Bonnie Johnson
May 21, 2025
Newsletter ArticleThere is an ongoing debate about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI), its power to replace people, or whether people will use it to create more efficiency, greater knowledge, and enhanced productivity. Is the agricultural industry ready to embrace it?
While "AI" can also refer to various agricultural practices and concepts related to animal health, in this context, we are specifically discussing artificial intelligence—machines performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI may have far-reaching effects on jobs, the workplace, and skills.
Candidates & Employees:
Are you concerned about artificial intelligence taking your job? Or perhaps you worry that you lack AI knowledge and will fall behind. How do you stay up to date? If you have some concerns, you're not alone. A recent study from MetLife found that nearly 60% of employees expressed concerns about the risks associated with AI, and almost 40% said AI will cause tension between them and their employer (MetLife 2025: The Trust Imperative).
Managers & Employers:
Does AI change the skills your staff needs? How can you incorporate an AI strategy in the workplace to stay relevant and competitive? Can AI enhance your talent acquisition strategies? The AgCareers 2025 Roundtable Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, will feature sessions for attendees to learn about the latest developments in AI and new technology.
The Roundtable education sessions kickoff on Wednesday, August 6th, with an "Innovation in the Industry" keynote session. Billi Hunt, Executive Director of America's Cultivation Corridor, will offer an overview of the industry's latest technological advancements and trends and how they affect people recruitment, management and retention.
Wendy Sellers, a popular speaker, trainer, consultant, author and podcast host known as "The HR Lady," will deliver the second morning keynote session exploring the transformative impact of AI on skills required in today's workplace.
"AI isn't about replacing jobs in agriculture; it's about redefining them. Managers who embrace AI strategically can enhance their teams’ efficiency, sharpen their competitive edge, and empower their employees to focus on innovation and higher-level tasks, shares Sellers. “My goal is to help leaders navigate this transformation, making AI an asset, not a threat," adds Sellers.
Sellers will also host an optional Chat GPT 101 training session that afternoon, demonstrating the precise prompts to generate the content and insights needed to improve productivity.
Get your ticket now for the 23rd AgCareers Annual Agriculture & Food Roundtable Conference, August 5-7, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, hosted at the Bayer Crop Science Research Center, a global hub for ag innovation. This unique conference focuses on high-interest recruitment and retention issues for people managers, talent acquisition, HR, education and association professionals in the agriculture and food industry.
