Marketplace Tech Farming in the digital age
Jan 7, 2026
Andrew Nelson, a fifth-generation farmer and software engineer from Farmington, Washington, shares insights on modern farming. He discusses how GPS-guided tractors and digitization have revolutionized agricultural practices. Nelson highlights the use of drones and AI for effective weed detection, showcasing the tech's precision. He also mentions leveraging large language models as research assistants to aid in crop management decisions. With a focus on optimizing existing equipment, he emphasizes resourcefulness in farming today.
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AI Revealed Weeds Andrew Missed
- Andrew Nelson tested drone-based mapping and an AI weed model on his fields to compare human observation with automated detection.
- The AI found heavy weed areas but detected 25–50% of outliers that Andrew had missed by eye.
From Tractors To Data-Driven Fields
- Digitization shifted farming from mechanical automation to data-driven, granular field management with GPS and mapping tools.
- Breaking fields into smaller parts enables closer scrutiny and targeted interventions for better outcomes.
Use AI As A Secondary Sounding Board
- Use large language models and AI as fast, secondary sounding boards for agronomic questions while working in the field.
- Combine AI outputs with human experts and existing equipment rather than immediately buying new tools.