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In this special What's Working in Ag segment, the Farm4Profit team previews TechHub Live 2026, one of the leading agricultural technology events in North America. Joining the conversation is Grace from TechHub Live, who shares what attendees can expect when the event returns to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, July 20–22. The discussion covers: Why TechHub Live continues to attract farmers, retailers, agronomists, technology providers, and ag innovators from across the country The unique combination of education, networking, live demonstrations, and technology showcases Opportunities for farmers to interact directly with ag technology companies and provide valuable feedback The growing role of precision agriculture, automation, data management, and emerging technologies in modern farming Keynote presentations from leaders representing Land O'Lakes, Amazon Web Services, and Purdue University Special programming, including the Executive Forum and Women in AgTech events Why relationship-building remains one of the biggest reasons attendees return year after year The Farm4Profit crew also shares their own experiences from previous TechHub Live events, including panel discussions, interviews with industry leaders, and opportunities to see the latest innovations before they hit the mainstream market. For farmers looking to stay ahead of emerging trends, evaluate new technology investments, and connect with some of the brightest minds in agriculture, TechHub Live provides a unique opportunity to see where the industry is headed and how technology can be turned into measurable results on the farm. Whether you're a producer, retailer, agronomist, ag technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of agriculture, this episode provides an inside look at why TechHub Live has become one of the industry's most valuable events. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC (AIM:LST, FRA:9FD) CEO Simon Deacon tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion that a new surface mount technology (SMT) production line is set to increase capacity in its contract electronics manufacturing division by around 50% after the company secured a new partnership. That takes potential revenues from a previous peak of about £9 million to roughly £14–15 million. Deacon said the upgrade also improves efficiency, accuracy and overall product quality through faster and more precise component placement. Looking ahead, he highlighted opportunities across healthcare, medical technology and defence, where demand for UK-based manufacturing continues to rise. He also flagged ongoing momentum in AgTech, including automation and controlled environment agriculture, as key longer-term growth drivers. For more interviews and market insights, visit the Proactive YouTube channel. Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel and enable notifications so you never miss future content. #LightScienceTechnologies #SimonDeacon #SMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #ContractManufacturing #UKManufacturing #HealthcareTechnology #MedicalTechnology #DefenceIndustry #AgTech #FoodSecurity #ManufacturingGrowth #IndustrialTechnology #Investing #SmallCaps
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.Expect to Learn:What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumenHow to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accountingStrategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teamsNavigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding"Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert BlandingRobert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.Follow Robert:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert
AgTech Week in underway in the Fargo area. The top ag officials from the Dakotas and Minnesota acknowledged the challenges facing agriculture at the Midwest Ag Summit - which took place Tuesday morning in the Butler Building at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The company has been acknowledged for its "world's first autonomous, real-time fungal surveillance network" that utilises patented artificial intelligence and automated microscopy.
This week's Open Mic guest is Dr. Scott Hutchins, Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hutchins says the USDA's Proving Grounds for Network for AgTech will help farmers adopt technologies to improve production and boost efficiency. Hutchins says the USDA restructuring will streamline operations, strengthen leadership accountability and position resources closer to the ag communities USDA serves.
Tim and Tyler discuss some signs that we may finally be at the bottom of the agtech cycle. Plus, we talk about Shane Thomas' principles for the modern agribusiness professional. — This episode is presented by Ambrook. — Links Principles for the Modern Agribusiness Professional Herbet Diess Electric Tractors
Send us Fan MailFor decades, agriculture and energy were treated as separate worlds. But what happens when farms become part of the global energy infrastructure? Ofer Haviv joins us to discuss the rise of castor as a next-generation industrial crop, the future of sustainable aviation fuel, and how AI-driven biology is transforming agriculture itself.Ofer Haviv is CEO of Casterra ( https://casterra.co/ ) and longtime President and CEO of Evogene ( https://evogene.com/ ), one of the pioneers in computational biology and AI-driven agricultural innovation.For more than two decades, Ofer has helped lead the transformation of crop science from traditional breeding into a data-driven discipline powered by predictive biology, artificial intelligence, and advanced genomics. He played a key role in Evogene's spin-off from Compugen in 2002 and has guided the company through its evolution into a global computational biology platform with applications spanning agriculture, human health, industrial biotechnology, and sustainable materials.Today, Ofer also serves as CEO of Casterra, an Evogene subsidiary focused on transforming castor farming into a scalable industrial platform for the future bioeconomy. Through elite castor seed varieties and integrated farming solutions, Casterra is helping address growing global demand for sustainable feedstocks used in biofuels, aviation fuel, lubricants, polymers, cosmetics, and other bio-based industries.With increasing pressure on the world to decarbonize transportation, strengthen energy security, and develop more sustainable industrial supply chains, Casterra's work sits at the convergence of agriculture, climate technology, and renewable energy innovation.Ofer holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Tel Aviv University and is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel.#OferHaviv #Casterra #Evogene #Biofuels #SustainableAviationFuel #SAF #ClimateTech #Agriculture #AgTech #Biotech #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ComputationalBiology #RenewableEnergy #GreenEnergy #FutureOfEnergy #IndustrialBiotech #Castor #SustainableFarming #EnergyTransition #Bioeconomy #CarbonNeutral #FutureTech #ClimateInnovation #CleanTech #Aviation #JetFuel #SustainableTechnology #FoodTech #PrecisionAgricultureSupport the show
