The Southern Seed Association Convention in Nashville, TN was full of networking and educational opportunities. (Chris Lusvardi photos)
The Southern Seed Association Convention in Nashville, TN was full of networking and educational opportunities. (Chris Lusvardi photos)

Nashville, TN (January 22, 2024) – The development and potential of artificial intelligence, or AI, was discussed during the Southern Seed Association Convention Jan. 12-15 in Nashville, TN.

For photos from the convention, see the Seed Today Facebook page.

The ability of AI to be used in conversational form has come a long way, says Dr. Douglas H. Fisher, associate professor of Computer Science; of Computer Engineering; of Communication of Science and Technology (affiliated) at Vanderbilt University.

“I didn’t think we’d be at this level of competence in my lifetime,” Fisher says. “It has been quite impressive.”

He explains AI can be used to provide information and is mastering natural language to generate a more polished output. Call center operators, for example, will look at AI suggestions to provide information and assistance to customers.

While AI can be beneficial, Fisher says it has drawbacks, including misinformation, intellectual theft, and being inappropriate.

In terms of being inappropriate, Fisher notes it does not understand emotion, but that ability is something he thinks is on the horizon. AI can be used as an intermediary between people and provide information as part of a productive discourse.

Because of the way it combines information, Fisher adds AI isn’t always accurate, nor does it properly credit sources. That’s where humans can still be involved in making final decisions, he says.

“AI compliments human thought to become better collective reasoners for the future,” Fisher says.

Notes

Fisher was one of three speakers during the convention.

  • Pat Miller, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) director of state affairs, provided a policy update, including efforts at the state level to regulate treated seed.
  • Dr. John Newton, chief economist, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry (Ranking Member Sen. John Boozman, R-AR) provided an update about the Farm Bill.
  • Activities during the convention included a Grand Ole Opry show at the Ryman Auditorium, golf at TopGolf, a tour and dinner at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and President’s Reception and Banquet featuring a scholarship drawdown and silent auction.

Written by Chris Lusvardi, Seed Today editor


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Steve DeJong, right, of Profile Industries provides an equipment demonstration during the Trade Show.
Steve DeJong, right, of Profile Industries provides an equipment demonstration during the Trade Show.
Exhibitors at the convention.
Exhibitors at the convention.
The view of downtown Nashville Jan. 15, where snow caused delays for those traveling to and from the convention.
The view of downtown Nashville Jan. 15, where snow caused delays for those traveling to and from the convention.