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222 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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What's the incentive? Turning soil carbon into a commodity
8 april 2021 · 36 min
Experts and tech companies alike are claiming that soil carbon payments hold huge potential as a new revenue stream for farmers and a weapon against climate change. Yet, others say it’s all hype. One thing is clear though: it’s a confusing and rapidly evolving space, with new technologies and incentive schemes emerging weekly.
In this week’s episode, we feature a panel of experts from across tech, policy, and corporate agribusiness. We tackle issues and barriers in soil carbon, and the potential benefits and consequences of moving from practice-based to outcomes-based approaches to measurement and verification. We also discuss why a focus on accuracy in soil carbon measurement is actually holding the industry back, as well as the role of big food companies in soil health.
On the panel: Lees meerRichard Heath - Executive Director, Australian Farm Institute
Rob Waterworth - CEO, FLINTpro
Paul Scoullar - Strategic Sourcing Manager, Mars Petcare
This episode, brought to you by the AgThentic Group, was recorded at a live AusAgritech Meetup sponsored by FoodBytes! by Rabobank. For resources from this episode, visit our website.
Topics: carbon-markets, soil-health, government-policy, finance-investing
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The agtech adoption dilemma: why irrigation tech doesn't sell itself
24 maart 2021 · 33 min
We have the technology to measure and improve water efficiency on farms, yet adoption remains low- why is this?This episode explores our hypothesis in our recent report: that the problem is not with the technology, but rather with a limited understanding of the nuances of farmer psychology.
We explore how tech developers, both startups and incumbent firms, can design business models that encourage irrigation tech adoption. We also discuss how farmers can make sure they’re getting the information they need to implement irrigation technology that will have a positive impact on the bottom line.
This episode features: Lees meerInge Bisconer - Managing Member, Surf ‘N Earth Enterprises and Director, Irrigation Association
Shane Thomas - agronomist and creator of Upstream Ag Insights
Euan Friday - Director and Chief Investment Officer, Kilter Rural
Matthew Pryor - co-founder, Tenacious Ventures and partner, Agthentic Group
For more information, check out our free report: The Agtech Adoption Dilemma: Irrigation, made in collaboration with Upstream Ag Insights. You can also visit our website for more resources from the episode.
Topics: irrigation-water, ag-tech-adoption, business-model, ag-data
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Can livestock be sustainable? with Frank Mitloehner and Kerryann Kocher
10 maart 2021 · 41 min
Livestock, and especially cows, get a bad rap when it comes to climate change. But is this fair? There’s no doubt that cows emit methane; however, scientific advancements are increasing our understanding of how methane contributes to global warming, and emerging companies are developing solutions to reduce enteric emissions through advancements such as feed additives and methods to accelerate genetic progress.
The path to sustainable livestock is fraught with controversy, but this week’s guests, Professor Frank Mitloehner, air quality specialist at UC Davis, and Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle, are up for the challenge. In this episode, we discuss livestock’s role in climate change, and both challenges and opportunities for a future of sustainable protein.
For more information, visit our website. Lees meerTopics: livestock-dairy, climate-risk, meat-protein, research
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A small non-profit farm near NYC wants to change the food system, with Stone Barns Center
24 februari 2021 · 40 min
The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture has a lofty mission: to change the food system. It’s an idyllic 400 acre farming property just north of New York City. It features an on-site, partner restaurant called Blue Hill, which has been made famous by chef Dan Barber and his book The Third Plate. Stone Barns also runs education programs and regenerative agriculture trials in crops and livestock, and welcomes the public to watch how it’s all done.
Jason Grauer is their Crops Director. He left his career in asset management to follow his passion for what he calls “soil-based” agriculture. His research focuses on seed genetics and organic seed trials to improve soil health, biodiversity, and taste. But how can a small, non-profit farm influence practices in large, commercial farms, let alone the entire food system?
In this episode, Jason talks about: Lees meerHow he managed the transition from asset management to regenerative farming
The importance of seed genetics and the creation of a digital seed database
The experiments Stone Barns is running to make a difference to the broader food system
For more from Jason and our insights from this episode, check out our website.
Companies: Stone Barns Center, Blue Hill • Topics: regen-ag, food-consumer, people-culture, food-systems
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Busting food and farming myths with evidence, with Rob Paarlberg
10 februari 2021 · 33 min
In a world where food and farming are highly polarized issues, Rob Paarlberg’s approach is to follow the evidence. This has earned him great respect, but also means his well-researched views tend to land him in no-man’s land between traditional industry views and the new food movement.
For instance, Rob supports modern commercial farming and the use of fertilizers; however, he’s not a blanket supporter of ‘Big Ag’. He is highly critical of the state of animal welfare in modern American livestock production, but he’s not against eating meat. As an author and Associate in the Sustainability Science program at the Harvard Kennedy School, Rob is renowned for debunking the popular myths about food and farming.
In his latest book, “Resetting the Table: Straight Talk About the Food We Grow and Eat, Rob argues that food policy, rather than farm policy, should be the focus for reform when it comes to the American food system.
In this episode, Rob discusses his latest book and: Lees meerWhy returning to the ‘old ways’ of farming is not sustainable
How US farm subsidies make food more, not less, expensive
The cause of the obesity epidemic in America (and the food policies that could actually make a difference).
Why the agriculture industry needs to improve its treatment of animals (and the relatively low costs involved).
For insights and resources, visit our website.
Topics: food-consumer, government-policy, research, people-culture
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Can Coca-Cola make the food system more sustainable? with Ulrike Sapiro
27 januari 2021 · 45 min
There’s always going to be some skepticism about the motives of ‘Big Food’ companies. But, for reasons such as risk management, consumer pressures, and more, the Coca-Cola Company is becoming more focused on the sustainability of its supply chain.
While Coca-Cola doesn’t deal directly with farmers, its interest in how products are sourced and grown is increasing. In this episode Ulrike Sapiro, Senior Director of Global Water Stewardship and Sustainable Agriculture at the Coca-Cola Company, discusses: Lees meerThe role Coca-Cola can play in taking- and instilling- ownership of sustainability outcomes in its supply chain.
The role of pre-competitive collaborations in catalyzing and piloting sustainability projects in countries such as Brazil, Australia and India.
How Coca-Cola is investing in innovation and new technology to find sustainability solutions.
For more insights and links from this episode, visit our website. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Companies: Coca-Cola • Topics: corporates, supply-chain, food-consumer
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What it's REALLY like to work in an agtech startup
13 januari 2021 · 1 uur
If you’re looking at a career in agtech, chances are you’re going to spend time working with startups. But what’s it like to work IN an agtech startup?
A fast-paced environment, no red tape, significant responsibility, and a big vision may come to mind. But there can be downsides, too, such as long hours and setbacks due to the inevitable trial and error that comes with bringing new innovations to the world.
The agtech industry is increasingly drawing top talent from all different industries and backgrounds. This episode explores why there are opportunities for everyone- from engineers to electricians to artists- to use their skills within high-growth agtech startups that focus on building the food supply chains of the future.
So, whether you’re just starting on your career path or mid-way through, tune in to learn if working in an agtech startup is right for you. Featuring: Lees meerSoroush Pour - Head of Engineering at Vow and 15th employee at Plaid (Visa recently tried to acquire Plaid for $5b+)
Alissa Welker - Farmer Acquisition and Engagement at Steward and 60th employee at Farmers Business Network
Kerryn Thomas - Head of Operations at Goterra and former electrical technician in the mining and concrete industries.
For more links and resources from this episode, visit our website.
Topics: careers-talent, venture-startups, agtech-ecosystem
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Breaking into agtech when you don't 'look the part', with four women leaders
16 december 2020 · 34 min
How do you get a career in agriculture or agtech, when you’re not from a farming background? In this episode, we meet four women who’ve become agtech leaders, despite not having grown up on a farm. At the intersection of two largely white and male dominated industries (agriculture and tech), they have succeeded despite, as they say, ‘not looking the part’. You’ll hear how they first got their foot in the door (from scoring discounted tickets to conferences, to setting up their own networking events, to making elevator pitches to gain on-farm experience), and what challenges they’ve had to overcome to thrive. This episode is for employers looking for talent, as well as anyone looking to get into agtech and agriculture who isn’t sure where to start!On the podcast: Lees meer
Rayali Banerjee - Communications Manager, Syngenta Australia and New Zealand
Cass Mao - Program Manager, Farmers2Founders and Venture Partner, Tenacious Ventures
Samantha Wan - Wool Business Specialist, Elders
Amy Wu - Writer and Creator, From Farms to Incubators
This is episode has been brought to you by the AgThentic Group in collaboration with Future Farmers Network.
For links from the episode and to find agtech job listings, visit our website.Topics: careers-talent, women-agtech, agtech-ecosystem, people-culture
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Scaling soil carbon markets: the race to make it pay, with Cargill, Nori and more
2 december 2020 · 41 min
The race is on globally to scale carbon markets, where farmers can sell the carbon they sequester in their soil to buyers who want to offset emissions. But right now, the space is often confusing for buyers, sellers, and the intermediaries working between them. And further, both public and private market schemes have been criticized for inefficiencies and high costs to participate.
But the game is changing as new technologies and business models seek to lower barriers to entry and improve transparency, and the demand side continues to explore, driven by consumer and regulatory pressures. But with all this activity, what will it take to scale up and deliver worthwhile returns for farmers?In this panel discussion, you’ll hear a variety of perspectives - from those developing new technologies and carbon market methodologies, to organizations helping farmers operate within existing emissions trading schemes.
Today's guests: Lees meerAldyen Donnelly - Co-Founder and Director of Carbon Economics, Nori.
Sam Duncan - Founder, FarmLab
Matt Schmitt, Senior Director of Commercial Carbon, Cargill
Dave Moore - Chief Operating Officer, Green Collar
This episode is an edited version of a live AusAgritech event, organized by the AgThentic Group, Sprout X and Platfarm.
Check out our insights and more on our website.Companies: Cargill, Nori • Topics: carbon-markets, soil-health, corporates, finance-investing
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Farming eggs the startup way, with Sarah Sivyer
18 november 2020 · 43 min
Sarah Sivyer had multiple roles in the corporate world before she decided to start farming eggs. She grew up on a farm, but was completely new to chickens, and this was the challenge she wanted: to grow her own business from scratch and apply her corporate knowledge.By tapping into consumer demand for convenience, freshness, and sustainability credentials, Sarah now runs 2500 chickens for her subscription-based egg business, Just Been Laid. Sarah also completed a Nuffield Scholarship on continuous improvement and branding, bringing lessons on global best practices back to the farm.In this episode Sarah Sivyer discusses: Lees meer
Building a successful farming business by developing ‘customer intimacy.’
Using business concepts like Six Sigma to eliminate waste, remove variation, and be more efficient in farming.
Offsetting the high cost of labor through branding, quality, and business model innovation.
For more information and links from this episode, check out our website.
Topics: livestock-dairy, business-model, food-consumer
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Bringing technology to a 200-year-old sheep station, with Matt Crozier
4 november 2020 · 31 min
Cavan Station might have well-known owners today (the Murdoch family), but the large property in southern New South Wales has long held a place in Australian history, as pioneers of the fine wool industry.
And Cavan Station is still innovating today. In fact, the 25,000 acre (10,000 ha) farm has undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 years, including adopting the latest technologies, from genetics and genomics, to data analysis and software.
At the helm of this change is the General Manager of Cavan Station, Matt Crozier.
In this episode he discusses: Lees meerThe challenges and benefits of encouraging a farming team to use more technology and different farming methods.
Shifting to “regenerative” agriculture (a term Matt doesn’t love), and focusing more on animal welfare, including stopping mulesing.
The economic and ecological performance of the farm, since incorporating new tech and alternative farming methods.
For more resources and our insights on the chat with Matt, check out our website here.
Companies: Cavan Station • Topics: ag-tech-adoption, livestock-dairy, ag-data, people-culture
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From defense to disruption: how big food approaches sustainability, with Mary Shelman
21 oktober 2020 · 40 min
Mary Shelman is an internationally recognized agribusiness consultant and speaker, and the former Director of Harvard Business School’s Agribusiness program. Mary grew up in Kentucky, watching her father sell farm equipment; now, based in Boston, she helps corporations and governments tackle agriculture’s biggest problems. In Ireland, for example, she helped boost exports and build a national brand through Origin Green, a national sustainability scheme.
In this podcast, Mary talks about: Lees meerHow companies are responding to the sustainability demands of customers - from defending traditional methods, to defying or even disrupting agriculture supply chains and markets.
Why her agricultural upbringing helps shape her work as much as her formal qualifications and experiences in agribusiness case studies.
How technology can help farmers and businesses better understand and use their resources as the food system changes.
For our insights, Mary's research, and a picture of the framework she mentions in this episode, visit our website.
Topics: corporates, supply-chain, food-consumer, agtech-ecosystem
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All farming is exploitative'? A journalist's tough questions on ag, with Sarah Mock
7 oktober 2020 · 48 min
Sarah Mock isn’t afraid of having tough conversations and shining light on thorny issues in the agriculture industry. A journalist with experience in international development and agtech, Sarah recently began a Twitter firestorm with an article asserting that all farming is inherently exploitative.
While sometimes accused of being anti-farming, Sarah says this couldn’t be further from the truth. She describes herself as being “not a cheerleader; not the enemy”. Sarah grew up on a farm in Wyoming and has worked in agriculture her entire career - from high profile agtech startups such as Farmers Business Network, to reporting on ag politics under the Trump administration.
In this episode, Sarah Mock discusses: Lees meerThe reluctance of some farmers to change their farming practices, despite strong data evidence indicating the benefits.
Why the agriculture industry needs to start telling the truth about what farming looks like, and start addressing what customers want.
How agriculture policy and incentives can actually lead to poor business decisions & outcomes.
What it feels like to stick up for controversial beliefs, and the pushback she receives from being provocative and “making windows in the walls around farming”.
Topics: people-culture, agtech-ecosystem, marketing-brands, food-consumer
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Regenerative ag: our verdict, with Sarah Nolet and Matthew Pryor
23 september 2020 · 43 min
Regen Ag Series #5: Our Verdict, with Sarah Nolet and Matthew Pryor from AgThentic and Tenacious Ventures
In this final wrap up episode of our regenerative agriculture series, the team from AgThentic is giving you OUR verdict. Sarah is joined by Matthew Pryor, Partner at AgThentic and co-founder of Tenacious Ventures, to discuss: Lees meerwhat it will take to move beyond the polarizing debate over whether regen ag is good or bad;
how agtech can unlock cost effective ways to measure, monitor, and verify what’s actually working;
impacts of consumer’s push for carbon neutral produce and reducing the use of chemicals; and
emerging business models and incentives that can help shift the risk/reward equation of transitioning to new practices.
Sarah and Matthew are joined by Kirsten Diprose, Marketing Manager at AgThentic, farmer and guest host for this episode.
Check out our blog for more wrap up insights, and if you’ve missed the regen ag series, you can catch up here.Companies: Tenacious Ventures, AgThentic • Topics: regen-ag, soil-health, natural-capital
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Greenwashing or good business? The regenerative ag debate, live
9 september 2020 · 32 min
The gloves are off as our expert panelists debate whether regenerative agriculture can improve farming businesses… or if it’s all hype.
Host Sarah Nolet is joined by: Lees meerRichard Leask, a wine grower and 2019 Nuffield Scholar who traveled the world studying regen ag, and now uses the best of what he discovered back home in his vineyard in South Australia.
Toby Grogan, a natural capital specialist from Impact Ag, who advises farmers and investors on how regen ag can increase soil health and farm profitability.
Will Bignell, a regen ag skeptic and Tasmanian mixed farmer, who is committed to a simpler, commodities based farming business.
This was recorded at the live AusAgritech Meetup in September 2020, organized by AgThentic, Sprout X and Platfarm.
For insights on the episode and links to useful resources, check out our website.Companies: Impact Ag • Topics: regen-ag, agtech-ecosystem, natural-capital
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Can McDonald's scale for good? with Nicole Johnson-Hoffman
26 augustus 2020 · 36 min
Is it possible for large food corporations like McDonald’s to “scale for good?” Nicole Johnson-Hoffman is in charge of supplying beef to McDonalds through the OSI Group, and doing so sustainably.
She believes it’s only the big companies that have the power to change entire supply chains and therefore that the future of sustainable food is up to them.
Nicole grew up on a small dairy farm in Minnesota and is now a world leader in sustainable beef production.
But the industry today is a long way from where it was in the not too distant past. It has moved from highly defensive and secretive, like when Oprah and the American Cattleman’s Association squared off in the late 1990s, to embracing the need for more transparency and input from stakeholders.
In this episode, Nicole talks about: Lees meerThe feud between the US beef industry and Oprah.
How major companies like McDonald’s are taking responsibility for the sustainability of their supply chains, and what this means for farmers.
The rise of frameworks for food sustainability, like the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Companies: OSI Group, McDonald's • Topics: meat-protein, corporates, supply-chain, livestock-dairy
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Why General Mills is betting a million acres on regenerative ag, with Jay Watson
12 augustus 2020 · 35 min
When a company commits to regenerative agriculture practices - it can be accused of ‘greenwashing’ - making people believe it’s doing more to help the environment than it really is.General Mills, the U.S. company behind iconic brands such as Yoplait, Betty Crocker and Cheerios, made a commitment to bring regenerative agriculture practices to one million acres of farmland by 2030.Jay Watson is responsible for this task - connecting farmers in various commodity supply chains with support, tools, and pilot programs to enable regen ag practices.
In this podcast, Jay discusses: Lees meerThe criticisms around regenerative agriculture and why General Mills has decided to invest in it.
How General Mills is educating farmers to view their land as an ecosystem.
Overcoming the misconceptions held by some ‘foodies’ about where their food actually comes from.
The current and future prospects of agtech in regenerative agriculture.
For our insights on the episode and links to useful resources, check out our blog here.
Companies: General Mills • Topics: regen-ag, corporates, supply-chain, soil-health
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Wagyu without owning a cow: startup logic meets regen farming, with Sam Trethewey
29 juli 2020 · 35 min
Sam Trethewey believes ‘regenerative agriculture’ is not a dirty word - but simply the future of farming. Astonishingly, he produces wagyu beef in Tasmania without actually owning any cows. He does this by combining insights about business models from startups such as Uber and Airbnb with the farming practices of regenerative agriculture.
Sam grew up on the family farm in Tasmania before working in corporate agribusiness and marketing. In 2016, he co-founded SproutX, the first agtech accelerator in Australia.
But in the last few years, he has returned to his first passion - the land itself. Sam runs the Tas Ag Co with his wife, Steph. After seeing increasing demand from consumers who are more conscious about what they eat, they’ve taken on the challenge of producing ‘carbon positive beef’.
In this episode, Sam shares his insights on: Lees meerTas Ag Co’s innovative business model that avoids traditional finance and allows them to produce beef without owning cows.
How the marketing and branding of their product as ‘carbon positive’ is a major driver for the business.
The debate over what regenerative agriculture actually means and where it is headed in the future.
Want to know more? Check out our blog for insights and additional resources.
Topics: regen-ag, livestock-dairy, business-model, meat-protein
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Carbon-neutral since 2011: the Jigsaw Farms story, with Mark Wootton
15 juli 2020 · 37 min
Mark Wootton is well-known in the Australian agriculture industry as a pioneer in carbon-neutral farming. In 2011, Jigsaw Farms, his family property in south-west Victoria, achieved carbon neutrality - undergoing a process he openly admits was at the time, both “arduous and not necessarily commercially rewarding”.
Yet, Mark and his wife Eve Kantor operate a very successful mixed grazing farm where they run 20,000 sheep for fine wool and prime lamb as well as 500 cows. The farm also incorporates a 600 hectare hardwood timber plantation and indigenous plantings for biodiversity.
Mark was instrumental in the creation of the Climate Institute - a not-for-profit focused on climate science and policy in Australia. He remains a champion of finding new ways to lower methane emissions on farms - through both feed efficiencies and new technologies.
His latest venture is a “Super Ewe” - where he’s using genetics to create a dual purpose sheep through focusing on muscle and fat in the selection process.
In this episode Mark Wootton shares his insights on: Lees meerUsing Sheep Freeze Brand (liquid nitrogen) as an alternative to mulesing.
Turning sustainable agriculture practices into a driver for productivity and profits.
The importance of flexibility in farming operations.
Finding the right times to make big decisions for your business.
Want to know more? Check out our blog and additional resources from the episode on our website.
Companies: Jigsaw Farms • Topics: regen-ag, carbon-markets, livestock-dairy, natural-capital
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From 160 acres and 40 cows to 20 families: growing with tech, with Karmen Mehmen
1 juli 2020 · 28 min
Karmen Mehmen is a corn and soybean farmer in Iowa alongside her husband Stan and their son Kyle and daughter-in-law Kerri. Their farm, MBS Family Farms, has grown from 160 acres and 40 cows back in the ‘60s to an operation that today supports 20 families.
In this episode, Karmen talks about: Lees meerHow technology has enabled them to manage through substantial growth
Learnings from transitioning the farm to the next generation
How structured coaching and support has helped them become better farmers & business owners
For more insights from the episode and links to resources Karmen mentions, check out our write up here.
Companies: MBS Family Farms • Topics: farm-economics, ag-data, people-culture, succession
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Social license, science comms and the cotton farmer's story, with Renée Anderson
17 juni 2020 · 33 min
Renée Anderson is a farmer in Emerald, Queensland, Nuffield Scholar, agronomist, and overall champion for the cotton industry. In this episode, she shares her insights from Australia and around the world on social license, science communications, and the role that tech can play in helping farmers both improve production and change the narrative about agriculture.
Visit our website for our top five insights, Renee’s favorite science communicators, and the resources on racism in agriculture mentioned at the end of this episode. Lees meerTopics: people-culture, marketing-brands, agtech-ecosystem, women-agtech
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The world's only carbon-neutral fishing company, with David Carter
3 juni 2020 · 36 min
David Carter is the CEO of Austral Fisheries, one of Australia’s largest integrated commercial fishing companies. Austral Fisheries is notable for being the only commercial fishing company in the world to be certified Carbon Neutral, offsetting their emissions to zero since 2016.
In this episode we talk about: Lees meerDavid's path from deckhand to CEO
Austral's journey from commodity to branded, premium product
The bold goals that Austral have set on issues like bycatch and carbon emissions
How technology is helping Austral respond to consumer demands and address social license issues
The 'unlikely alliances' powering Austral Fisheries’ market leading position
For the resources mentioned and more on David, visit our website: www.agtechsowhat.com/agtechsowhatepisodes/david-carter-carbon-neutral-fishing
Companies: Austral Fisheries • Topics: carbon-markets, climate-risk, supply-chain, natural-capital
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Three leading farmers on the tech they use every day: live from evokeAG
20 mei 2020 · 31 min
This episode, live from the 2020 evokeAG conference in Melbourne, features three innovative Aussie producers: Brad “Jonesy” Jones; Sue “Chilla” Middleton; and Mark “Mort” Mortimer.
We also cover: Lees meerthe different techs being used in their businesses today
their tech wishlists for the future
what’s driving adoption of agtech and what’s preventing it
where to look for the best agtech solutions
how they’re getting involved as more than customers of agtech
For links to additional resources (and all the agtech mentioned), check out our website: www.agtechsowhat.com/agtechsowhatepisodes/tips-from-leading-producers
This is yet another live episode- do you like it? Hate it? Let us know on twitter @agtechsowhat or reach out on our website.Companies: evokeAG • Topics: farm-machinery, ag-data, ag-tech-adoption, livestock-dairy
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How Bayer and Trimble buy and build agtech, with Jim Chambers and Derek Norman
6 mei 2020 · 1 uur 11 min
Today’s episode is all about corporate investments and acquisitions in agtech. Two guests, Derek Norman (VP at Leaps by Bayer) and Jim Chambers (President and General Manager of the Worldwide Agriculture Business at Trimble) cover different ways startups can engage with corporates, from early stage direct strategic investments, to channel partnerships, to acquisitions.
We also discuss: Lees meerwhat Bayer and Trimble are looking for and tips for startup to get investment- and acquisition-ready
how the M&A environment is changing with consolidation and coronavirus
why we haven’t we seen more successful agtech exits
what spaces are hot (and not), including how Bayer and Trimble are looking at autonomy, e-commerce, biologicals, indoor agriculture, and more
This episode was recorded LIVE at an event we co-hosted with Tim Hammerich, host of the Future of Agriculture podcast. If you're not yet a FoA listener, check out episode 201 featuring AgThentic Partner Matthew Pryor.
Tim's interview with Derek: 2:00 to 26:18
Sarah's interview with Jim: 26:18 to 49:48
QnA with both Jim and Derek: 49:48 to end
What do you think of this format? Do you want more live events, or partnerships with more podcasts? Please reach out!
More resources and links available on the AgTech...So What? website.Companies: Bayer, Trimble • Topics: corporates, finance-investing, agtech-ecosystem
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The alternative protein debate: disruption or opportunity for ag? live panel
22 april 2020 · 46 min
Coming to you live from Australia's first national, virtual AgTech Meetup, this episode explores what alternative proteins are, how big they'll become, and whether this is a pending disruption or untapped opportunity for agriculture.
Panelists included: Lees meerCatherine Tubb- chemistry PhD and Research Fellow at RethinkX
Paul Wood- internationally recognized veterinary immunologist, inventor, and Chairman at AusBiotech
George Peppou- chef and CEO/Co-founder at cellular ag company VOW Foods
In this episode, we cover:
The different types of alternative proteins, from plant-based to cultured meat;
What’s driving their cost, and when it will come down;
When they'll hit the market, and how much market share they’ll get; and
What all this means for farmers, investors, and consumers.
This meetup was co-hosted by us (AgThentic) alongside SproutX and Platfarm.
Check out our website for the live video, slides, and more resources.Companies: RethinkX, AusBiotech • Topics: alt-protein, meat-protein, agtech-ecosystem
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Building agtech with growers, not for them, with Pete Nelson
8 april 2020 · 40 min
This week Sarah is joined by a guest host, Cass Mao, Principal Advisor at AgThentic, to chat with Pete Nelson of AgLaunch about how growers and agtech companies can work together in a model that they call "farmer-centric innovation"
Pete Nelson, originally a farmer and an English major at University, has been actively involved in building the support ecosystem for new agricultural enterprises for over 15 years. He has worked with a variety of public and private sector partners and helped to launch multiple startup companies. More recently he's been working on sector-specific initiatives to fund, incubate, and accelerate agricultural companies with high growth potential.
AgLaunch, which includes accelerator programs, a fund, and more, is focused on commercializing early stage agricultural innovation by working with farmers.
Cass and Sarah wanted to speak with Pete after writing a report last year on innovation ecosystems, and how best practices in the US can be applied to Australia. Rather than just look at hotspots like Silicon Valley, the report explored ag-focused places, like St. Louis and Tennessee, where AgLaunch is located. The report, called Building a globally Recognised AgTech ecosystem in Australia, is available here: https://agthentic.com/reports
In this episode, Pete explains what “farmer-centric innovation” means, how AgLaunch is driving it, and how having growers at the table fundamentally changes outcomes for startups and regional communities.
For additional resources and info, check out our blog: www.agtechsowhat.com/agtechsowhatepisodes/2020/4/8/ep-64-pete-nelson-on-partnering-with-growers-to-build-better-agtech Lees meerCompanies: AgLaunch, AgThentic • Topics: ag-tech-adoption, venture-startups, agtech-ecosystem
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Three barriers to agtech adoption (and COVID's impact on food), with Evan Fraser
25 maart 2020 · 29 min
Evan Fraser is a food systems innovation expert, the Director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph in Canada, and the Founder of Feeding9Billion.
Though he didn't grow up on a farm, he brings a multi-disciplinary and systems approach to his work, with degrees and work experience in various fields from anthropology to atmospheric chemistry to agriculture. His passion for agriculture comes from his love of good food and summers spent spent working on his grandfather’s farm (more on that in the episode).
In this episode, Evan and I cover two main topics: Lees meerThree big barriers to agtech adoption, and what’s being done to overcome them; and
The impact of COVID-19 on agricultural supply chains.
Thanks to Connie Bowen for suggesting Evan. We're always open to suggestions and feedback from our listeners!
Additional Links and ResourcesArrell Food Institute (check out the videos and card game!)
Feeding9Billion
Evan on Twitter
Evan on LinkedIn
More thoughts from Evan on COVID-19
Empires of Food: Feast, Famine, and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations (Evan’s book)
Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN)
Companies: Arrell Food Institute, Feeding9Billion • Topics: ag-tech-adoption, agtech-ecosystem, food-consumer, research
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Rebroadcast: how indoor farming makes money, with Allison Kopf
18 maart 2020 · 34 min
We hear all the time that we need to "feed the world" and that "agtech can help" But what role will indoor farming play? How do these systems work, what can they grow, and how do they make money?
Today’s guest, Allison Kopf, is an agtech entrepreneur and indoor ag expert. Her company, Artemis, builds software for indoor farms and specialty crops. In this episode, rebroadcast (with updates and edits) from a couple years ago, Allison shares an indoor ag 101.
We also cover the challenges for women in agtech, and how we can increase gender diversity in big and small ways. Happy (belated) International Women's Day to all our female listeners.
Resources and Links Lees meerArtemis (formerly Agrilyst)
Allison’s Forbes 30 under 30 interview
2017 State of Indoor Ag Report
List of women in agtech that Allison started (and some press on it here)
Allison and Artemis on twitter
Companies: Artemis • Topics: crops-horticulture, venture-startups, women-agtech, agtech-ecosystem
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Bonus episode: live panel from evokeAG 2020 featuring global agrifood tech experts
11 maart 2020 · 43 min
evokeAG, Asia Pacific's largest agrifood tech event, brought together 1300 innovators earlier in February this year in Melbourne, Australia. The jam-packed event featured international experts, innovative farmers, dozens of startups, and much more, showcasing what the region has to offer in agrifood tech innovation.
This bonus episode gives a taste of evokeAG and a live recording of the first panel on the main stage: The Asia-Pacific region and how we are rising. Panelists included: Lees meerAndrew Coppin - Farmbot
David Downs - NZTE
John Hartnett - SVG Ventures/THRIVE
Liza Noonan - CSIRO
Sarah Nolet - Tenacious Ventures and host of AgTech...So What?
For additional shoutouts and relevant links, check out the AgTech...So What website here.
Companies: evokeAG, AgriFutures • Topics: agtech-ecosystem, finance-investing, government-policy
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Can a family vineyard go carbon neutral and make money? with Alisdair Tulloch
4 maart 2020 · 34 min
Agriculture is often vilified for its environmental impact. But what if agriculture could be carbon neutral? Is that even possible? And what would it cost?
Alisdair Tulloch, a fourth generation grape grower, believes it’s not only possible but also profitable.In this episode, Alisdair shares his family's journey to carbon neutral. Why did they decide to take action? How are they measuring? What improvements have they made, and how did they prioritize?
We also cover: Lees meerThe practices and management decisions Alisdair has made, and what’s working (or not);
Why there’s a first-mover advantage of going carbon neutral;
The ROI of carbon neutrality; and
The potential of policies and carbon markets to unlock value for farmers.
To follow Alisdair’s journey
Instagram @keithtullochwine and @alisdairtulloch
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KeithTullochWine/
Looking for Keith Tulloch wines?
https://keithtullochwine.com.au/
info@keithtullochwine
The Fine Wine Specialist, their national distributor: https://www.tfws.com.au
Topics: carbon-markets, climate-risk, farm-economics, crops-horticulture
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The tech-enabled future of sheep genetics, with Mark Ferguson
19 februari 2020 · 35 min
Mark “Ferg” Ferguson is a sheep geneticist who’s paying attention to how both consumer demands and emerging technologies are impacting growers. Drawing on his experience with dozens of clients around Australia and New Zealand, Ferg shares: Lees meer
insights for agtech companies, like the importance of personas and how to build relationships in a digital world;
what the future of extension and consulting in livestock looks like;
the role of cutting edge technologies in the sheep industry; and
a vision for the future where consumers expectations are met and growers are profitable.
For more from Ferg and resources mentioned, see:
https://www.nextgenagri.com/
https://twitter.com/neXtgenAgri and https://twitter.com/Fergenetics
https://www.nextgenagri.com/articles/farmer-people-that-farm-article-1
Artificial Intelligence work: https://www.nextgenagri.com/articles/seen-one-seen-them-all
NZ Merino: https://www.nzmerino.co.nz/
Companies: neXtgen Agri, Genesmith • Topics: genetics-breeding, livestock-dairy, ag-data, ag-tech-adoption
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Where the real money is in agtech, with farmer-builder Mic Fels
5 februari 2020 · 40 min
Mic Fels is someone I’ve wanted to speak with ever since I read an article he wrote about how his agtech is really making him money.
Mic not only crops about 11,000 hectares in Esperance, Western Australia, but has also built and commercialized a range of software products and machinery through his company, iPaddock.
Mic and I chat about where the real value is in agtech, and what building products has taught him about startups and about farming.
We also talk about: Lees meerhard earned lessons and tips for working with tech;
whether ideas or execution matter more; and
which is harder…farming or building agtech.
For more from Mic and to check out the iPaddock products, see:
https://twitter.com/ipaddockapps
https://www.ipaddock.com.au/
https://www.ipaddock.com.au/how-i-make-money-out-of-ipaddock/
Companies: iPaddock • Topics: ag-tech-adoption, ag-data, farm-economics, crops-horticulture
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Drought, dust storms and value-adding a family farm, with Fiona Aveyard
22 januari 2020 · 41 min
Agtech is about more than the technologies. It's about new business models in agriculture,and of course the innovators driving changes along the value chain. Today’s guest, Fiona Aveyard, a 5th generation mixed farmer, is definitely an innovator and an entrepreneur.
We talk about how she’s working on a new supply chain and newvalue add products that can bring more profits to the farm and create jobs in herlocal community. And she’s doing all of this while facing dust storms and the worst drought inhistory.
This episode is again part of our series in partnership with Farmers2Founders, aninnovation program designed specially for primary producers. Fiona is one of thebusinesses in the program. Applications are open now for the Ideas Program. So, if you’re a producer with an invention to commercialize or an idea for a new product, check it out!
For more from Fiona, check out:https://www.outbacklamb.com.au/https://twitter.com/outbacklamb Lees meerTopics: farm-economics, climate-risk, supply-chain, people-culture
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Farmers who became founders: two startup journeys, with Fee Turner and Lee Coleman
7 januari 2020 · 23 min
Fee Turner (Bitwise Agronomy) and Lee Coleman (FarmSimple) are both farmers as well as founders of agtech startups. They, along with six other farmer-led businesses, have been selected into the Farmers2Founders Bootcamp program, an intensive 3 month accelerator that is helping them take their business to the next level.
In this episode, Fee and Lee tell us about their farms, startups, and the challenges they're facing being farmers and founders.
Relevant links: Lees meerhttps://www.bitwiseag.com/
https://twitter.com/bitwiseag
https://croppaco.com/
https://twitter.com/CroppaCo
This episode is produced in partnership with Farmers2Founders. To learn more, check out https://www.farmers2founders.com/ or follow @farmers2founder on Twitter.
Companies: Farmers2Founders, Bitwise Agronomy, FarmSimple • Topics: venture-startups, agtech-ecosystem, people-culture
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Making six-figure decisions on a regenerative cattle farm, with Stuart Austin
18 december 2019 · 32 min
Stuart Austin is a regenerative farmer and self-proclaimed early adopter of technology.
In this episode we cover everything from how Stuart got involved in regenerative ag, to the tools he's using (and helping build) to make 6 and 7 figure decisions at Wilmot Cattle Company.
Stuart also shares his views on alternative proteins, transparency in agriculture, and the books and movies that he's found inspirational.
Relevant links: Lees meerWilmot Cattle Company- https://www.wilmotcattleco.com.au/
Write up of the 2019 Field Day- https://www.maiagrazing.com/250-plus-graziers-attend-field-day-on-drought-resilience/
RCS Grazing for Profit course- https://www.rcsaustralia.com.au/products/family-business/grazing-for-profit-2/
Allan Savory’s TED talk- https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_fight_desertification_and_reverse_climate_change
You inc. by John McGrath- https://www.amazon.com.au/You-Inc-Attract-Amazing-Business/dp/0732276365
Remember the Titans (trailer)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir1OH33uiwA
Maia Grazing- https://www.maiagrazing.com/
FarmBot- https://www.farmbot.com.au/
Companies: Wilmot Cattle Company • Topics: regen-ag, soil-health, livestock-dairy, natural-capital
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Farmer-led startups: building while farming, with Ashlea Miles and David Ricardo
4 december 2019 · 18 min
Ashlea Miles and David Ricardo are Australian farmers and founders of agtech startups Training Paddock and Farm Service Manager. They, along with six other farmer-led businesses, have been selected into the Farmers2Founders Bootcamp program, an intensive 3 month accelerator that helping them take their business to the next level.
In this episode, Ash and David share the story behind Training Paddock and Farm Service Manager, and reflect on the differences and similarities between running a farm and building a startup.
Relevant links: Lees meerhttps://www.trainingpaddock.com.au/
https://farmservicemanager.com/
https://twitter.com/FarmServiceApp (@FarmServiceApp)
This episode is produced in partnership with Farmers2Founders. To learn more, check out https://www.farmers2founders.com/
Companies: Farmers2Founders, Training Paddock, Farm Service Manager • Topics: venture-startups, agtech-ecosystem, people-culture
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Facial recognition for cows, with Aidan Connolly
20 november 2019 · 35 min
Aidan Connolly is the CEO of Cainthus, and agtech startup using cameras and machine learning to help farmers make better decisions. Before that, Aidan helped Alltech grow from $24 million to $2.3 billion. During that time he was, among many things, Director of the Pearse Lyons Accelerator where he saw hundreds of agtech startups in all different sectors.
Aidan shares his insights on: Lees meerWhat it's like to go from a global agribusiness to a startup
How cameras are transforming agriculture
How to get engineers off the keyboard and onto the farms they're trying to help
Why it's so important for farmers to help entrepreneurs, even when it's frustrating
For more from Aidan, check out:
Aidan on LinkedIn
Aidan on Twitter
Aidan on Forbes
Cainthus
Other resources:
HBR on the average age of successful founders
Companies: Cainthus, Alltech • Topics: livestock-dairy, ai, ag-data, autonomy-robotics
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What it takes for researchers and startups to collaborate in agtech: live panel
6 november 2019 · 42 min
Coming to you live from the AgTech Meetup in Sydney, this panel explores what it takes for startups and researchers to collaborate successfully in agrifood.
Panelists for the evening were: Dr Peter Thorburn, Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO; Tegan Nock, Co-Founder at SoilCQuest; and Nick Hazell, Founder and CEO at V2 Food.
V2 Food: https://www.v2food.com/SoilCQuest: https://www.soilcquest.org.au/CSIRO: https://www.csiro.au/
The AgTech Meetup is proudly sponsored by SproutX, Australia’s first agtech accelerator. Lees meerCompanies: CSIRO, SoilCQuest, V2 Food • Topics: research, venture-startups, agtech-ecosystem, government-policy
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A farmer's view on the GMO and sheep controversies, with Murray Scholz
23 oktober 2019 · 28 min
Murray Scholz farms with his wife Emma in Southern NSW and the Eastern Riverina on the foothills of the snowy mountains. They grow wheat, canola, lupins, and barley, and run beef cattle and prime lambs.
Murray’s family is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, after his great-grandfather came to the area in 1919. They’ve always been an innovative family, adopting new practices and striving to run a profitableand sustainable business. In this episode, Murray shares several stories of how his thinking has changed through overseas travel and exposure to new perspectives, and the business decisions he’s made as a result.
Tune in to learn about: Lees meerWhat it’s like to be in the middle of the GMO controversy, where no one seems to listen to what you’re really saying
Why Murray decided to run sheep, after publicly criticizing them for years
How a hiking trip in Switzerland challenged his views on ag policies
The decisions you can make when you’ve been collecting data for over 30 years
Tips for agtech startups to better engage with farmers
To hear more from Murray or follow what Scholz farming is up to, check out:
Practical tips from Murray on integrated weed management and water use efficiency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b4QRvoma1o
Murray on why they integrated sheep and how they’re benefiting from a mixed farming operation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KjUfhCDzkU and https://www.theland.com.au/story/6272468/lifting-profit-to-cut-risk/
Find Murray on twitter and Facebook @ScholzFarming
Topics: people-culture, genetics-breeding, livestock-dairy, agtech-ecosystem
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From commodity to identity: systems investing in food and ag, with Victor Friedberg, S2G Ventures
9 oktober 2019 · 29 min
Today’s guest, Victor Friedberg is the co-founder of S2G ventures, a Chicago-based firm that has backed companies across the ag and food industries such as Beyond Meat, Maple Hill Creamery, Benson Hill Biosystems, and Mercaris. Victor is also the founder of Foodshot Global, a non-profit consortium of companies focused on creating a food system that's more healthy, sustainable, and equitable.
In this episode, Victor and I chat about:· How Victor went from tech entrepreneur to food and ag investor· How a systems approach to investing can decrease risk· Opportunities for farmers to benefit from consumer trends· Victor’s reflections on the agrifood tech opportunities down under
Additional resources: Lees meerS2G Ventures
FoodShot Global
Maple Hill Creamery
Beyond Meat
Umami
Organic Fraud Imports in the news
Check out our "getting agtech ready" eBook here: https://www.agtechsowhat.com/getting-agtech-ready-ebook
Companies: S2G Ventures, Foodshot Global, Beyond Meat, Benson Hill Biosystems • Topics: finance-investing, agtech-ecosystem, supply-chain
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Getting a job in agtech: what companies are really looking for, with Tim Hammerich
25 september 2019 · 22 min
Tim Hammerich, who grew up on a hobby farm in Northern California selling pigs, goats and ducks, is the Founder of AgGrad and the host of the Future of Agriculture podcast. In this episode, Tim and I chat about careers in agriculture, including what companies are looking for, tips for getting a job, and what’s different about jobs in agtech.
For more on Tim, check out AgGrad (https://aggrad.com/) or find him on Twitter @TimHammerich and #FutureOfAgriculture Podcast Lees meerCompanies: AgGrad • Topics: careers-talent, agtech-ecosystem, venture-startups
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The overlooked role of women in agtech adoption, with Dr Rachel Hay
11 september 2019 · 19 min
This week, Dr. Rachel Hay, social scientist at James Cook University and boutique pig farmer, shares insights from her PhD on the role of women in agtech adoption. Published in 2014, Rachel’s findings still hold true and could be helpful for agtech companies looking to understand the industry and develop marketing strategies that can cut through the noise. Lees meer
Companies: James Cook University • Topics: women-agtech, ag-tech-adoption, people-culture, research
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Farming regeneratively before the word existed, with Peter Thompson
21 augustus 2019 · 23 min
Today’s episode is the 4th in the theme Responding to Climate Risk, brought to you in partnership with the Australian Farm Institute. Check out episodes 42, 44 and 46 to hear more on this theme.
Today’s guest is Peter Thompson, a farmer based in rural Queensland, Australia that has been farming regeneratively before the word existed. He and his wife Nicki run grassfed beef cattle, do broad-acre cropping, and have about 6000 acres of wilderness conservation country.
His farming philosophy has developed over a lifetime on the land, and in this episode he shares his insights about: Lees meerFinding compromises that are truly win-win;
Avoiding the temptation of silver bullet solutions;
The long list of technologies they’ve adopted; and
The importance of balance.
Find out more about Peter and his project's here:
EchoCattle: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Agricultural-Cooperative/Echo-Cattle-228388813850666/
PeterPointT, his invention that’s now sold globally: https://www.facebook.com/433620400044090/videos/1219724138184212/
Soil2Soul: www.soil2soul.com.au
Walk over weighing project: https://futurebeef.com.au/projects/walk-over-weighing/
Topics: regen-ag, livestock-dairy, climate-risk, soil-health
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Inside Indigo Ag: $650M raised, and what it learned visiting Australia, with Dan Harburg
7 augustus 2019 · 33 min
Today’s episode is a live recording from the Sydney AgTech meetup. Our guest is Dan Harburg, senior director at Indigo Ag. IndigoAg is one of agtech’s biggest startups. They’ve raised over $650M, have over 1k staff, and are working to expand in the US and internationally. Dan was visiting Australia to learn more about carbon farming, and the work happening here that might be helpful to Indigo and farmers around the world.
Indigo Ag - https://www.indigoag.com/
Episode produced by Grow Love Project. Lees meerCompanies: Indigo Ag • Topics: venture-startups, carbon-markets, soil-health, agtech-ecosystem
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From extraction to regeneration: investing for returns and impact, with Ben Krasnostein
23 juli 2019 · 26 min
In this episode we hear from Ben Krasnostein, co-founder and managing director of Kilara Capital, a company that helps facilitate investment opportunities that provide both commercial returns and environmental impacts.
Ben believes that we as consumers, primary producers, and global economies need to shift away from a mindset of extraction to one of regeneration. And he believes that business and technology are tools to enable this transition.
When it comes to agriculture, Ben sees great opportunities for farmers to benefit during this transition.
This episode is the 3rd the theme, responding to climate risk, brought to you in partnership with Australian Farm Institute, an independent organization conducting research into the strategic issues facing Australian farmers and the agriculture sector. Find them on social media @AustFarmInstitu
Other links from the show Lees meerKilara Capital
Climate Solutions Fund
Climate Friendly
Tasman Environmental Markets
Companies: Kilara Capital • Topics: finance-investing, regen-ag, natural-capital, climate-risk
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Why bigger isn't always better in agtech, with Andrew Whitlock
11 juli 2019 · 29 min
In this episode we hear from Andrew Whitlock, a farmer and precision agriculture consultant. Andrew has worked with many farmers over the years, both as a government extension officer and as a private consultant. Andrew believes in keeping it simple, sticking to the science, and being really clear about the problem you are trying to solve before implementing any innovation.
For Andrew, big is not necessarily better when it comes to data, and agtech is no substitute for sound soil science. But he is excited to see where new innovative technologies can complement agronomy to inform good decision making.
Finally, Andrew says that farmers young and old need to be brave and take a leap of faith when it comes to trying new things to improve their farming systems.
This episode is the 4th and final in the theme, Getting AgTech Ready, brought to you in partnership with Decipher, a precision agriculture solution that helps growers and agronomists make data driven decisions. Find them on social media @DecipherAgTech Lees meerTopics: ag-tech-adoption, ag-data, people-culture
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Two cotton farmers built Australia's biggest solar-diesel pump, with Karin Stark and Jon Elder
24 juni 2019 · 17 min
Cotton farmers Jon Elder and Karin Stark have looked to technology (and their neighbors) for innovation to help them respond to climate risk. The 500 kW hybrid solar-diesel pumping system they’ve installed- Australia’s largest- is helping them combat rising energy costs and improve the bottom line.
As farmers who are passionate about the environment, Karin and Jon say it’s a win-win for the business and the environment. The system is reducing their carbon footprint and building financial resilience. On top of that, Karin has been organizing field days and conferences to share her message that communication and trust are key to building knowledge and confidence when it comes to adopting new technologies that can help farmers respond to climate risk.
This episode is the second in the Responding to Climate Risk theme, brought to you in partnership with Australian Farm Institute, an independent organisation conducting research into the strategic issues facing Australian farmers and the agriculture sector. Find them on social media @AustFarmInstitu
Other links from the showNSW Rural Assistance Authority government incentives - www.raa.nsw.gov.auAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award - www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/Reaqua Solar Pumping - www.reaqua.com.au Lees meerTopics: climate-risk, energy-electrification, irrigation-water
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From corporate careers to tropical fruit: being agtech ready, with Jess and Matt Fealy
12 juni 2019 · 18 min
Which countries are best prepared for agtech? And what can farmers do to get started today?
In this episode we hear from a farming couple, Jess and Matt, about social media, robotics, and picking low hanging fruit when it comes to innovation. Jess and Matt Fealy returned to farm life after a long stint in the corporate world to grow avocados, mangoes, and limes in Far North Queensland.
For them, being agtech ready is about having an open mind, trying new things, and thinking beyond business-as-usual. Their advice is lean in and take control of what you can. But when it comes to implementing technology, to remember that innovation is not a band-aid for sound business practices- it’s a natural progression of good decision making.
Matt also shares insights from his recently completed Nuffield scholarship on robotics and automation in horticulture.
This episode is the third in the theme, Getting AgTech Ready, brought to you in partnership with Decipher, a precision agriculture solution that helps growers and agronomists make data driven decisions. Find them on social media @DecipherAgTech
Jess and Matt’s farm - blueskyproduce.com.auKeeping in simple on social media - instagram.com/p/ByD-mFep8SSMatt’s Nuffield report and video presentation - https://nuffield.com.au/matthew-fealy/Future Agro Challenge - fac.startuptablelands.orgInsights from the episode on our blog here Lees meerTopics: ag-tech-adoption, crops-horticulture, autonomy-robotics
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Farming with climate change, not against it, with Anika Molesworth
30 mei 2019 · 31 min
Anika Molesworth is a passionate advocate for sustainable farming and climate change action. She can be heard on stage and in classrooms in Australia and abroad on the balance of rural landscapes and includes managing climate risk in agricultural systems.Anika’s PHd work takes here between cropping systems in the Riverina in NSW to the rice paddies of SouthEast Asia looking as aspects of sustainable agricultural development.
In this episode we talk about managing climate risk and how Anika’s family experience taking on a property in far west NSW sparked her interest in this style of agricultural study. We also look at the differences she sees between the Riverina and South East Asia and what we can learn from each other. We also touch on technology of course and its role in managing climate risk and its barriers to adoption.
This is our first of four episodes in partnership with the Australian Farm Institute on the theme, "responding to climate risk".
You can read more about Anika here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anika-molesworth-93519187/?originalSubdomain=auAnd watch her TEDX Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8R3Al3fgNEFollow Anika on Twitter Lees meerTopics: climate-risk, regen-ag, people-culture, research
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Agtech at scale: running a 2,000-hectare corporate farm, with Lachlan Sutton
14 mei 2019 · 26 min
Lachlan Sutton, Agribusiness Manager for Southern Cross Farms, has been involved with agriculture for his whole life. He was born and bred on his family’s sheep and wheat farm, worked in various rural services roles for over a decade with Elders, and now looks after agtech for the Corporate farming outfit Southern Cross Farms. Southern Cross Farms is an agricultural management business, over 2000 ha in size, with a particular focus on citrus and wine grape production, as well as almonds and avocados. In this episode, Lachie shares his views on the differences (and similarities) between family farms and corporate farms in terms of how they think about adopting new tech. He also has tips for farmers of all types that are thinking about agtech: build relationships, simple is best, and don’t forget about support! Lachie on LinkedInLachie’s Southern Cross Farms profileLachie on Twitter
This episode is part of the “getting agtech ready” theme, brought to you in partnership with Decipher (www.decipher.com.au).
Find more episodes at https://www.agtechsowhat.com/ or @agtechsowhat on Twitter. Lees meerCompanies: Southern Cross Farms, Elders • Topics: ag-tech-adoption, crops-horticulture, farm-economics