On this episode of What's On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen dives headfirst into the controversial layers of North Dakota's upcoming election cycle. Scott exposes what he views as a deeply sinister motive behind the seemingly wholesome "free school lunch" constitutional ballot measure, tracing its massive financial backing straight to a militant pro-abortion group out of California. Later, Max Cassette, CFO of local ag-tech star 701x, joins the studio to show off their cutting-edge GPS solar ear tags—a brilliant piece of homegrown innovation that is revolutionizing cattle tracking, slashing calf mortality rates, and restoring sanity to ranchers. In the second half, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak calls in to explain how she is fighting to codify common-sense flexibility into the EPA's burdensome Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) regulations to save American farmers billions in costly repairs. Plus, Michael Mortensen maps out the University of Mary's historic upcoming 5th annual pilgrimage to America's only approved Marian apparition site, and Carter Eisinger of the Cass County Republicans drops by to give a live look at early voting data and outline why local municipal races are the ultimate battleground for property taxes. Standout Moments & Timestamps [00:01:01] The Million-Dollar School Lunch Scheme: Scott unpacks why an out-of-state special interest group is pouring massive money into a "mom and apple pie" free lunch ballot measure to quietly build a massive database of progressive voters. [00:02:12] Wealthy vs. Needy: Scott challenges the lack of means testing in the proposed legislation, arguing that wealthy families shouldn't have their children's meals heavily subsidized by average taxpayers. [00:03:29] Connecting the Ballot Dots: Callers and hosts debate the ultimate end game of the out-of-state funding, warning listeners that this "loss leader" measure is designed to pave the way for reshaping the state's constitutional stance on abortion and state spending. [00:06:22] Breaking News in the Gubernatorial Race: Scott drops live breaking news as the Republican party officially releases its candidates from previous conventions pledges, opening a highly competitive primary path for Lisa Dameth and Ryan Wilson. [00:07:36] 701x High-Tech Cattle Tracking: CFO Max Cassette introduces the XT Pro and XT Light ear tags, explaining how solar-powered cellular and satellite connectivity are changing livestock record-keeping from birth to processing. [00:09:41] Edge AI in the Pasture: Max explains how 701x bypasses the internet by utilizing "Edge Artificial Intelligence" directly on the ear tags to monitor calving behavior and spot sickness days before visual symptoms occur.…
Tim and Tyler have Danny Berstein back on the pod to talk about the latest with Reservoir. — This episode is presented by Ambrook. — Links Reservoir - https://reservoir.co
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Nathan Potter, CEO of Pavilion Farms, to unpack the future of precision agriculture and why Pavilion Farms is now searching for an AgTech Lead to help shape the next chapter of the business.From growing up on chicken farms in Victoria to building a career in management consulting with PwC across Australia and London, Nathan shares the journey that brought him back to the family business and how Pavilion Farms has grown into a large-scale operation focused on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.Nathan explains why he sees poultry farming as “the Formula 1 of agriculture” and how emerging technologies, AI, and real-time monitoring are creating new opportunities to improve animal welfare, farm performance, and operational consistency at scale.The conversation also dives into Pavilion Farms' newly created AgTech Lead role, the mindset they are looking for in candidates, and why curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to solve problems matter more than coming from a traditional farming background.This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity, and Nathan's vision for the future of agriculture.If you'd like to learn more about Pavilion Farms or the AgTech Lead opportunity, head to https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agtech-lead-precision--cgk9The role is live now, and we'd love to hear from anyone interested in the future of agriculture and technology.Key insights from the conversation:How Pavilion Farms grew from a family farm into a large-scale poultry businessWhy Nathan left consulting in London to return to agricultureThe role AI and technology could play in poultry farmingWhy poultry is one of the most data-driven sectors in agricultureWhat the AgTech Lead role will focus on day to dayThe importance of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvementHow technology can improve consistency, welfare, and efficiency at scaleWhy Nathan believes agriculture offers endless opportunities to solve problemsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Pavilion Farms and AgTech Lead Role04:57 Evolution of Pavilion Farms and Industry Changes10:10 Dynamic Between Nathan and His Father in Business12:58 Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities17:14 Precision Agriculture: The Formula 1 of Farming21:07 Team Structure and Operations at Pavilion Farms21:45 Future Opportunities and Technological Evolution in Poultry Farming23:24 Harnessing Technology for Poultry Management25:01 The Role of Ag Tech Lead26:28 Fast Tracking Innovation in Poultry28:15 Understanding the Current Technology Landscape30:46 Incremental Improvements in Poultry Farming32:14 Consistency and Efficiency in Production34:30 The Ideal Candidate for Ag Tech36:06 Passion for Agriculture and Family Legacy37:53 Building Relationships and Change Management38:59 Early Wins and Data-Driven Decisions41:00 Balancing On-Farm and Desk Work43:01 The Importance of Location in Poultry Farming44:08 Recruitment Process and Future Opportunities Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government's agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that's starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it's important to understand what support may be available and what's involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.
Nothing to lose, everything to gain! That's the message to specialty crop farmers from the Walla Walla-based agtech company innov8.ag .
