Can technology operate as fast as farming demands?

Artificial intelligence is already making its mark on agriculture, but one challenge is the need for more powerful computing systems.

From using vision technology to detect plants, weeds, or pests, to incorporating lasers for precision, the future of farming is becoming more high-tech. However, a tech CEO says the real bottleneck is ensuring the technology can operate fast enough to meet the demands of farming.

“Like using vision to detect: is that the plant or is that the weed? What’s a pest? What’s not? Maybe even use lasers, right? The future is here in terms of using that. What holds it back is the computer power. The technology is cool but if it takes two and a half, three to do it. That’s not practical. The things that you’ve envisioned or thought of as science fiction is now coming into reality. People figured out how engineer equipment. Now it’s about applying state-of-the-art, computer technology to actually make it run fast, and make it run in a way that is actually usable and economical for you,” said Chris Walker, CEO of Untether AI.

Walker says his company has created a chip designed to help run AI models faster and more accurately.

Related Stories
National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
As National Advisor, Carson will counsel both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on nutrition, healthcare access in rural areas, and housing. He will also serve as a key member of the MAHA Commission.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
Cotton farmers should weigh potential PLC payments against STAX coverage and act before the September 30 deadline.
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.