John Deere pilots AI assistant that taps farm data for advice

John Deere is testing an AI assistant called JD that uses farmers' own field, machine, and operational data to answer questions about equipment settings, fuel usage, and harvest timing. The company emphasizes its data commitment, saying it won't sell farm data and lets farmers control third-party sharing. The press release did not specify which AI technology powers the platform.

The JD assistant is currently in an Early Access Program for select US customers through the John Deere Operations Center, with broader availability planned across web and mobile platforms before eventually reaching in-cab displays on tractors and other equipment. The company also intends to extend the assistant's capabilities beyond farming into turf management, construction, roadbuilding, and forestry sectors.

John Deere's announcement includes a ten-point Farmer Data Commitment outlining data practices, including pledges not to sell farm data, allowing farmers to choose which third parties receive their information, and permitting users to halt data flow to third parties at any time. The company also states it will not use farm data for commodity trading or speculation. The press release did not identify the underlying AI technology powering the platform.