AI brings precision to modern weed control

Sep 07, 2023

Automated systems are turning from the “way of the future” to our present lives. Artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT has shown there are impressive ways these programs can adapt and learn in the middle of a conversation or with new data input.

There are still plenty of kinks to iron out, however.

Xin Sun, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at North Dakota State University, was a part of a 2023 study looking at “deep learning,” or ways in which artificial intelligence is improving its ability to detect weeds.

He said this is still an evolving process, but significant progress is being made with site-specific weed management.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.