What AI Really Means for Ag Decision-Makers

“AI won’t replace ag decision-makers—it’ll supercharge them.”

-Cassie Kozyrkov, Former Chief Decision Scientist at Google 

That line gets a lot of nods in meetings these days, and for good reason. Ag commodities are among the most volatile and complex markets on earth, yet many pricing decisions still rely on gut feel and spreadsheets.

As data expands and the pace of change quickens, the old playbook is now beyond inefficient. It’s risky.

At DecisionNext, we’ve seen AI transform how leading ag companies buy, sell, and plan. This shift isn’t about replacement. It’s about amplifying expert judgment, accelerating decision cycles, and raising the stakes—in the best way.

AI Gives Your Team the Tools to Act, Not Just React

Commodity markets are more volatile and interconnected than ever. Traditional, layered decision structures can’t keep up. And forecasting methods—especially for beef markets—are falling short (see here).

Chaos is the new normal. With global trade, climate shifts and demand patterns all in flux, price signals are increasingly unpredictable (more here).

AI is changing that. 

It’s flattening hierarchies and broadening strategic scope, so traders and category managers have the tools to act quickly and confidently. Cassie Kozyrkov notes:

“We’ve seen category managers go from reacting to pricing shifts… to actually shaping forward strategy. That’s the power of data + expert + machine.”

Decision-making is Changing

While AI augments expert’s decisions, it doesn’t automate buy / sell processes. Not by a longshot. The technology handles modeling and data synthesis, but humans need to bring context and course correction.

As we explored in “The Risk of Precision,” the goal isn’t pinpoint predictions. Instead, it’s about providing your team with confidence through quantifying uncertainty.

That clarity enables faster cycles and smarter decisions. For example, one of our customers compressed a months-long pricing review into a weekly rhythm, powered by forecasts that adapt to new inputs overnight.

This capability shift is also changing expectations. As detailed in “How Data and AI Are Driving the Procurement Revolution,” top teams are ditching rule of thumb for data-driven strategy—and being judged by outcomes, not instinct.

How AI Really Helps Ag Decision-Makers

At DecisionNext, we deliver more than forecasts. We help you shape the future. Here’s how our decision systems enhance the decision making of seasoned ag professionals:

• See what’s coming. Transparent, explainable AI forecasts help you anticipate market shifts—not just react to them.
• Pressure-test your instincts. Patented “what if” scenario modeling lets you explore the impact of pricing, timing, and supply moves before committing.
• Simplify complexity. Simulations for price, mix, and formula help turn noise into clarity, so your team can focus on strategy—not spreadsheets.
• Move faster, with more confidence. Customers are seeing 10–20x ROI in the first year, thanks to faster decision cycles and fewer costly surprises.

This isn’t automation for its own sake. It’s AI that makes your best people even better.

Smarter Decisions Start Here

Success in the agribusiness landscape now depends on your team moving faster, thinking more strategically, and acting with clarity.

That’s where AI—done right—comes in. It’s not intended to be a replacement for judgment, but as a force multiplier for it. At DecisionNext, we build solutions that help you navigate the volatility and make smarter, more confident business decisions, every time.

If your team is ready to move from gut feel to future-focused strategy, let’s talk—schedule a demo today.