I belong to a microgeneration. The one that experienced a portion of life without technology and yet was able to embrace it as it became available. I’ve answered a rotary phone, had a cellphone when I learned to drive and now can’t get through a day without turning to my smartphone for something. I’ve typed school papers on a typewriter and sent information via fax, and now I work remotely with a laptop and the internet.
I have experienced technology’s impact on how I work and watched as it has changed the way you farm. From automated milking and feeding to animal monitoring to field work to communicating with consultants, dairy farming has embraced many forms of technology.
We recognize that technology is a powerful tool in our toolbox, yet we also acknowledge the tool has not fully replaced the operator. A skilled herdsman or herdswoman is needed to verify and treat sick animals. A skilled milking technician is an integral part of keeping milking robots functioning and fetching cows.
The newest form of technology – artificial intelligence (AI) – is working its way into our work and personal lives. It is an advanced function of computers that can analyze data to make recommendations and predictions.
In our workspace, it can create images and write articles. Large language models (LLMs) can generate text based on what it knows about the relationships between words and sentences. Examples of LLMs are ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and many more. You may have used these programs to answer a question you have. Or perhaps you’ve noticed a summarized answer appearing at the top of your latest Google search or the prompt for the next word to use in a text or email.
LLMs work with the information available to it to construct pieces as bestit can, but it can’t always tell if it is right or not. This leaves it prone to generate falsehoods as it attempts to fill in the blank.
In a recent article, John Gerbitz wrote that he asked ChatGPT whether farmers should upgrade their automated milking systems. He provided the response he received. Gerbitz went on to say, “I talked to several real farmers and got better answers.”
From the days of typewriters and fax machines to today, Progressive Publishing vows to be your trusted source of information. We talk directly with real producers and experts in the dairy industry to hear firsthand what is happening and report it back to you. Our editors have a combined 90 years of experience in this industry. Our guest authors bring even more.
This is the knowledge we want to rely on when it comes to finding and developing the information we provide. Therefore, we have established the following policy on the use of AI:
Human-written content is the editorial standard for Progressive Publishing editors. AI cannot replace the experiences, expertise, talents and thought-provoking skills of our writers and editors. We maintain that writing is a craft. We aim to be transparent and disclose content that has been developed using AI. Authors are required to disclose their use of AI. As always, authors take full responsibility for reviewing and fact-checking their work.
This is our continued promise to you. We will embrace the changes around us while delivering real, factual information to aid you in advancing your dairy operation.
