b'RETAIL STRATEGYCROP VARIETY IDARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI)- When I first heard about powered variety identificationthe concept of using digital technology is transforming theimagery and AI for variety GOES HIGH-TECH agricultural landscape withidentification, I thought it was unprecedented speed and pre- pretty far-fetched. I couldnt cision. By leveraging advancedsee it working, he says. digital imaging and artificialBut the results were unde-Artificial intelligence is revolutionizingintelligence, this innovationniable.how crop varieties are identified, and theidentifies varieties in crops likeAfter providing seed barley in minutes.samples to help ZoomAgri potential for the technology is great.For Canadas seed indus- refine its algorithms, Hyra put Marc Zienkiewicz try, the stakes couldnt bethe system to the test. Among higher as this technologythe samples was a 10-year-could redefine efficiency andold barley variety he had unlock untapped potentiallong forgotten about. Within for growers and breedersminutes, the AI identified it nationwide. Todd Hyra,with 97-98% accuracy as AC western business manager forMetcalfe, a variety consistent SeCan, originally encounteredwith its age. Hyra was floored.this technology, specifi- To generate results in cally a machine powered bytwo to three minutes with Argentinas ZoomAgri, inthat level of accuracyits 2023.amazing.34 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2025'