Stefani Lord, a House representative from New Mexico, has said that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to enhance rather than replace traditional agriculture, with an emphasis on sustainability and community benefits. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"Today's discussions on AI in agriculture made one thing clear: Technology is not here to replace our ranchers and farmers but to support them," said Lord, New Mexico State Representative for 22nd District (R). "AI is about efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. The key is balance: honoring the deep tradition of ranching and while embracing innovations that protect land, animals, and communities for the next generation. This isn't about being “pro” or “anti” AI."
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing agricultural policy in New Mexico and across the United States. Lawmakers are examining how AI can improve sustainability and bolster rural resilience. According to Source New Mexico, state legislators have recently held hearings to discuss the ethics of AI. Additionally, New Mexico State University is utilizing AI for various agricultural applications, including livestock tracking, irrigation control, and drought prediction. These efforts are part of a larger conversation about technological equity and access in rural areas.
The Center of Excellence at New Mexico State University reports that in 2024, AI-powered tools were employed to monitor drought conditions, optimize rangeland irrigation, and track cattle using GPS and satellite technology. These systems have been tested in field trials and research farms, indicating that public research institutions are driving AI adoption in New Mexico's agriculture sector rather than private enterprises.
A 2023 report from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service highlights that 70% of large U.S. farms utilized GPS-guided steering systems. In contrast, smaller farms were significantly less likely to adopt AI-enabled technologies. This urban-rural divide points to notable disparities in access to precision agriculture tools across the nation between 2020 and 2025.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Representative Stefani Lord is a Republican legislator who has served District 22 since 2021. She holds a degree in psychology from Portland State University and has worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Currently chairing the House Rural Development, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee, Lord advocates for expanding rural technology and implementing AI-driven solutions in agriculture.
