Imagine an advisor available day or night, ready to tackle your toughest farming challenges. Farmer Business Network (FBN) is making this vision a reality with “Norm,” an AI tool designed to deliver instant, expert advice tailored to your farm. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, FBN is helping farmers work smarter, solve problems faster, and make their operations more efficient than ever before.
Charles Baron, CEO of Farmer Business Network, explains that FBN is revolutionizing the way farmers engage with technology. “FBN is a whole different way of looking at agriculture,” he says. “We’re now taking it to the next level with AI, and we believe it has the potential to transform farming, especially as we move into the 2025 growing season.”
At its core, FBN’s new AI tool, “Norm,” is not just another general AI. Instead, it’s a highly specialized agricultural advisor trained to address complex farming questions. Unlike traditional searches on platforms like Google, farmers can simply ask Norm for advice, and the AI will deliver tailored responses, pulling from vast agricultural knowledge including chemical compatibility, seed logic, and more.
“Norm is designed to function as a true advisor,” Baron says. “Farmers can ask questions on everything from crop rotations to chemical mixes, and it will provide guidance based on real-world data and extensive training. It’s available 24/7, providing expert answers when you need them most.”
One example of Norm’s capabilities comes from a farmer in Arkansas, who asked for help in optimizing a crop rotation over the next decade. “Norm analyzed market conditions, agronomy, and input costs to develop a customized rotation plan,” Baron explains. “These are questions that typically require expert input from multiple sources, but now, Norm can deliver this at the touch of a button.”
While FBN started a decade ago as a platform for sharing agricultural data, it has since evolved into a comprehensive e-commerce system for farmers. With over 100,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, FBN now offers everything from crop protection products to livestock supplies. But the company’s vision doesn’t stop there.
“We aim to create a complete platform for farmers,” Baron says. “From input purchases to crop marketing and sustainability programs, we want FBN to be the one-stop-shop that powers every aspect of farm management.”
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the platform, FBN plans to expand Norm’s capabilities even further. Baron notes that, over time, the AI will not only provide farming advice but will also integrate with FBN’s seed performance profiles and other data sources. “Imagine asking Norm specific questions about seed genetics or customized crop inputs for your farm’s unique conditions. It’s a whole new level of precision,” he says.
Despite the promise of AI, Baron acknowledges its limitations. “AI can have its flaws, such as ‘hallucinations’ or errors in data interpretation. But that’s why we encourage farmers to always consult with agronomists before making final decisions,” he cautions.
