When I first started writing about how digital technologies would transform the nature of dairy farming, I was struck by the fact that on farms it resonated with the under-30s but received a cold response from their elders. In family farm groups milking 2,000 to 20,000 cows, it was usually the son or daughter who engaged and became excited about what technology could do, and, more importantly, how it would change the nature of their work. In deciding to return to the farm, they were often not motivated by the prospect of doing the same jobs that fill 14-hour days. Instead, they were looking for work-life balance and seeking smarter ways to get the job done, not just opportunities to provide physical labor.
While dairying might still be a tradition-bound industry, this generation is driving a quiet transformation. Curious, tech-savvy young farmers see innovation not as a disruption but as an opportunity.
Recent studies underscore a clear trend: Younger, better-educated dairy farmers, especially those managing larger herds, consistently demonstrate more positive attitudes toward e-Extension and digital tools. In Europe, young dairy farmers (particularly in the 25 to 44 age bracket) overwhelmingly believe information technology makes farming easier, with nearly two-thirds already using some form of IT on their farm.
Young dairy farmers are more likely to have encountered digital technologies in their academic or professional training, and they are implementing robotic milking, IoT devices, smart AI cameras and data-driven management systems to enhance productivity and ensure sustainability. The technology is not just for cows. Farmers are adopting soil moisture sensors, remote monitoring of crops and weed detection software, helping them optimize inputs while significantly boosting forage and grain yields on the farm.
An article in the Journal of Dairy Science (August 2024) shows how a European “Living Lab” found that farmers, young ones in particular, value technologies that promote autonomy, competence and ease of use. They prefer solutions that help shape tools that provide convenience, enhance understanding of on-farm problems and foster self-reliance. In other words, young dairy farmers are not blind adopters; they critically evaluate technology through the lens of usability and fit.
Despite their enthusiasm, young dairy farmers face real obstacles. Technology and connectivity costs, limited infrastructure and gaps in digital literacy, particularly in rural communities, often impede adoption. Their openness also reflects awareness of organizational support. Studies have found that peer networks, Extension services and government trust significantly influence willingness to adopt new practices.
Young farmers on smaller farms face particular challenges that I hear about often. Their hope was that technology would allow them to manage the farm remotely and supplement farm income with a second job. The reality, however, is that technology adoption will still favor larger farms and consolidation, especially when it requires more sophisticated tools. Recent activity on social media platforms such as Reddit confirm this.
One young farmer commented: “Usually new technology is too expensive to be worth it for small/medium farmers.”
Another added: “Most producers are small to medium... How innovations operate in those environments should be a deliberate objective of extension services.”
These reflections reinforce that cost and access remain significant hurdles even for those eager to embrace change.
Some of the work I’ve been involved with and published online, particularly on my LinkedIn, suggests the producers of the future will rely less on the university they attended, the wealth of their parents or their general knowledge, and more on their ability to leverage AI, specifically to write prompts that generate the most accurate responses from ChatGPT or other LLMs.
Looking forward, the next steps.
Young dairy farmers are redefining the milk industry, not just on the farm but also by collaborating with startup and scale-up innovations. They are eager to adopt tools and systems that make dairy production smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. AI studies suggest the farmers of the future will require very different skills. Yet the progress of young producers taking over from their parents will depend on supportive policies, inclusive design, accessible training and investment in rural digital infrastructure.
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