Windemuller’s transition from traditional management to data-driven farming was catalyzed by the installation of the robots and sensor collars in 2017. Initially overwhelmed by the influx of real-time data, he diligently learned to analyze the numbers, a habit formed by meticulously tracking his herd’s performance every six weeks. This shift empowered him, with both his breeding numbers and cull rates quickly moving from well below the industry average to well above it. This success validated his realization that data truly trains and empowers a dairy farmer, making them a sharper manager.

The profound impact of technology led Windemuller to become a Nuffield Scholar, allowing him to travel to more than 15 countries to observe the global application of AI and automation in agriculture. Drawing inspiration from a Jeff Bezos podcast, he formed his central thesis: AI is a “horizontal enabling layer,” similar to electricity in the early 20th century, but potentially even more transformative. He argues that AI is not a single tool but the foundational technology that will power nearly every new system for the next generation of agriculture, like integrated visual technologies and humanoid robots.

While the opportunities are vast, Windemuller identifies significant roadblocks to AI integration, including the necessity for high data quality and interoperability, current infrastructural issues, and the challenge of overcoming farm worker fear of technology and governance barriers. He stresses that farms must foster a culture of innovation and embrace data stewardship, suggesting simple steps like using software for managing team schedules or feed prices as entry points to understanding AI’s potential and preparing for the inevitable digital transformation.