Why the Agri-Tech Revolution is More About People Than You Think. My Thoughts From AI Live.
Ever feel like the future’s rushing at you faster than a runaway tractor? 🚜 Trust me, you’re not alone. After spending years talking about the #FutureOfWork and the #FifthIndustrialRevolution, I’ve learned something crucial: We’re living through unprecedented change, and for those in agriculture, it feels like planting seeds in a whirlwind.
But here’s the thing — what if we could harness that wind? 💡
Forget 2040. The Future is 2030
Look, I’m an environmentalist and technologist (hence the link to wind power) who’s been experimenting with #AI since before it was cool. And I’m telling you straight: the future isn’t coming — it’s already here.
We need to shift our timeline to 2030, not 2040. The pace of change with AI is so rapid that what seemed like sci-fi last year is now daily reality on farms.
It’s About Time, Money, and Energy
Let me bring this back to basics. Throughout my career — from cofounding machine learning tech companies like Your FLOCK to being asked to speak about technology on BBC Breakfast for over a decade — I’ve learned everything boils down to three resources: time, money, and energy.
Technology should optimize all three. But to embrace it, we need our energy up and minds open.
As I always say:
“With the right people, you take over the world. Without them, that world will take over you.”
This isn’t just a catchy phrase from my keynotes — it’s fundamental truth.
The AI Tsunami: Let’s Ride This Wave
I’m amazed at how AI is changing business! We’ve all seen Terminator, but the reality in agriculture is far more optimistic. Think of AI as your most capable farmhand ever.
The numbers blow my mind: ChatGPT usage multiplied five times between July 2024 and 2025. This isn’t about writing emails — it’s fundamentally changing how we solve problems, from crop disease diagnosis to market analysis.
Two Paths Ahead
Having worked with over 100 organizations on their AI strategies, I see a fork in the road. One path: the “let it rip” open-source approach — innovative but risky. The other: dystopian centralization where mega-corps control our food security.
The answer? A narrow middle path balancing innovation with security. This is why I bang on about AI policies in every talk — it’s not if you’ll use AI, but how.
Leading Through Change
Let’s be honest — change is hard. I’ve seen the change curve play out hundreds of times: from frustration to experimentation. As leaders, we must guide teams through this.
How? Move from being bosses to leaders. A shocking 64% of people haven’t received adequate AI training. That skills gap creates anxiety. Bridge it!
Where Agriculture Stands on the Hype Curve
After 20 years watching tech cycles, I know agriculture is perfectly positioned. We’re already on the “slope of enlightenment” for technologies we need most. Knowledge graphs, cloud AI — they’re here, ready to implement. Forget quantum AI for now; the revolution’s already at your fingertips.
My Vision for 2030: Three Pillars
- The Connected Farm Ecosystem: Imagine every animal, pasture, and decision connected. You become the conductor, using real-time data for smarter decisions. India’s already doing this with soaring AI adoption.
- Sustainable Profitability: AI will drive carbon-positive farming. I’ve seen AI-powered irrigation cut water usage 20–30% without sacrificing yield. China’s five years ahead — we need to catch up!
- The Human Element: This is crucial. AI doesn’t replace farmers; it augments them. Combine your grandfather’s wisdom with tomorrow’s algorithms.
The Future’s in Our Hands
We’re living through the fifth industrial revolution. I’ve spent my career experimenting with these technologies, and I’m telling you — the agricultural future isn’t distant; it’s being built today.
Revolutions don’t wait. The question is: will you be an active participant or passive observer?
As Gandhi rightly said, many moons ago:
“The future depends on what you do today.”
The tools are here. The potential’s immense. Time to embrace change and lead into a connected, sustainable, productive agricultural future.
If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
And Dan Sodergren
| Tech Futurist | #AI #Tech #FutureOfWork
About The Author: Dan Sodergren
Keynote speaker, professional speaker, Ted X talker, serial tech startup founder, ex marketing agency owner, HR tech co founder, digital trainer, and now author and media spokesperson Dan Sodergren’s main area of interest is the future of work, technology, data and AI. And in his spare time Dan is a digital marketing and technology (and now AI) expert for TV shows and the BBC and countless radio shows.
Occasionally donning the cape of consumer champion on shows like BBC WatchDog, the One Show and RipOffBritain and being a marketing tech specialist for SuperShoppers and RealFakeAndUnknown and BBC Breakfast.
He is also a host and guest on podcasts and webinars speaking as a tech futurist. And a remote reporter / content creator for tech companies at tech events and shows.
His main interest is in the future. Be that the future of marketing, or the future or work or how AI and technology will change the world for the better as part of the #FifthIndustrialRevolution.
Find out more about him here bit.ly/DanSodergren
