just thoughts you want to share.
Shivam Verma (SV): No problem! You guys have been really helpful today and I loved digging into these fascinating topics with both of you! It has been a pleasure having both of you on the show and discussing this important topic. Thank you for providing insights from yourselves and sharing with the audience and me. And thank you all for listening to today’s podcast, and be sure to stay tuned for our next episode of “The 20 Minute Lanconomics”.
References - MLA 9th Edition
“About America First Policy Institute.” America First Policy Institute,
“Brooke L. Rollins Sworn in as 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.” USDA, 13 Feb. 2025,
www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/13/brooke-l-rollins-sworn-33rd-us-secretary-agriculture.
“Precision Agriculture: Transforming Farming with AI and Data-Driven Insights - Codiant
Blog” Codiant Software Technologies, 10 March. 2024, https://codiant.com/blog/precision-agriculture-transforming-farming-with-ai/.
FFA New Horizons. “How AI Can Impact Agriculture.” National FFA Organization, 18 Aug.
2023, https://www.ffa.org/technology/how-ai-can-impact-agriculture/.
NAFEM Newsroom. “The Impact of Precision Agriculture on Sustainability: a Report by
AEM - North America FarmQuip Magazine.” North America FarmQuip Magazine, 15 Apr. 2024, www.americafem.com/2024/04/15/the-impact-of-precision-agriculture-on-sustainability-a-report-by-aem.
Mallarino, Antonio. “Using precision agriculture to improve soil fertility management and
on-farm research” https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/using-precision-agriculture-improve-soil-fertility-management-and-farm-research.
“Precision Agriculture: Benefits and Challenges for technology adoption and use.” U.S.
GAO, 31 Jan. 2024, www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105962.
Richards, Ally. “The Environmental Impact of precision Spraying: reducing chemical use
and protecting ecosystems - AGTechLogic.” AgTechLogic, 30 Dec. 2024, agtechlogic.com/the-environmental-impact-of-precision-spraying-reducing-chemical-use-and-protecting-ecosystems.
Rollins Confirmation Statement - 22 January 2025. United States Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/9034b53a-0a87-e8d1-842e-6821551fc940/Testimony_Rollins_01.23.2025.pdf.
Slager, Natanja. “Innovative Agriculture Technologies Transforming the Industry | ICL.”
ICL, 21 Jan. 2025, www.icl-group.com/blog/technologies-revolutionizing-agriculture-agtech.
Using precision agriculture to improve soil fertility management and on-farm research |
Integrated Crop Management. crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/using-precision-agriculture-improve-soil-fertility-management-and-farm-research.
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