Send us Fan MailAG INNOVATION SERIES | Practical Innovation, Mobble & The Next Generation of Agriculturewith Will BucknellIn this episode of the Ag Innovation Series, Sam Fryer sits down with young producer Will Bucknell from Quambone in north-west New South Wales to explore what innovation actually looks like on the ground for the next generation of Australian agriculture.After growing up on his family's steer trading operation, Will went on to work on large scale cattle stations across Queensland before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College, where he was exposed to a range of emerging technologies and management systems being adopted across the industry.Since returning home, Will and his family have been gradually implementing new technologies into their own operation, including Mobble, smart tagging, spray drones and improved data management systems — all with a strong focus on practicality, efficiency and return on investment.This episode is part of the Ag Innovation Series, a collaboration between Pandaemonium and A Place to Call Home exploring the people, ideas and technologies helping move Australian agriculture forward.This episode is proudly supported by Mobble — a livestock and farm management platform helping producers streamline record keeping, improve communication across teams and simplify day-to-day farm management.To learn more about Mobble, head to:https://www.mobble.io/PandaemoniumWebsite: https://www.pandaemonium.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.andaemonium/If you enjoyed this episodePlease share it with a friend or leave a review — it really helps these stories reach more people across rural Australia and the agriculture industry.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
No estamos hablando solo de sensores, drones o dashboards bonitos.Estamos hablando de algo mucho más interesante: la posibilidad de entender el campo planta por planta.En el episodio 251 de Agrotitanes, conversamos con Facundo Cobreros sobre inteligencia artificial, agricultura de precisión, datos, inversión, biotecnología y el futuro del agro.La pregunta de fondo es incómoda, pero necesaria:¿Estamos entrando a una etapa donde cada planta podrá tener su propio diagnóstico, su propio tratamiento y su propia estrategia de producción?Porque el agro ya genera datos. Muchos. El problema es que todavía usamos una parte mínima de su potencial. Y mientras sigamos acumulando datos sin convertirlos en información, inteligencia y decisiones, solo estaremos coleccionando numeritos caros.Facundo nos lleva por una conversación que conecta geopolítica, seguridad alimentaria, startups, fondos de inversión, uso eficiente de agroquímicos, biológicos, drones, ganadería inteligente y agricultura de precisión.Pero el punto central es claro: la tecnología no sirve de mucho si no resuelve problemas reales del productor.El futuro del agro no está en presumir herramientas. Está en tomar mejores decisiones.Agricultura planta por planta: la nueva frontera del agroYa disponible en Agrotitanes.#Agrotitanes, #Agronauta, #AgTech, #AgriculturaDePrecision, #AgriculturaDigital, #InteligenciaArtificial, #DatosAgricolas, #InnovacionAgricola, #BiotecnologiaAgricola, #StartupsAgro, #CampoInteligente, #AgroLatam
This year as part of their state of the farm report, agtech company Bushel surveyed farmers about their usage of AI.
In this product spotlight episode of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Cole Ambrock, Sales & Marketing Manager with KWS Seeds Canada and an Alberta farmer who brings both industry expertise and real-world farming experience to the conversation. Cole shares a firsthand look at his experience growing hybrid rye under extremely dry fall conditions and why he stayed committed to the crop despite a long stretch without moisture. From planting decisions to digging through snow in mid-November to assess emergence, this episode offers valuable insight into the resilience and performance potential of hybrid rye. The conversation explores: • Why Cole chose to plant hybrid rye on his own farm • What conditions looked like during an extended dry fall • Managing uncertainty and maintaining confidence in the crop plan • What he discovered when checking fields under snow cover • Winter survival results and spring crop performance • Lessons for farmers considering hybrid rye in challenging moisture conditions Conversation Timestamps: 0:00 - Why he chose to plant hybrid rye in the first place 0:45 – Cole's journey with KWS Seeds Canada and their family farm 1:28 - Why Cole decided to plant hybrid rye on their farm 3:18 - Seeding into dry fall conditions with little to no moisture 5:25 - Staying confident through uncertainty 8:00 - Digging through snow in mid-November to assess the crop 10:12 - Winter survival and spring performance results & key lessons for farmers considering hybrid rye under challenging conditions This episode provides practical insight for growers looking at crop resilience, fall seeding strategies, and long-term confidence in hybrid rye performance under real prairie conditions. A big thank you to this episode's spotlight partner: KWS Seeds Canada SHOW RESOURCES 1) To learn more about hybrid rye and KWS products, visit: KWS Seeds Canada Hybrid Rye Information 2) KWS WeatherGuard Insurance — KWS Seeds Canada https://www.kws.com/ca/en/hybrid-rye/farmer-programs/weatherguard-insurance/ 3) KWS Canada Spring 2026 Video May 8/2026 Hybrid Rye Update from the Field https://youtu.be/Z537IkOHMlw?si=sBgaAzTudSlvVET6 ================================= Related Searches
Agriculture doesn't have a reputation for being the most technologically advanced industry, but that doesn't mean farmers aren't willing to adopt new technology.
