Artificial intelligence is expected to play a major role in the future of Australian farming, with industry experts saying the technology could significantly reduce the daily workload carried by women working on farms and in regional communities. The topic was a key focus at the Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference held in Orange, New South Wales, where speakers highlighted how AI is already changing agricultural practices and is likely to become even more influential over the coming decade.

Ag-tech consultant Vi Nguyen, chief executive of Ryka Global, told conference delegates that women in agriculture often manage a wide range of responsibilities each day, including farm operations, finances, livestock, crop management, family commitments, education and household tasks. She said artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce much of this mental workload by automating routine activities and providing smarter decision-making tools.

According to Nguyen, Australian farmers are already benefiting from technologies such as autonomous tractors, satellite livestock monitoring, soil sensors and precision farming systems. She said future developments in AI-powered equipment, robotics and automated machinery could further improve productivity while reducing costs, waste and manual labour across agricultural businesses.

Nguyen also described how she has been working with the NSW Drought Coordinator to collect and analyse hundreds of stories from farmers across the state. Artificial intelligence has been used to record, organise and summarise this information, making it easier to identify common challenges and opportunities facing regional communities. She said these insights are helping improve understanding of how technology can support farmers in different environments.

During the conference, examples were shared of producers already achieving measurable benefits through digital technologies. One grain farmer used soil moisture and nutrient sensors to better manage fertiliser applications, resulting in an estimated 20 per cent reduction in fertiliser use during a recent growing season. Industry experts believe wider adoption of AI-based tools could deliver similar improvements across many agricultural sectors.

The conference also explored broader issues affecting women in agriculture, including leadership, climate resilience, innovation and inclusion. Agricultural leader Pip Job encouraged greater diversity within the sector, saying stronger decision-making is achieved when leadership reflects a wider range of experiences and backgrounds. She emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for First Nations people, migrants and other underrepresented groups within Australian agriculture.

Participants agreed that while AI is unlikely to replace farmers, it will increasingly become a valuable tool that supports better planning, improves efficiency and allows producers to focus on higher-value work. However, speakers also noted the importance of ensuring rural communities have access to digital infrastructure, training and education so they can confidently adopt emerging technologies.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, industry leaders believe Australian agriculture is well positioned to benefit from smarter farming practices that improve productivity while reducing pressure on farming families. They said ongoing collaboration between technology providers, governments and agricultural organisations will be essential to ensure the benefits of AI are shared across regional Australia and help strengthen the future of the nation's farming industry.