Artificial intelligence is reshaping farms — from data-driven decision-making to sustainable production. To explore these opportunities and connect innovation with history, Syngenta and the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) recently co-hosted the AI On The Farm & Beyond at the Syngenta R&D Innovation Center in Malta, IL.
The event brought together researchers, industry experts, and local leaders for a deep dive into how AI, data science, and human ingenuity are advancing the next generation of farming.
Connecting Technology, People, and Purpose
The program opened with José Hinojosa, Site Head of R&D Seeds Development Innovation Center, at Syngenta, who welcomed attendees and framed the day’s theme:
“When technology meets people and purpose, that’s when agriculture moves forward,” said Hinojosa. “This event connects the beauty of technology with the reality of farming — serving growers of all sizes, today and in the future.”
Representing DAAHA, Luke Sebby, who serves as an Executive Director leading corporate and foundation relations at Northern Illinois University (NIU) underscored DAAHA’s mission to link DeKalb County’s pioneering agricultural past to future innovation.
“While celebrating our region’s rich history, we work to cultivate the innovators of tomorrow,” he said.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence
The morning keynote featured Dr. Lei Zhang, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Northern Illinois University (NIU), who unpacked AI through four perspectives — thinking and acting both humanly and rationally.
“There’s no single definition of AI,” Dr. Zhang explained. “Our challenge isn’t teaching machines to think like us, but helping them act rationally — to make the right decisions at the right time.”
He noted that AI’s greatest potential lies not in replacing human intelligence but in amplifying it — especially in industries like agriculture where data and intuition intersect.
AI in Agronomy and Digital Farming
The discussion continued with a panel featuring Justin Welch, Head of Agronomy – North America Seeds, at Syngenta; Bill McDonnell, Digital Solutions Lead and fifth-generation farmer.
Welch described AI as agriculture’s next “internet moment”:
“When I started in 1995, the internet transformed how we shared knowledge. Today, AI feels like that same leap forward.”
He emphasized that Syngenta’s digital platforms, including Cropwise ™, empower agronomists to make faster, more informed decisions — while keeping human expertise at the center.
“AI doesn’t replace agronomists. It augments them,” Welch said. “Think of our advisors as Tony Stark and AI as Jarvis — together they build smarter solutions.”
McDonnell added that integration is the next challenge and opportunity:
“AI’s biggest potential is to connect all the tools farmers use — agronomy, equipment, and finance — into one seamless ecosystem. That’s where AI meets the road.”
Accelerating Research and Data Innovation
Judd Maxwell, Syngenta’s North America Market Segment Lead, showcased how AI is transforming plant breeding and R&D.
“Fifteen years ago, we analyzed trial data by hand,” Maxwell said. “Today, AI processes billions of data points in seconds — accelerating discovery and improving confidence in our decisions.”
Through machine learning and data integration, Syngenta teams are now able to predict hybrid performance, simulate growing conditions, and deliver innovation faster — improving both yield potential and sustainability.
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Global Trends and the Next Frontier
Giru Dhanasekan, Global Automation & Engineering Leader at Syngenta, provided a global view of AI’s evolution — from robotics to “agent AI” systems that can act and learn autonomously.
“Twenty years ago, robots needed to be programmed for every motion. Today, they learn from context,” Dhanasekan said. “Agriculture has an ocean of unstructured data — soil, weather, sensors, and imagery. AI is finally ready to make sense of it.”
He also emphasized the growing importance of edge computing and unified intelligence — technologies that process data locally and allow multiple AI systems to collaborate across industries.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Panelists and attendees agreed that technology offers a powerful bridge for engaging future agricultural leaders.
“Farming today is about data, design, and decision-making,” said McDonnell. “Students who love math or engineering can build meaningful futures in agtech.”
Welch added:
“AI opens agriculture to people who’ve never stepped foot on a farm. The next generation of innovators might come from computer labs, not cornfields.”
Responsible AI and Sustainability
The forum also addressed ethical and environmental considerations. Dr. Zhang urged thoughtful adoption:
“We should use AI confidently but verify results carefully. It’s powerful — and unpredictable.”
Dhanasekan noted that advances in chip efficiency and AI design are reducing the technology’s energy footprint.
“We’re achieving greater intelligence with fewer resources,” he said. “That’s the next frontier for sustainable innovation.”
Partnership in Progress
Moderator Sebby closed by reflecting on the spirit of collaboration that defines DeKalb’s agricultural community:
“AI isn’t just a technological shift — it’s a human one. It’s about trust, creativity, and connection across disciplines. Learn more with DAAHA as we continue our event series in exploring AI in agriculture.”
Hinojosa concluded the day by reinforcing Syngenta’s commitment to shared progress:
“When technology meets people and purpose, that’s when agriculture moves forward. Let’s continue to connect history, technology, and people — that’s how we grow the future.”
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