The biggest challenge in ag tech isn't innovation — it's making tools that actually work on the farm. Matthew Hoffman, General Partner and Head of Farms at Reservoir, shares how the company is helping ag tech startups develop tools that solve real farming challenges. By partnering directly with specialty crop producers, including winegrape growers, Reservoir gives companies access to farms, equipment, and real-world feedback to refine technologies before they reach the market. Matthew highlights emerging innovations in autonomous equipment, robotics, machine vision, and farm management technology, and explains why grower involvement is essential to creating solutions that fit the realities of vineyard operations. Resources: 6/10/2026 REGISTER: Technology Field Day Tailgate 129: The Efficient Vineyard Project 233: The Gap Between Space and Farm: Ground Truthing Satellite Data Models 249: Making it Easier to Use Satellite Data in Agriculture Matthew Hoffman - LinkedIn Reservoir Reservoir - LinkedIn Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Chuck Samuelson, recovering chef, tribal member of the Assiniboine Nation, founder of Kitchens for Good, and founder of his current nonprofit, Heal the Earth. Chuck's path into food systems work started with a question he couldn't stop asking: why does perfectly good food get thrown away while people go hungry? That question followed him out of professional kitchens and restaurants, through decades in food service, into a life where Chuck is now stewarding 43 acres of avocado groves in San Diego while building a regional food hub, an AgTech accelerator, and a co-packing manufacturing facility designed to fill the missing middle of the local food system. His work sits at the intersection of food access, farmer support, and community sovereignty, and his vision is as practical as it is bold. In this conversation, we go deep on what it actually means to work on a system rather than just within it. We talk about the difference between charity and sovereignty, the four A's of hunger relief, and why doubling down on the same hunger solutions isn't working. We talk about co-ops, farm stops, and we talk about dreams - the big, hairy, audacious kind - for what the food system here in San Diego could become.Tune in to learn more about:Chuck's journey from dishwasher at 13 to chef, restaurateur, and nonprofit founderHow watching a grocery store employee discard bruised apples became the seed for Kitchens for GoodWhat food insecurity actually means, and why over 800,000 people in San Diego, including more than 200,000 children, are affected by itWhy Chuck believes charity creates an "unfortunate power dynamic,” and what sovereignty in the food system looks like insteadThe four A's of hunger relief: accessible, affordable, appropriate, and awesomeHow cooperatives changed Chuck's understanding of what a local food economy can look likeThe Adopt an Avocado Tree program - how it started, how it works, and why it's expanding to other farmers and cropsThe role of storytelling and community in small farm successChuck's Big Hairy Audacious Dream for San Diego's food future, and what he's asking each of us to do right nowConnect + Learn More:Chuck Samuelson / Heal the Earth: healtheearth.info Instagram: @healtheearthfarm Kitchens for Good: kitchensforgood.orgConnect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel
Some of the most transformative innovation in agri-food is happening downstream of the farm, in the materials, products, and industries that agriculture ultimately feeds into. In this episode, Sarah Nolet speaks with Tina Funder, founder of Alt Leather, an Australian startup developing fully bio-based alternatives to traditional leather. Tina's journey into agtech didn't begin in a lab or on a farm, but in advertising, where she developed a deep understanding of customers, branding, and problem solving. Concerned that most alternative leathers were more plastic than plant, Tina has built a company which sits across multiple industries, from agriculture, biotechnology, manufacturing and fashion. But this complexity comes with its challenges. Is Alt Leather a materials company? A biotech platform? Or a manufacturing business? And how does that complexity impact their ability to build a team, raise capital, and commercialize? Sarah and Tina also discuss: Why some of the biggest agtech opportunities sit in materials and manufacturing. The challenge of building fully bio-based materials in a plastic-dominated industry. Evolving your value proposition to focus on what matters to your customers. The realities of scaling a deep tech company, including capital, manufacturing, and commercial partnerships. Why sustainability must be paired with price and performance to win The conversation also reframes one of the most widely misunderstood aspects of leather. While much of the narrative focuses on livestock emissions, Tina highlights that the majority of environmental impact comes from the tanning process (including water use, chemicals, and pollution.) Useful Links: Building a Ladder to Commercial Success for Deep Tech Founder Durable and Degradable: Our Compostable Bio-Based Leather Alternative SproutX: the Victorian seed fund accelerating agriculture - Forbes Australia Curing fashion's reliance on leather with an eco-friendly plant-based alternative - CSIRO Innovera Alt-Leather in Mercedes-Benz Concept - DVN Life on Mars Goods Samsara Eco YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture GLACIER Penfolds Premium Gift with Purchase | Upstairs Yellow. For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
Tim and Tyler talk to Francisco Jardim about his journey as the MD at SP Ventures and how they have successfully raised for a 3rd fund investing in agtech. — This episode is presented by Ambrook. — Links SP Ventures - https://spventures.com.br
Agriculture has changed a lot over the last 20 years, and it's not slowing down. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Graham, President of AdFarm, to explore what's evolved, from how farmers get their information to the rapid rise of on-farm technology. They dig into why some innovations take off faster than others, how farmers decide what tech is actually worth using and what the next 20-25 years of farming could look like. From AI to fully autonomous equipment, the future of agriculture is being shaped right now, but challenges like trust, regulation and usability will shape how fast it gets there. Explore how agriculture has changed, how technologies get adopted and the innovations shaping what comes next. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visitnutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
The Illinois Corn Marketing Board continues to utilize corn checkoff dollars to support the mission of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program to bring ag to students. In this Managing for Profit, Kevin Daugherty, director of Illinois Ag in the Classroom, discusses the importance of this effort.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance
Welcome to a brand-new season of the Tiny Expeditions! This season, we're heading to the heart of the Wiregrass region in Alabama to explore a groundbreaking initiative: HudsonAlpha WIREGRASS Peanut Project. Dothan, Alabama, is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," but the industry faces modern challenges like drought and disease. Enter biotechnology. We're going behind the scenes to see how HudsonAlpha is using genome-directed breeding to create a more resilient peanut, and they aren't doing it alone. In this season, you'll meet the local high school students who are stepping out of the classroom and into the lab. Through the WIREGRASS Peanut Project, these student scientists are performing 31-step DNA extractions and analyzing genomic data to help breeders select the crops of the future. In this season, we explore: The Science: How genomics is "future-proofing" our food supply. The Education: How local schools are becoming hubs for biotech innovation. The Future: How the new Wiregrass Innovation Center is attracting biotech companies and high-wage jobs to the region.
