Ag Uncensored with Nathan Faleide

Episode 17 - Interview with the Founders of Agrible

In this episode, I sat down with Paul Miller and Bill Northcott, the innovative minds behind Agrible, to dive into their journey from agricultural roots to creating a groundbreaking AgTech company. We kicked things off by exploring how they got started and the unique challenges they faced in monetizing their technology—a tricky balance of understanding both the business and farming worlds.
One major theme was the challenge of connecting complex analytics with the everyday realities of farmers. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about providing practical tools that help farmers make better decisions. We also touched on the hurdles of integrating new software into the operations of large agricultural companies—a process that often requires taking big risks.
Simplicity emerged as a key takeaway in AgTech—creating simple, effective tools might sound easy, but it’s a complex process that demands constant refinement. We discussed the ongoing consolidation in the agriculture industry, which has led to concerns about reduced competition and the challenges new startups face in breaking into the market.
We didn’t shy away from the tough stuff, like the aging population in agriculture and the critical need for government support in advancing technology. Collaboration was another hot topic, especially how data sharing and partnerships between farmers, researchers, and organizations are vital for success. The conversation also highlighted the role of extension services and education in helping farmers adopt new practices.
As we wrapped up, we looked at the broader picture—the importance of building sustainable, resilient rural communities and the lessons learned through the startup and acquisition journey in AgTech. This episode is packed with insights into the evolving world of agriculture and the essential role that technology and collaboration play in its future.
Key Takeaways and Timestamps:
Introduction and Background (00:00): Paul Miller and Bill Northcott share their agricultural backgrounds and the founding story of Agrible.
Monetizing AgTech (16:43): Discussing the challenges of monetizing Agrible's technology, including finding the right price point and business strategy.
Relating Analytics to Farmers (28:49): The difficulty of translating complex analytics into practical tools that help farmers make better decisions.
Integrating Software into Large Agricultural Companies (35:18): The risks and challenges associated with integrating new software into established agricultural companies.
Simplicity in AgTech (37:29): The importance of simplicity in developing AgTech solutions, despite the complexity of the development process.
Consolidation and Antitrust Concerns in Agriculture (38:38): The ongoing consolidation in the agriculture industry and its impact on competition.
The Need for Government Support in Agriculture (41:49): Discussing the critical role of government funding and support in advancing agricultural technology.
Building Sustainable and Resilient Rural Communities (01:06:30): Exploring the need for economic development and support for rural communities in agriculture.
Practical Implementation Support and Extension Services (01:20:08): Highlighting the gap in practical support for farmers adopting sustainable practices and the role of extension services.
Lessons Learned in the Startup and Acquisition Process (01:31:55): Reflecting on the challenges and lessons learned throughout the startup and acquisition journey in the AgTech industry.

Episode 16: Interview with Scott Sexton CEO of Ever.ag

In this episode of Ag Uncensored, I had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Sexton, the CEO of EverAg. We delved into the challenges and opportunities in the ag technology industry and highlighted the significance of creating comprehensive and interconnected solutions for the agri-food ecosystem. Scott shared his journey from the food industry into ag tech and explained how EverAg evolved from its roots in the dairy industry to expand into other sectors of the agri-food value chain.
Our discussion emphasized building an interconnected ecosystem in agriculture and the hurdles of integrating various software solutions. We talked about the importance of core systems of record, transparency, and genealogy data, as well as the challenges in funding traceability platforms. We also explored the evolution of technology in agriculture, balancing innovation with value drivers, and ensuring a return on investment.
We touched on the emotional strain within agriculture, the necessity of bringing in new talent, and managing generational transitions. The conversation wrapped up with a focus on the slow pace of technology adoption in agriculture, the importance of understanding the industry's growth process, and the evolving landscape of large agricultural organizations. We also discussed the shift in production from North America to other regions and the crucial role of trusted partners and advisors in helping farmers adopt new technologies. Throughout, we remained optimistic about the future of agriculture and the potential advancements in real-time digital transparent supply chains and AI.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Scheduling Challenges02:09 Scott's Background in the Food Industry and Ag Tech08:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Ag Technology12:11 The Pace of Adoption in Agriculture23:43 Building Comprehensive Solutions for the Agri-Food Ecosystem29:12 The Shift Towards Traceability and Sustainability in the Agri-Food Industry31:03 Building an Interconnected Ecosystem in Agriculture32:07 The Challenges of Funding Traceability Platforms39:02 Balancing Innovation with Value Drivers49:27 Addressing the Emotional Strain in Agriculture57:23 The Slow Pace of Adoption in Agriculture01:05:34 The Evolution of Large Agricultural Organizations01:06:12 Production Shift: North America to Global Markets01:07:10 The Slow Adoption of Technology in the US Agriculture Industry01:09:32 The Role of Trusted Partners and Advisors in Technology Adoption01:11:33 The Importance of Patience, Innovation, and Capitalization01:16:00 The Potential of Real-Time Digital Transparent Supply Chains and AI

