Niagara Falls, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – Artificial intelligence is already more embedded in agriculture than many producers realize, and understanding how to use it effectively could help businesses make better decisions and remain competitive.
That’s the message Nicole Hayes, director of innovation at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), will bring to the Advancing Women conference, where she will present Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture.
Hayes, who has spent more than 20 years with FCC, leads efforts to explore and adopt emerging technologies that create value for employees, customers and the broader agriculture and food industry.
Her presentation will focus on cutting through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence to identify practical applications and opportunities for agricultural businesses.
“It’s one of those topics where you can really experience that continuous learning,” says Hayes. “AI itself is evolving, it’s growing, it’s kind of that hot topic right now. But every day there’s something new coming out, new applications, new uses for it. And I think the cool part that I’ve experienced, and how closely we work with producers, is just seeing that evolution from their perspective as well.”
Hayes says producers are often surprised to learn they’re already using AI regularly, whether it’s the equipment they’re using or other practices they’ve introduced within their operations. As they become more familiar with examples of AI embedded in their equipment and existing practices, they can begin to recognize its potential value.
“In some ways, we would actually say that our producers are actually a little bit ahead of the curve because they have been using it in how they’ve operated for so long. So if we can help them understand that and help them see the value that it can bring to enhance that decision-making, that’s where we can see the real synergies between introducing and the further introduction of artificial intelligence across agriculture.”
Hayes said FCC has seen success with AI initiatives and plans to share real-world examples during her presentation, giving conference attendees a clearer picture of how the technology can support the industry.
She also wants to address concerns about AI replacing the human element in agriculture and business.
“The use of AI isn’t meant to replace that human connection and interaction,” Hayes says. “What we like to say is it’s really there to enhance and to help the decision-making process rather than to replace it.”
Her presentation also comes at a time when women in agriculture are increasingly being encouraged to take leadership roles in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
Hayes understands that some of these topics can feel intimidating, particularly when gender biases influence whether women see themselves as potential leaders or experts in technology.
Her hope is that conversations at the conference will help demonstrate that women can step into these roles and be recognized for their expertise.
Hayes previously attended the Advancing Women conference in the West, where she participated in a panel discussion. She said the energy in the room, the audience’s willingness to ask questions and the connections formed between attendees stood out.
She expects the same appetite for learning and sharing experiences to help drive conversations at the upcoming event.
To learn more about the AWC East 2026 Conference or register to attend, you can visit the website.