Hailing from Westmeath, Stephen Fagan has always had a grá for farming and innovation. He speaks to Hannah Furlong about his journey from growing up on the family beef and sheep farm to working at the forefront of ag tech, highlighting the vital role that innovation plays in agriculture today.With a background in product design, marketing and innovation from Maynooth University and experience across many ag tech companies such as Moocall, MSD Animal Health and Micron Agritech, he shares insights into how technology is transforming farming. Now working with GlasPort Bio while continuing to farm and lecture, he discusses the balance between tradition and innovation, the realities of startups in agriculture and his passion for driving more sustainable and efficient farming systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben Eagle is joined by Jez Pile from Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods to discuss his entrepreneurial journey of founding, growing and exiting from his start up business Muddy Boots. With thanks to our sponsor TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods. Explore smarter farming tools from TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods: telus.com/FarmSmarter Image credit: Jez Pile
While agtech often celebrates breakthrough technologies that can slash costs for farmers, what if the real value of innovation lies somewhere else entirely? In this episode, Mark Trzaskoma joins Dr Madeline Mitchell to explore what agtech adoption actually looks like on the ground at Battunga Orchards, a 180-hectare orchard operating across three sites in Victoria. From mechanised harvest platforms to canopy redesign and data collection tools, each decision at Battunga is guided by a “test, measure, learn” approach, focused on yield, quality, and long-term performance rather than short-term efficiency gains. Mark also shares a cautionary insight: optimizing for cost can actually reduce productivity. His experience of hitting cost targets in pruning, only to see production decline, highlights a broader challenge in agriculture: efficiency is not the same as effectiveness. Mark and Maddie discuss: Why agtech often delivers value through better outcomes, not lower costs. Why cost-cutting can undermine productivity in biological systems. The realities of working with early-stage, evolving agtech products. Labor constraints and their role in driving automation in horticulture. Bridging the growing disconnect between producers and consumers Useful Links: Battunga Orchards from the air, Warragul, Victoria, Australia Future Orchards® | Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) Food Traceability QR Codes Investment Notes: Agovor How small growers think about agtech - Tenacious Ventures Getting agtech ready - Tenacious Ventures For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness. [00:7:20] Agtech drives better outcomes, not just lower costs. [00:10:30] Cost-cutting can reduce yield. [00:26:30] Why growers and consumers are disconnected.
This episode is a masterclass in what real innovation in agriculture actually looks like.In this conversation, Marcel Kringe — founder of Bushel Plus — walks through how a simple, frustrating, and overlooked problem on the farm turned into a global business serving farmers in over 45 countries. What started as trying to figure out grain loss behind a combine became a system that is now influencing how some of the largest equipment manufacturers in the world think about data, automation, and efficiency.Marcel doesn't come at this from theory or Silicon Valley thinking. This is built from the ground up — from working in the dust, seeing real losses, and asking a simple question: there has to be a better way.The result is a business rooted in first principles: measure what matters, solve a real problem, and create immediate value for the farmer.If you care about agtech, innovation, or building something that actually works in the field — this one is worth your time.MEET THE GUESTMarcel Kringe is the Founder and CEO of Bushel Plus (Soon to be BranValt), a globally recognized ag-tech company specializing in harvest optimization. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in large-scale farming operations, Marcel has built a reputation for bridging the gap between field-level realities and cutting-edge agricultural innovation. His work has taken him across the globe, where he's collaborated with farmers, agronomists, and equipment manufacturers to improve harvest outcomes. Marcel's passion for helping farmers stems from his own background in agriculture and a deep respect for the challenges producers face every season. He believes that every farmer deserves access to tools and knowledge that can make their work more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. Through Bushel Plus, Marcel is committed to empowering growers with practical solutions that reduce loss, increase yield, and support long-term success in the field.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.
A lot of the value of automation can be realized without changing the tractor you already use
Daniel Lee and Dan Kelly talk with Tim and Tyler about their AI-First startup Numanac. — This episode is presented by Ambrook. — Links Numanac
Choosing between an associate's and bachelor's in Ag Tech? Learn about the two-plus-two pathway that lets Kansas students earn fast, study locally, and build long-term career growth—all without leaving home. Newman University City: Wichita Address: 3100 McCormick Website: https://newmanu.edu/
In this Product Spotlight episode of Impact Farming, we continue our series exploring KWS Hybrid Rye and the growing opportunities around this crop. Host Tracy sits down with Jason McGillivray, Trade Unit Manager – Specialty Grains Group at Scoular, to discuss the evolving rye market, demand trends, and practical marketing strategies for farmers. With many growers currently holding rye in their bins or planning future acres, Jason shares insights into what buyers are looking for, where demand is growing, and how producers can position themselves to capture market opportunities. From market timing to quality factors and forward contracting strategies, this conversation offers practical takeaways for producers looking to better market their rye crop. In This Episode • An overview of Scoular and its role in specialty grain markets in Canada • What farmers should be thinking about right now if they have rye in storage • How the end-use market for rye is evolving and where demand is growing • Key quality factors buyers look for when purchasing rye • How farmers can make their grain more market-ready and easier to move • Marketing strategies and considerations for the 2026 rye crop • Whether forward contracting after winter survival checks makes sense for growers Why This Conversation Matters Rye markets have been evolving in recent years, with expanding uses in distilling, milling, feed, and specialty grain markets. Understanding how buyers like Scoular evaluate supply, quality, and demand can help farmers make more informed marketing decisions. This episode provides practical insights to help producers navigate the rye market and position their crop for success. Tune in to hear how rye markets are evolving and what farmers should be thinking about when it comes to marketing their crop. SHOW RESOURCES Connect with Our Guest Jason McGillivray Trade Unit Manager – Specialty Grains Group Scoular
Job number one is to make sure that water is not the limiting factor to crop development, but how do you know that your system is performing as planned?
