Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by author and rural policy expert Brian Reisinger to discuss how artificial intelligence could reshape Wisconsin agriculture and rural communities. Drawing from a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel op-ed, Reisinger argued that the next evolution of AI—Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—could accelerate consolidation across the farming industry by making advanced technology increasingly accessible only to the largest operations. Without deliberate planning, he warned, smaller family farms and rural manufacturers could be left behind as automation reshapes the workforce.
Reisinger said the solution is not to slow AI development but to ensure it benefits businesses of every size. He called for greater collaboration between technology companies, universities and policymakers to develop AI tools that help smaller farms increase productivity rather than simply replacing workers or forcing consolidation. He also suggested workforce training, targeted tax policies and other transition support could help rural communities adapt while preserving local jobs and businesses.
The conversation concluded with a discussion about the Trump administration’s move to expand legal migrant labor pathways for dairy farms. Reisinger said the change addresses a longstanding workforce challenge by making it easier for dairy operations to hire workers through existing agricultural visa programs. While acknowledging the political debate surrounding immigration, he argued the policy reflects the practical labor needs of Wisconsin agriculture and could provide meaningful relief for farmers already facing economic pressures.
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