Smart Tech
AI Use in Agriculture Is Broad, But So Is Skepticism
June 16, 2026 
Are farmers and ranchers using AI? The technology’s potential to advance agriculture is easy to see, but how many producers are actually putting it to use?
Agriculture has long served as a testing ground for AI, powering tools like autonomous tractors, robotic milking and satellite-based crop forecasting. At the same time, the average U.S. farmer is 58 years old, and producers face demanding schedules and operational pressures that can make adopting new technology challenging.
So, we asked. MorganMyers surveyed farmers, ranchers and agricultural retailers about whether and how they are using AI, where they see value, where improvements are needed and whether they trust the results. We compiled the findings into a new report that offers a closer look at how agriculture is approaching AI today and where it may be headed next. Download the report here.
AI adoption is meaningful, but experimental
MorganMyers’ 2026 survey found 75% of farmers and ranchers have used AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to support their operations, and nearly half of that group uses those tools weekly or more. That suggests agriculture — like much of the broader workforce — is in an experimental phase of adoption.
Farm and ranch AI use is in an experimental phase, according to MorganMyers’ 2026 survey.
Other key findings include:
- General-purpose AI outpaces ag-platform AI, suggesting awareness, availability and workflow-fit remain barriers.
- AI adoption is uneven by segment: Dairy producers, younger farmers (under 35) and larger operations are the highest users. Lower adoption clusters among smaller operations, older farmers (51 and older) and row-crop producers.
- Farmer and rancher use of AI can largely be classified as practical and business oriented.
- AI is viewed as promising but unproven. Perceived value of AI is high, but so is distrust and skepticism.
- Retailers are more cautious than farmers, lagging in adoption, value and trust — and less likely to recommend AI tools in the near term.
- Proof, transparency and human validation will be needed to build trust in AI among farmers, ranchers and retailers.
How agriculture is using AI today and what happens next
Together, the survey findings and analysis help tell a more complete story of how agriculture is approaching the rapid evolution of AI.
“Farmers and ranchers aren’t resistant to AI. Our survey confirms they’re trying it out and can already see areas where it delivers value and could help them become even better operators in the future,” says Greg Ehm, senior vice president of agriculture at MorganMyers. “At the same time, they’re weighing AI-generated recommendations against years of personal experience and practical knowledge. Farm decisions will continue to draw on data and human judgment.”
Ehm adds, “Companies and organizations hoping to build trust and confidence in AI tools for agriculture must show results, explain how recommendations were developed and prove return on investment on real farms.”
For a closer look at where AI adoption stands today and what might influence its role on the farm moving forward, download the MorganMyers AI & Agriculture Report.
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