Co-operatives have a long and sometimes colored history in agriculture, across the Western world. What role will they play in the future of agriculture? As agriculture becomes increasingly shaped by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the question of who owns, governs, and benefits from farm data is still unresolved. Could co-ops be the answer? In this episode, Sarah Nolet is joined by Tenacious Ventures co-founder Matthew Pryor and the creator of Upstream Ag Insights, Shane Thomas, to explore the history of co-operatives as a means for farmers to pool resources and address market power imbalances. They also unpack the business model behind co-ops and analyze whether the principles of co-ops could also be applied to digital infrastructure. This episode is the first in a series of business model “breakdown” episodes we'll be producing this year, where we'll dig into how agriculture systems, structures, and even specific companies work, why they matter today, and the impact of agtech in their evolution. This format is an experiment and we'd love your feedback! Sarah, Matthew, and Shane discuss: Why agricultural cooperatives emerged and how they address power imbalances in agricultural markets. How the cooperative model could extend from physical infrastructure to digital infrastructure and farm data governance. Whether co-ops could serve as trusted intermediaries for training AI models using aggregated farm data. How governance tensions between different types of farmers might play out in a data-driven future. How consolidation of cooperatives and changing farm structures could shape the future of technology adoption. Got a business model you'd like for us to break down in a future episode? Let us know! Useful Links: The 3 Fears of Farm Data (and bonus episode w/ audience responses) Coming to terms with farm data usage Farm data fears - more harm than good? Rebooting AgTech Software with AI, with Rhishi Pethe Companies mentioned: Regen Farmers Mutual; CBH Group; The Rochdale Pioneers | ICA; The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation - Our Purpose; CHS Inc.; History | WinField® United Australian Grains Champion withdraws CBH proposal OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection | Scientific Reports For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
High fertilizer prices and low availability are big concerns headed into the growing season. Can ag technology help?
Ep 254 | Georgia's peaches are freezing, but one farmer's move to save his crop went viral for all the right reasons. This week on Discover Ag, Natalie and Tara dig into why a few degrees can wipe out an entire peach season, what Syngenta's paraquat shutdown actually means for farmers, and if a $200 million AI tractor failure is actually a fail. Plus, there's finally a date for the Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch — and the teaser is everything! What We Discovered This Week
Advances in technology are giving farmers new ways to stay connected to their operations while occasionally stepping away from the field.
In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Levi to explore how he's built a unique edge in the cattle industry by combining deep analytical thinking with real-world market experience. Jordan walks me through how he approaches cattle trading, the key biological and financial variables that ultimately determine profit and loss, and how he developed his framework without growing up in the business. We spend time unpacking how the cattle market actually works, where volatility comes from, and how operators think about risk across the cycle. We also dive into how he's embracing AI tools and building custom workflows to stay ahead in a fast-moving, data-heavy environment. We discuss: - How the cattle market works and why volatility creates both risk and opportunity - The key drivers of profitability including feed efficiency, average daily gain, and out weight - The difference between biological intuition and building a data-driven edge in cattle trading - How Jordan processes daily reports and market data to inform trading decisions - How he's building AI agents to summarize information and streamline his workflow Links: Vote for Jordan to be inducted into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame - https://cattlefeeders.org/poll/2027-cattle-feeders-hall-of-fame/ Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-levi-b107182/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:16) - The Belted Galloway(00:03:51) - The Kosher Cowboy(00:08:05) - Pulling value of the futures forward(00:11:43) - Learning cattle trading(00:16:48) - Daily average gain in cattle(00:18:20) - Jordan's eureka moment in the cattle industry(00:21:08) - What does trading in animals actually look like?(00:27:05) - How Jordan defines his ROI in trading cattle(00:31:17) - The cattle curve(00:33:37) - The state of the cattle market(00:42:10) - Buying the largest cattle feeder in the world(00:46:09) - Grass vs. grain-fed cattle(00:49:15) - Predictions for the cattle supply over the next 10 years(00:50:54) - The international market(00:53:17) - Trading frequencies and macro thesis(01:00:27) - USA beef vs. international beef(01:05:21) - The cattle supply chain(01:07:32) - The future of auction yards and ranchers(01:09:40) - AI in AgTech(01:12:52) - The biggest problem facing the industry(01:14:42) - Livestock as a commodity that dies and how that impacts trading theory(01:20:51) - Is there a market for new entrants into cattle?(01:21:41) - Beef prices and the impact of a closed border on the industry(01:24:39) - Jordan's biggest ideas for the industry(01:26:49) - Philanthropic efforts(01:31:24) - A day in the life of Jordan(01:26:42) - Risk management in cattle(01:41:17) - Does what you do show a leading indicator to the broader health of the American economy? Support our Sponsors Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO
Focus on Feedlots: Continued Heavy Cattle NASA STELLA at Ag Tech Day Reducing Corn Silage in Cow's Diet 00:01:05 – Focus on Feedlots: Continued Heavy Cattle: Justin Waggoner, K-State beef cattle specialist, starts today's show as he recaps the recent "Focus on Feedlots" report and where cattle are currently finishing in terms of weight. Focus on Feedlots KSUBeef.org jwaggon@ksu.edu 00:12:05 – NASA STELLA at Ag Tech Day: The show continues with Jacob Orser, program support specialist with NASA Acres, as he discusses NASA's STELLA and what he will be teaching kids at the upcoming Ag Tech Day. NASA - STELLA Ag Tech Day 00:23:05 – Reducing Corn Silage in Cow's Diet: K-State dairy specialist, Mike Brouk, ends the showing saying how recent studies show that a BMR male sterile sorghum hybrid can effectively replace about 25-30% of the corn silage in a lactating cow's diet. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast. K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit Extension.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
