Experts Discuss AI's Role in Agriculture at Colorado Farm Show

Ag-tech leaders highlight both the benefits and risks of incorporating artificial intelligence into farming operations.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:23pm

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At the opening day of the Colorado Farm Show in Greeley, a panel of ag-tech experts discussed the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence in agriculture. Joni Kindwall-Moore of The Ryzosphere and Jeff Orrey of GeoVisual Analytics shared insights on leveraging AI to make sense of farming data, while also cautioning about the risks of 'AI hallucinations' and unverified information. The presenters emphasized the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated outputs and using the technology judiciously to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Why it matters

As farming becomes increasingly data-driven, AI presents both promise and peril for agricultural producers. While AI can help analyze complex datasets and automate time-consuming tasks, the technology also carries the risk of producing misleading or inaccurate information if not properly vetted. This discussion highlights the need for farmers to approach AI adoption thoughtfully in order to harness its benefits while mitigating potential downsides.

The details

During the 'AI in Agriculture' seminar, Kindwall-Moore and Orrey covered a range of topics related to incorporating artificial intelligence into farming operations. They emphasized the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated outputs, noting that AI systems can sometimes 'hallucinate' or produce unreliable information if not properly trained. The presenters advised farmers to use AI as a tool to interpret data and streamline tasks, but to maintain a healthy skepticism and validate the technology's recommendations. They also discussed strategies for phrasing questions to get the most useful responses from AI assistants, which can vary depending on the specific software being used.

  • The Colorado Farm Show took place from January 27-29, 2026 at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, Colorado.
  • The 'AI in Agriculture' seminar was held on the opening day of the farm show, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Joni Kindwall-Moore

The founder and CEO of The Ryzosphere, which uses AI to connect producers, processors and buyers in the agriculture industry.

Jeff Orrey

The founder and chief science officer of GeoVisual Analytics, a company that provides farm management software and services based on specific crop data.

Adrian Card

The Colorado Produce Specialist and Colorado State University extension educator who emceed the 'AI in Agriculture' seminar.

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What they’re saying

“You have to treat AI like it's a kid fresh out of college. It knows everything, but it doesn't actually have any wisdom, right? I think we need to teach people to talk back at AI, or it'll think it's too smart. And that's a problem.”

— Joni Kindwall-Moore, Founder and CEO, The Ryzosphere (Greeley Tribune)

“It will cite things, but if you follow the references, you see that it didn't actually do it's homework. AI doesn't take responsibility, because it doesn't have to. So you have to be really careful.”

— Jeff Orrey, Founder and Chief Science Officer, GeoVisual Analytics (Greeley Tribune)

What’s next

The Colorado Farm Show will continue on Wednesday, January 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, January 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the need for farmers to approach AI adoption thoughtfully, using the technology as a tool to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency, while maintaining a critical eye and validating the accuracy of AI-generated outputs. Responsible use of AI can unlock benefits, but unchecked reliance on the technology carries risks of producing misleading information that could negatively impact agricultural operations.