Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days — in auto-generated summaries in your emails, web searches, social media videos and more. It has its place in business, but not without risk.

A real-world discussion about the potential risks of an open source AI tool (think ChatGPT) landed in our own leadership team meeting, where we’ve been discussing a staff policy for our company.

Before we get to the example, here’s what “open source AI” means. According to Open Source Initiative, it is an AI system that, under terms, grants freedom to be:

• Used for any purpose and without having to ask for permission.
• Studied in full with components inspected.
• Modified for any purpose, including output changes.
• Shared for others’ use with or without modifications, and for any purpose.

It helps a system learn. But it also makes the information available to the masses — without additional permissions required.

Now to the story. We were made aware of a firm that had discovered a clever use of AI scanning as a means to determine whether financial documents were fraudulently altered. A great application, to be sure. But if open source AI was used by any of its staff, that information could also end up “out there” for other unintended uses.

We share this story only as a cautionary tale to encourage you to make sure you’re fully educated on AI’s risks — and to craft an AI policy. That should detail where it can and cannot be used, and if so, to use premium-level protections. And actions for its unauthorized use.

AI in the Dealership

Last week, we were hired to run a focus group of dealers to examine AI and where it “might” make sense in the equipment business. The group was more excited than concerned about AI. One dealer was excited about how it could help the always overworked service techs find efficiency gains. For example, a tech could start off by typing something as simple as “The tractor is doing (fill in the blank).” An AI tool, he says, could then quickly suggest a starting point for the tech’s troubleshooting.

Another dealer, mostly positive about AI and what it could offer, also cited concerns about its degree of use in what must remain a relationship business. He is confident that AI can provide better customer service.

“Our customers — and us — are concerned about privacy and we need to ensure we can protect their data,” he adds. “We also need to explore how to use AI without overreliance nor losing the human touch critical to our business.”

Another dealer is looking into using AI to screen and triage phone calls. Parts department and inventory management were also identified for potential with AI.

Our focus group was one limited look at where the industry could, for better or for worse, go with AI. We’ll keep you updated on trends, but also want to hear from you, too.

Despite a tough year for ag, we’re pleased to share this Farm Equipment in your hands set an ALL-TIME record for a last-of-the-year edition. Thanks for the support, and to the continued momentum in 2026!