MSU Extension preps ‘AI to Answers’ launch

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension Service project aimed at helping agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals build digital marketing skills with artificial intelligence has received funding through the AgriProspects Workforce Development Network.

Led by MSU Extension economist James Barnes, AI to Answers is among a second round of Extension Foundation grants through the AgriProspects Workforce Development Network supported by a $1 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The grants are made possible through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce.

Barnes said AI to Answers will expand access to AI-focused marketing training through a stackable credential pathway designed for agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals. 

“Nobody we serve has time to become an AI expert, and they don’t need to,” Barnes said. “Using AI, an agritourism operation can draft a season of marketing in an afternoon, and a county agent can save hours creating promotional materials for their programs -- the workshop just shows them how, in plain English.”

By combining digital marketing education with AI training, the program aims to address market access challenges, establish standardized competencies and prepare participants for success in an increasingly digital agricultural economy. AI to Answers workshops are being scheduled across the Southeast, including in Mississippi and Alabama.

The effort builds on MSU Extension’s Bricks-to-Clicks Marketing program. Participants will learn to use applications such as Claude and ChatGPT, alongside existing digital marketing and outreach training offered through the Extension Foundation’s online platform.

Bricks-to-Clicks has helped food, agriculture and rural small businesses grow through digital marketing since 2012, offering live workshops, online courses, one-on-one coaching, a podcast and the weekly Traction newsletter. 

Barnes is partnering with MSU’s Southern Rural Development Center and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University on the project.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses connect with customers and compete in the marketplace,” said Terence Norwood, Extension specialist at Alabama A&M University. “Our team at Alabama A&M is excited to co-lead this work in helping Alabama’s agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals build the digital skills needed to grow and succeed.”

Roseanne Scammahorn, associate director of the MSU Southern Rural Development Center, said the AI project reflects SRDC’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions that support rural prosperity and economic resilience.

“By helping agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals develop AI-enhanced marketing skills, the project creates new opportunities for growth and competitiveness,” Scammahorn said. “We are excited to collaborate with our partners and look forward to being part of the meaningful impact this work will bring to rural communities.”

To be notified when workshop dates are announced, join the online waitlist at https://brickstoclicks.extension.msstate.edu/aitoanswers. Organizations interested in hosting a workshop can contact Barnes at james.barnes@msstate.edu.