Episode 15 - Interview with Kerwin Bradley CPO of Black Gold Farms

Hey everyone, welcome back to Ag Uncensored! This is Nathan Faleide, your host. Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Kerwin Bradley from Black Gold Farms. We had planned to do this live at the Cultivate Conference in Fargo, but doing it online was much easier and laid back.
Kerwin shared his fascinating journey in agriculture, from growing up on a wheat farm in Montana to working at Walt Disney World, and eventually becoming the Chief Production Officer at Black Gold Farms. We dived deep into the complexities of potato farming and the unique challenges and innovations in the industry. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
Key Takeaways:
Potato Production Complexity (08:31.822)
Potato farming is highly intensive and requires meticulous care due to the crop’s perishability and susceptibility to diseases and pests. Kerwin emphasized that everything wants to eat a potato, making it one of the most challenging crops to grow.
Importance of Sustainability and Innovation (12:18.894)
Sustainability in potato farming is multifaceted. It involves not just reducing inputs but also ensuring the quality and yield are maintained. Innovations like biologicals and precision farming technologies are explored, but their adoption is often limited by practicality and measurable impact.
Challenges with Technology Implementation (41:25.07)
Deploying new technologies on the farm is challenging due to the need for additional bandwidth and specialized personnel. Kerwin highlighted the difficulty in justifying the cost and measuring the value of new tech, making it crucial for providers to offer easy-to-use and low-cost solutions initially.
Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture (53:58.713)
Collaboration with land partners and adopting regenerative agriculture practices can significantly improve sustainability scores. However, this requires a shift from a “do no harm” approach to proactive collaboration across crop rotations and input management.
Future of Ag Tech and Collaboration (01:09:57.817)
The future of agriculture lies in more robust collaboration and understanding between producers and technology providers. Kerwin stressed the need for solutions that address real problems in a practical and efficient manner, enabling farmers to maintain productivity while meeting sustainability goals.
Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you found this episode insightful. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share Ag Uncensored with your friends. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive into the real-world challenges and innovations in agriculture. See you next time!

Episode 14: Just me, your host, bitching about CLUs

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Ag Uncensored. Today, it’s just me, Nathan Faleide, with a solo episode on a topic that’s both frustrating and essential: CLUs and acreage reporting. Buckle up, because this ride might get a bit bumpy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background03:24 Acreage Reporting Season and Deadlines07:19 The Impact of CLU Inaccuracies on Program Payments10:15 The Inaccuracies of CLU Data15:04 The Cost of Inaccurate CLUs26:01 The Need for Change in the Reporting Process28:00 Conclusion

Episode 13: Interview with Ehsan Soltan, Founder and CEO of Soiltech Wireless

The conversation covers the journey of Eshan Soltan, the Founder and CEO of SoilTech Wireless with host Nathan Faleide. We dive through his products, and the challenges of integrating technology into agriculture. It delves into the importance of understanding the needs of farmers, the slow development process, and the impact of timing and scalability in the industry. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to agriculture technology, including challenges in the industry, the importance of simplicity, the role of champions in integration, and the need for effective customer support. The discussion also touches on the excitement around industry cooperation and the upcoming Cultivate Conference in Fargo.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to SoilTech Wireless and Its Journey
03:00 Challenges and Integration of Technology in Agriculture
13:09 Understanding the Needs of Farmers in Agriculture Technology
51:06 The Role of Champions in Integration
01:05:09 Simplicity and Functionality in Agriculture Technology
01:09:17 Excitement Around Industry Cooperation and the Cultivate Conference