In this Product Spotlight episode of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Courtney Ross of FP Genetics to explore how strong relationships, deep industry experience, and innovative seed genetics are helping Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan farmers navigate today's challenges. Courtney shares her journey across multiple areas of agriculture, including the farm, retail, finance, and extension. She explains how this well-rounded perspective allows her to better support growers and their trusted advisors with practical, informed recommendations. The conversation also highlights some of the key challenges farmers are facing today and how FP Genetics is delivering solutions through strong, performance-driven seed genetics. With the introduction of FP Genetics' Eastern Product Specialist role, Courtney brings a local, boots-on-the-ground presence to the region. This means stronger connections, more personalized support, and insights tailored specifically to Prairie growing conditions. Key Takeaways - Courtney's journey into agriculture and what fuels her passion for the industry - How her diverse experience across the ag sector benefits farmers and agronomy partners - The biggest challenges facing growers today and how seed genetics can help address them - What the new Eastern Product Specialist role means for Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan - How FP Genetics is supporting farmers with regionally adapted, high-performing varieties - Where farmers and agronomy partners can go to learn more about FP Genetics In today's farming environment, where margins are tight and conditions are unpredictable, having the right seed and the right support can make a meaningful difference. This episode showcases how FP Genetics is investing in both innovation and relationships to help farmers succeed. If you are looking to make more confident seed decisions this season, this episode is worth your time. Tune in and learn how the right genetics, paired with the right support, can elevate your farm's performance.
03/23/26: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Assistant House Minority Leader Gretchen Dobervich to talk about NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced continued funding for the North Dakota-based NSF AgTech Engine, reinforcing its commitment to investing in agricultural technology innovation and workforce development. Now in its third year of operation, the Engine will build upon its existing efforts with an additional $45 million to invest in and support growers, producers, and entrepreneurs over the next three years. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the 1980s, the Lorenzen family has grown its protein powder business, Puris, into an AgTech power player. Now the preferred supplier for food brands seeking craveable recipes for GLP-1 users—it's helping America become ‘protein independent Read the full story on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2026/02/26/how-puris-pea-protein-is-fueling-the-ozempic-generation/
Labor is expensive and automation is getting better, but is any of it really cheap enough to start replacing labor needs on the farm?
Seven years ago, agtech in Australia was still in its infancy. There were bold predictions, a flurry of startups, and an emerging ecosystem of programs and investors to back them. So how have things panned out? In this live stage recording at the 2026 AgriFutures evokeAG event in Melbourne, Sarah Nolet is joined by Sam Duncan, founder of GXLab (formerly FarmLab and Ziltek) and Natalie Engel, a QLD-based cattle producer. Together, they reflect on the last seven years of the Aussie agtech ecosystem: the hype cycles, the pivots, and the very human realities behind building technology in agriculture. Back in 2019 at the first evokeAG event, both Sam and Natalie pitched two very different ideas. Sam was an outsider to agriculture with a vision to use soil data and soil carbon to tackle climate change. While as a farmer, Natalie was reverse-pitching a problem: the frustrating reality of livestock traceability paperwork and the need for better digital tools. Seven years later, neither could have predicted where their agtech journeys would end up. Sarah, Sam, and Natalie discuss: What the agtech ecosystem looked like in 2019 and how expectations around soil carbon, digitization, and traceability have evolved. Why building agtech startups often requires navigating both the realities of farming and the pressures of venture-backed growth. The emotional toll of entrepreneurship in agriculture. Why the next decade of agtech may be driven less by hype and more by resilience, cost pressures, and geopolitical shifts affecting agriculture. Useful Links: Agriculture's technology future: How connectivity can yield new growth | McKinsey FarmLab's journey to GXLab: From Startup Alley to global soil solutions - evokeAG. Seven Years On, evokeAG. Returns to Melbourne to Chart Agtech's Next Frontier Beyond the funding winter: Australia's agtech opportunity - evokeAG. Meet Natalie Engel - Cattle farmer and agtech enthusiast | Mobble Companies mentioned: Ceres Tag, Halter, Agovor, AgriProve, Mobble, OptiWeigh, AgFrontier For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
In climate investing, credibility is often associated with breakthrough technologies or large-scale energy infrastructure. This episode challenges that assumption by asking a different question: what if some of the most compelling climate investment opportunities lie within the everyday realities of farming?My guest this week is Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder and General Partner at Tenacious Ventures. With a background that spans systems engineering, hands-on farming experience, and venture capital, Sarah now leads an investment firm focused on building climate resilience across global agri-food systems.In our conversation on Sustainable & Responsible Investing 360, Sarah explains why traditional venture capital models often struggle in agriculture, and why solutions must be designed around the physical constraints farmers face every day.We also discuss:Why the “productive middle” of commercial agriculture offers significant climate and investment return potential How organizing investment theses around enduring market needs helps avoid technology hype cyclesWhy measuring real climate outcomes, not just sustainability practices, creates stronger alignment between impact and financial performanceThe conversation reframes climate-smart agriculture as a pragmatic investment opportunity, one where improving farmer economics can drive both measurable climate outcomes and competitive venture returns.Featured Guest Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder and General Partner, Tenacious VenturesEpisode Resources:Sarah Nolet on LinkedInTenacious Ventures WebsiteConnect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly Email Update Visit the SRI360° PODCAST Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE Follow SRI360° on X: Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK
