By Andi Anderson
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is hosting a new webinar session focused on helping agricultural organizations successfully adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The event is part of the three-part AI at Work in Agriculture webinar series, which explores how businesses can move from experimenting with AI tools to achieving practical results and measurable value.
Scheduled for July 2, 2026, the webinar series is designed for professionals, students, and anyone interested in the growing role of AI in agriculture. Each session focuses on a different stage of AI implementation, allowing participants to attend individual sessions or complete the full series.
The second session, titled Addressing Key Concerns with AI, examines the common challenges that often slow AI adoption in agriculture. Topics include data protection, information ownership, cost management, and the transition from small-scale pilot projects to solutions that deliver a clear return on investment (ROI).
The session will be led by Dan Maycock, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Dataplai, Visiting Researcher at NC State University, and Member of the FCC Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force. He will share insights on how agricultural businesses can address obstacles that arise when expanding AI projects from testing stages to real-world operations.
The webinar will cover several important areas, including securing agricultural data, managing ownership of information, controlling technology-related expenses, and understanding the difference between proof-of-concept projects and ROI-driven solutions. These issues are becoming increasingly important as farms and agribusinesses adopt advanced digital technologies.
Dan Maycock brings extensive experience in artificial intelligence, data management, and agricultural technology. Through his work at Dataplai, he has supported growers, food processors, and supply chain operators in implementing data-driven solutions. His background also includes research, consulting, and participation in national discussions on agricultural connectivity and innovation.
A key benefit of the webinar series is its accessibility. All sessions are free and open to the public. Participants who attend all three sessions and successfully complete the course requirements through CAST’s online platform will receive a Certificate of Completion in AI at Work in Agriculture. The certificate can be shared on professional platforms such as LinkedIn and within organizations.
As AI continues to transform modern agriculture, understanding how to use these technologies responsibly and effectively is becoming increasingly valuable. The webinar series aims to provide practical knowledge that helps agricultural professionals make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and maximize the value of their technology investments.
By addressing real-world concerns and offering expert guidance, the program supports the agricultural sector's ongoing transition toward smarter, data-driven operations.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Education