WIA Takeaway: The Impact of Weather on Ag
- Michelle Pelletier Marshall
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Executive Summary of Weather Panel at WIA Summit 2025*, Orlando, Florida (October 14, 2025)
** Read more about this panel in this Successful Farming takeaway from the moderator of the panel.
Closing out the first day of content at the 14th annual Women in Agribusiness Summit last month in Orlando, Florida, was the Weather Impact Panel. Moderated by Lisa Faust Prater, executive editor with Successful Farming, and including as panelists: "Captain" Bill Kirk, co-founder of Weather Trends International; John Coleman of Parametric Agriculture, North America, Munich Re; and Natalja Skuratovic, senior account executive with Earth Daily Agro, this session delved into the complex nexus of weather forecasting, AI-driven analytics, and their combined impact on global agriculture. These expert speakers offered a multi-faceted look at how leveraging data and technology can enhance decision-making and mitigate risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. Because we all know that weather is a critical driver of crop yields, livestock health, and the overall agricultural productivity, and adapting in this ever-changing environment is key for stakeholders.
Weather Forecasting and Its Impact on Agriculture
The central theme of the discussion was the critical role of weather forecasting in agricultural decision-making. Bill "Captain" Kirk, co-founder of Weather Trends International, highlighted the growing need for precise weather predictions, particularly in light of increasingly extreme weather events. He illustrated how accurate forecasts can influence everything from crop planting to market prices. Modeling techniques that offer farmers and agribusinesses strategic foresight were noted, but duly noted was the importance of quality data and its interpretation, especially in light of the reliance on AI.
The Role of AI in Modern Agribusiness
Thanks to AI's ability to process massive volumes of data quickly, the speed of decision-making and competitiveness has increased. But, cautioned speaker Natalja Skuratovic, senior account executive with Earth Daily Agro, "AI's answers are only as good as the data it processes," as she noted that making time to double-check outputs and using trusted data sources are necessities to avoid costly errors.
The Economic Influence of Data-Driven Insights
Discussing innovative financial tools like parametric derivatives that allow agribusinesses to hedge against weather-related risks, John Coleman of Parametric Agriculture, North America, Munich Re, introduced WIA attendees to protective risk management strategies. Through real-world examples of how these tools are essential for companies dealing with volatile crop yields, Coleman illustrated how data analytics not only enhance operational efficiency but also protect economic interests by providing crucial financial security.
Global Implications and Market Dynamics
The world is more inter-connected than ever before, and even more so the global reach of weather in agriculture. And while crop rotation and integrated pest management can aid in battling weather situations, a hurricane in the Southeast still means devastation to crops and livestock with effects that trickle through the global supply chain while; and a drought, like the one that caused record-low water levels in 2024 in the Panama Canal reduced daily ship transits by more than a third, leading to significant global trade disruptions that had ripple effects throughout this year. And, over the last year, very favorable conditions for growing soybeans in Brazil made it easy for them to provide more soybean exports to China, replacing orders that used to flow from the U.S.
"Farmers are increasingly paying attention to international weather patterns because global competition and fluctuating market demands ultimately decide the fate of farming operations," remarked moderator Lisa Faust Prater, executive editor with Successful Farming.
The skilled speakers and industry experts on this panel made it clear how the convergence of weather data, AI, and strategic financial tools is shaping the future of agriculture. While challenges in accuracy and data quality remain, the benefits of these technological advancements help leverage critical insights for farmers and agribusinesses to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring both resilience and profitability in the agricultural sector.
*The 2025 Women in Agribusiness Summit welcomed more than 700+ attendees from 40 U.S. states and 8 countries, as well as 200 attending companies, 60+ industry expert speakers, 25+ hours of dedicated networking and many special activities. Read more about it here, and mark your calendar to join us for the 15th anniversary WIA Summit in New Orleans, September 22-24, 2026.
