John Deere is trialling a new JD AI assistant designed to help farmers increase profitability by drawing on their own agricultural data. The tool provides answers about best practices and historical trends, using a farmer’s field, machine and operational data to respond to queries on topics such as equipment settings, fuel usage and harvest timing.
The assistant is being made available to select customers in the United States through the John Deere Operations Center as part of an Early Access Program. The company plans a broader roll-out across web and mobile platforms, with the aim of eventually bringing the AI assistant to in-cab displays on tractors and other farm machinery.
Data privacy commitments
The launch arrives alongside the company’s 10-point Farmer Data Commitment, following years of disputes with farmers and the Federal Trade Commission over the right to repair. Under the commitment, John Deere states that it does not sell farm data and gives farmers control over third-party sharing.
The pledges confirm that farmers control their own farm data, and that John Deere uses it only as described in its agreements and policies, communicating any changes clearly before they take effect. Dealers and connected partners will be required to maintain transparent data practices. Farmers can choose which third parties to share data with, and can turn off the flow of that data to third parties at any time.
The company further states that it does not use farm data for agriculture commodity trading or speculation. It says it uses farm data, together with aggregated and anonymised data, to deliver measurable value through improved machine performance and decision-making insights. John Deere adds that it will continue to listen to farmers, strengthen its data practices and develop new solutions.
Wider industry roll-out planned
Beyond agriculture, John Deere says it intends to expand the AI assistant with capabilities tailored to customers across turf, construction, roadbuilding and forestry. The underlying AI technology behind the platform has not been specified.
For now, the assistant remains in testing with select US customers, with the phased expansion set to reach more platforms and, in time, the equipment cab itself.
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