Danny Bernstein, Founder & CEO, Reservoir joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss Physical AI and the growing role it is playing in agriculture.Currently, less than 2% of this high-value agricultural sector is automated, creating a significant growth opportunity that Reservoir is positioned to capture through a startup incubator specifically designed for Physical AI and specialty crops.By utilizing a 40-acre farm in Salinas paired with an adjacent 6,000-square-foot prototyping studio, Reservoir offers startups immediate access to a commercial testing ground. This infrastructure eliminates the traditional six-to-nine-month delay between raising venture capital and deploying on a real farm, allowing founders to roll their machines directly into the field.Reservoir's methodology emphasizes deep rural integration to solve complex labor and economic challenges. By encouraging founders to immerse themselves in local farming communities, Reservoir helps startups build trust and fit their solutions into existing agricultural cost structures. This approach has enabled successful innovations ranging from AI-powered drones for bird mitigation to specialized disease detection for vineyards.Reservoir's Physical AI ecosystem functions as the Olympic Village of Ag Tech, hosting dense cohorts of international and domestic startups working side by side. This collaborative environment enables companies to share foundational technologies while gaining direct access to major agricultural incumbents and corporate partners.To further fuel this ecosystem, Reservoir operates a $50 million early-stage venture fund dedicated to ag tech and Physical AI applications.Looking ahead, Danny envisions Reservoir expanding to five or six locations across the American West, with active and planned sites in Sonoma County, the Central Valley, Washington State, and Arizona.By elevating ag tech's position within the global autonomy economy, Reservoir aims to drive double-digit automation adoption within five years, fundamentally transforming rural workforce development and securing the global food supply.Episode Chapters00:00 Less than 2% of Specialty Crop Agriculture is Automated07:32 Physical AI on Farms13:35 The Six to Nine Month Farm Access Problem18:49 Inside Reservoir Farms26:01 The Olympic Village of Ag Tech32:29 Building Trust with Farmers43:19 The Growth of Automation and Autonomy on Farms47:50 The Future of Automation and Autonomy on Farms--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy is the definitive media brand covering the Autonomy Economy™. Through our podcasts, newsletter, and proprietary market intelligence, we set the narrative for institutional investors, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the convergence of automation, autonomy, and economic growth.Join institutional investors and industry leaders who read This Week in The Autonomy Economy every Sunday. Each edition delivers exclusive insight and commentary on the autonomy economy, helping you stay ahead of what's next.Subscribe today for free: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Wednesday 5pm Hour: On the DeRush-Hour, Jason goes "In Depth" with Chris Abbot, CEO of Pivot Bio, a billion-dollar Ag Tech company about why they're moving their HQ to Minnesota. Then Greg Swan joins the show for his monthly visit with a new AI application that may blow your mind.
While agrifood innovation often celebrates bold founders and breakthrough technologies, what happens when the incentives of corporates, startups and investors don't quite align? In this live recording from evokeAG in Melbourne, Sarah Nolet is joined by Brad Fruth, Director of Innovation at Beck's Hybrids, and Frank Wooten, CEO of ArkeaBio and co-founder of Vence (acquired by Merck Animal Health). Together, they explore the “sweet spot” of agtech innovation, i.e. the balance between what customers and corporations want, while recognizing the constraints that innovators and investors face. Brad shares how Beck's Hybrids, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the US, approaches innovation: rather than having a corporate venture arm, they focus on being internal problem-solvers and trusted matchmakers between startups. Meanwhile, Frank Wooten speaks candidly about the realities of raising venture capital in agriculture; where billion-dollar exits are rare, timelines are long, and alignment with customers matters more than valuation headlines. Sarah, Brad, and Frank discuss: Why “free pilots” can devalue agtech products before they've proven themselves. How corporations can support innovation without becoming distracted by it. The risks founders face when fundraising incentives distort execution priorities. The surprising advantages of Australian agriculture, from customer density to experimentation culture. Useful Links: Expanding the tools in the innovation toolkit: how agri-food corporates can engage with startups Building a Ladder to Commercial Success for Deep Tech Founders Disrupting the AgTech Ecosystem with Ron Adner 4 Tips for How Agri Corporates Can Innovate By Working With Startups For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
Wootzano: https://www.wootzano.com/Atif Syed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedatif/ Via Atif's LinkedIn post"I never thought I'd have to write this.Wootzano, the British robotics company I built from nothing, is at risk of being shut down not because of commercial failure, but because of a procedural trap.Yesterday, after a petition by Innovate UK Loans Limited (UKRI), the Court issued an order that instantly froze Wootzano's bank accounts.That created an impossible situation:In Scotland, a company cannot speak in court without a solicitor.A solicitor must lodge our appeal.But with accounts frozen, we cannot pay a solicitor."And if we don't file the appeal by 28 November, liquidation becomes final.A functioning deep-tech company can be silenced without ever being heard.This is not how innovation should die.Wootzano took an £838k Innovate UK Innovation Loan, a government lender, in 2022, a product marketed as patient, flexible capital for high-growth innovators. Flexibility is even built into the contract.But when our funded subsystem didn't reach commercialisation, no flexibility was offered, and the matter went straight down the standard debt route.If this can happen to us, it can happen to any of the 240+ UK companies on this loan programme.Wootzano is: