Agtech - So What?

Meet two of the farmer-led startups in the Farmers2Founders Bootcamp

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...

Aidan Connolly on facial recognition for cows

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: What it's like to go from a global agribusiness to a startup How cameras are transforming agriculture How...

(Live Panel) What does it take for researchers & startups to collaborate in agtech?

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, Australi...

Murray Scholz on the GMO and Sheep Controversies

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 profitable and sustainable business. In this episode, Murray shares several stories ...

Victor Friedberg on Systems Investing and Transition from Commodity to Identity

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 i...

Tim Hammerich on Careers in AgTech

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

Ep 49: Rachel Hay on the role of women in agtech adoption

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.

Ep 48: Peter Thompson (responding to climate risk)

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 h...

Episode 47: Live Q&A with Dan Harburg of IndigoAg

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 ...

Ep. 46 - Ben Krasnostein (responding to climate risk)

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 o...

E45 Andrew Whitlock (Theme: getting agtech ready)

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. B...

Ep 44: Karin Stark and Jon Elder (responding to climate risk)

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 re...

Episode 43: Jess and Matt Fealy (Theme: getting agtech ready)

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 busine...

Episode 42: Anika Molesworth (Theme: responding to climate risk)

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 Ani...

Episode 41: Lachlan Sutton, Southern Cross Farms (Theme: getting agtech ready)

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...

Episode 40: Tim Rethus (Theme: Getting AgTech Ready)

Tim Rethus and his family are cropping farmers near Horsham in Victoria who have made a commitment to “sustainable, low cost farming”. As early adopters and innovators, the family has always been on the cutting edge of building and buying agricultural technology. Now, as the skills and experience of two generations combine, Tim has some valuable insights to share about adopting (and building) new technology, where to look for inspiration, and how to make the decision to shift to a whole new...

Episode 39: An Update from AgTech - So What

Sarah here with a quick update on what's new and coming soon at AgTech - So What!

Episode 38: Angus Street, AuctionsPlus

Angus Street - CEO, Auctions Plus This week AgTech So What? Comes to you live from the Sydney AgTech Meetup. Sarah Nolet hosts a conversation with Auctions Plus CEO Angus Street. It's one of the Top 10 websites visited every day by rural Australians, AuctionsPlus has used simple technology to redefine livestock trading. Founded in 1986, its fair to say AuctionsPlus has been well tested in the market and has seen some changes over that time in the AgTech and startup scene in Australia. R...

Episode 37: Anthony Rudd, I-AG

This week's conversation is with Leeton, NSW based managing director of I-AG Pty Ltd Anthony Rudd. Anthony Rudd has a unique insight into the integration of machine automation and data adoption in agriculture and has worked in this space for John Deere Australia, a Chinese company and also in software writing and development. In 2008 Anthony was employed as John Deere Australia's first ever integrated solutions manager. The concept was extremely new but it had been tested in the United ...

Episode 36: The Digital Ag Collective

The Digital Ag Collective with Kelly Pearce and Tanya Kilminster from the West Australian wheatbelt. This podcast conversation is about the development of an Australian farmer owned and controlled group that utilises and shares the most relevant data systems and programs available in the Ag Tech sector. Kelly Pearce and Tanya Kilminster both live and farm in the West Australian wheatbelt. More notably they both hold Agricultural Science PhD's with the CSIRO. In their chat with Sarah No...

Episode 35: EvokeAG Special 2. Live Panel - Faster, Smarter Farms

EvokeAG LIVE Special! In this Episode of AgTech So What we take you to a panel Sarah hosted at the recent Agrifutures EvokeAG Event. Get ready for even faster, smarter farms. Precision farming, using satellite imagery and drones to monitor crops along with farm-management software tools to maximize decisions are powering smarter farms. Uptake of these and other AgTech innovations are set to expand with the imminent introduction of faster, cheaper connectivity. Panel members: • Anastasia ...

Episode 34: EvokeAG Special. Live Panel - Alternative Farming

This week we come to you live from EvokeAG. EvokeAG is an exciting event showcasing the best of the best hosted by Agrifutures. Sarah Nolet hosts this panel on Alternative farming - a new frontier. With global population expected to reach 10 billion people in 2050 and urban sprawl encroaching farmland how do we maximize dwindling resources to feed everyone? Farming practices are undergoing a radical transformation to produce more from less and make the most of what is there. Panel membe...

Episode 33: Matt Roesner

  Matt Roesner is the technical director for his family's machinery business Roesner Pty Ltd. based in Harvey, Western Australia has been in existence for more than 100 years.. The Marshall Multi Spread was the first Australian multi purpose fertiliser spreading machine spreading lime and gypsum at the same time. Since that time 10,000 machines have been built by Matt's family. Matt says, "we've stayed relevant by spending a lot of time getting to know what our customer base wants and wh...

Episode 32: Jennifer Medway

Jennifer Medway, Sheep farmer, Gunning NSW Manager for research and innovation with AgriFutures Australia. Jennifer Medway is a 5th generation farmer from Gunning in southern New South Wales running a sheep and wool farm with her Mum, Dad and Husband. In this podcast Jen shares her perspective as a farmer, who's also had career in agricultural policy and governance and now agtech. She explains how she uses a combination of these pursuits to leverage technological progress within the f...

Episode 31: Viv And Margaret

Viv McCollum and Margaret Ayre We're trying something new on the podcast today - a joint conversation with two admirable women in the Ag Tech space - Viv McCollum and Margaret Ayre. Vivienne McCollum is the founder of agricultural consultancy AGKServices (AgKnowledge) and has been heavily involved precision agriculture for about 18 years (before smartphones and in some instances the internet!). She shares her insights into the role of young people in the adoption of precision agriculture...

Episode 31: Viv And Margaret

Viv McCollum and Margaret Ayre We're trying something new on the podcast today - a joint conversation with two admirable women in the Ag Tech space - Viv McCollum and Margaret Ayre. Vivienne McCollum is the founder of agricultural consultancy AGKServices (AgKnowledge) and has been heavily involved precision agriculture for about 18 years (before smartphones and in some instances the internet!). She shares her insights into the role of young people in the adoption of precision agriculture...

Episode 30: Rob Sharkey, The Shark Farmer

Rob Sharkey describes himself as a farmer, podcaster and an outfitter. He's a grain farmer from Illinois in the Unites States and has morphed into somewhat of a social media celebrity in Agriculture circles for his commentary and questioning on rural issues. Rob has an inquisitive take on his commentary and tries to incorporate humour and a bit of cheek into his works on his blog, podcast's and occasional TV show as well as 12K following on Twitter. This conversation explores what he's le...

Episode 30: Rob Sharkey, The Shark Farmer

Rob Sharkey describes himself as a farmer, podcaster and an outfitter. He's a grain farmer from Illinois in the Unites States and has morphed into somewhat of a social media celebrity in Agriculture circles for his commentary and questioning on rural issues. Rob has an inquisitive take on his commentary and tries to incorporate humour and a bit of cheek into his works on his blog, podcast's and occasional TV show as well as 12K following on Twitter. This conversation explores what he's le...

Episode 29: Will MacSmith

  Will MacSmith is a farmer from Manildra in Central West New South Wales. Will and his business partner Hamish are trying to develop a system to realise profit margins for sheep through the collection of real time data of feed efficiency and conversion for individuals rather than the mob. They're doing this through trial and error in confinement and feedlotting on Will's family farm where he's been living and working for the last 10 years. Over a period of two years they have been buildi...

Episode 28: Mark Mortimer

As a child Mark Mortimer didn't like computers. It's a different story now - Mark has evolved to become an early adopter of technology in the field of sheep genetics and stud breeding in Australia. Computers have changed his livelihood. Mark speaks with Sarah Nolet from his farm office at Albert near Tullamore in Central West New South Wales, Australia. It's a family farming partnership with his father and brother and it's Mark's job to look after the businesses genetics, so sheep genetics...

Episode 27: Carl Lippert - FeedX

  Carl Lippert is a American dairy farmer and AgTech developer. He's one of the only people I know who has qualifications in dairy science and computer science. Right now Carl is busy as the co-founder of new Ag Tech company FeedX which will become an app for US dairy farmers. It will be a one-stop shop where farmers can calculate, source and deliver feed from paddock to farm. The platform is a partnership of 2 startup's in the animal feed space, Carl's FeedMNGR app and e-commerce marke...

Episode 26: Chris McLoughlin - Mycelia Organics

Chris McLoughlin, organic mushroom farmer, Mycelia Organics Chris McLoughlin's forae into farming is a great example of a new generation of investor backed agricultural innovation. Chris has always had a fascination with soil, dirt and technology and his organic mushroom operation, Mycelia Organics is a mixed of all these things. With a whole lot of self education on the internet, including some online courses he has taught himself how to operate an organic farm that answers what supermark...

Season Two Teaser

More Soon

Just a quick note to say we will be back soon with more great episodes and amazing guests

More Soon

Just a quick note to say we will be back soon with more great episodes and amazing guests

Episode 25 : Dr Jaci Brown : On The Weather And Researchers Working With Agtech Startups.

Dr Jaci Brown is a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, and an expert in weather and climate science.

Episode 24- Brooke Sauer On Closing The Gap Between Growers, Agronomists And Technology

Brooke Sauer is on a mission to close the gap between growers, agronomists, and technologies. Brooke is a digital agriculture manager at McGregor Goulay, an agricultural services company that offers cropping inputs, agronomic services and, increasingly, digital ag solutions. Although Brooke's background is in agricultural genetics, she is rapidly becoming an expert in precision agriculture, as she supports farmers to explore and adopt precision agriculture tools. In talking to Brooke on thi...

Episode 23 - Allison Kopf On Redefining What It Means To Farm

Episode 23 - Allison Kopf on redefining what it means to farm

Episode 22 - Kevin Heikes With Perspectives On Agtech From Over 20 Years In The Space

Kevin Heikes was part of agtech before it was agtech. He's been involved in four different agtech startups, including his latest venture, In10t. In this episode, we dig into his perspectives on agtech from over 20 years in the space, including: Hard earned lessons from 4 agtech startups, and what it feels like to have a farmer customer call to say you've made their life better with your product The importance of tech companies partnering with farmers Why having an ag background matters...

Episode 21 - Seana Day On What's Hot In Livestock And Dairy Tech

Seana Day brings a diverse background in agriculture, finance, and technology to the agtech sector where she is a Partner at  BEtter Food Ventures. Seana also tracks nearly 1,500 agtech companies in her "Market Maps" through her role as Partner at The Mixing Bowl. Seana's background gives her a unique and valuable perspective on the evolution of the agtech sector, and what the future holds. In this episode, we discuss: how more and more growers are adopting a digital strategy, and what it ...