Episode 12 - AgTech Adoption Sucks, Why and How to Help It: A Personal Update

Overview: Hey everyone, it's Nathan Faleide, your host of Ag Uncensored. In this episode, I share my vision for evolving the podcast format and introduce new ideas to help bridge the gap between technology adoption and practical usage in agriculture. I'll discuss the challenges we face in the industry, the potential for new content formats, and my experiences and plans for future episodes.
Timestamped Takeaways:
00:01: I start off by explaining the delay in releasing this episode due to sickness and travel, and discuss new directions for the podcast, including more solo content and weekly or monthly agricultural topics.
02:25: I reminisce about my earlier project, "Easy Observations," which focused on Earth observation and its applications in agriculture, and consider broadening the podcast's scope to include general space and Earth observation topics.
04:50: I'm interested in creating video showcases to highlight actual work being done in agriculture technology (Ag Tech) and providing honest evaluations of various software and tools in the industry.
06:56: I discuss the complexity and diversity of Ag Tech, the multitude of software and systems available, and the challenges of integrating and adopting these technologies in real-world agricultural settings.
09:22: I delve into the issues of low adoption rates for Ag Tech solutions, the overwhelming variety of tools, and the unrealistic marketing claims made by some companies. Transparency and practical demonstrations are crucial.
13:49: I introduce the concept of "gamifying" Ag software to make it more engaging and easier to use, drawing parallels to the gaming industry's approach to user education.
18:45: I outline a typical user's experience with Ag software, highlighting the frustrations and barriers they face, from confusing interfaces to unhelpful training resources and pushy sales tactics.
21:10: I propose creating video content where I, as a non-expert user, navigate various Ag software with guidance from company representatives, providing a realistic perspective on the software's usability and features.
25:54: I emphasize the importance of showing the development and functionality of software over time, rather than waiting for a perfect product, and how transparency can build trust and improve adoption.
30:50: I discuss the broader implications of software transparency for the Ag industry, encouraging companies to showcase their products openly and address both strengths and weaknesses honestly.
35:32: I highlight the need for an accessible platform where users can see and compare different Ag software in action, helping users make informed decisions and reducing the intimidation factor of new technologies.
39:12: I address the reluctance of some companies to showcase their software, fearing competition or criticism, and how open demonstration can drive improvement and adoption.
43:57: I point out the logistical challenges of transitioning to new software and the need for ongoing, accessible training content, suggesting that gamified, user-driven content could ease these transitions.
48:25: I reflect on the industry's tendency to target a small, high-end user base while neglecting broader adoption, calling for a more inclusive approach to technology adoption in agriculture.
50:17: I conclude by reiterating my plan to create and host these software showcase videos, encouraging feedback and collaboration from listeners and industry stakeholders.
52:29: I invite listeners to share their thoughts and express interest in participating in or supporting my new content initiative. Future collaborations and a continued focus on transparency and practical solutions in Ag Tech are on the horizon.
54:38: Wrapping up, I acknowledge the unique and experimental nature of this discussion and tease more unconventional content in future episodes. Your engagement and feedback are crucial as we move forward.
That’s it for this episode. I hope you enjoyed it and are as excited as I am about the new directions we’re exploring. See you next time!

Episode 11 - Interview with Aaron Hutchinson

In this conversation, Nathan Faleide interviews Aaron Hutchinson current Founder and CEO of Lighthouse.Ag and former Founder and CEO of CropTrak. They talk about precision agriculture and AgTech and the decades of history Aaron has experienced within it. They discuss the challenges of implementing blockchain technology in agriculture, the need for data sharing and collaboration, and the importance of developing affordable and accessible technology for small-scale farmers. They also touch on the concentration of ag tech solutions on large-scale farms and the potential for innovation in serving the majority of farmers who operate on smaller scales. The conversation explores the need for simpler and more affordable agricultural technology that is accessible to all farmers, including smallholders. The speakers discuss the challenges of adopting new technologies and the importance of backward compatibility. They also touch on the potential impact of AI and automation on jobs in agriculture and other industries. The conversation highlights the need for consistent and high-frequency data to train AI models effectively. They conclude by discussing the potential of multimodal interfaces in agriculture, where farmers can have conversations with AI assistants to gather information and make decisions. The conversation explores the potential of technology in agriculture, focusing on the integration of AI and the need for more integrated solutions. It discusses the importance of multi-threaded AI assistants and the future possibility of AIs communicating with each other. The conversation also touches on the challenges of onboarding new software and the need for smaller, more modular changes. It highlights the slow adoption rate in agriculture due to financial and seasonal risks. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of standards and the potential for a circular economy in agriculture.
 
Takeaways
 
Implementing blockchain technology in agriculture has challenges related to data storage, encryption, and the involvement of third parties.
There is a need for data sharing and collaboration in agriculture to improve decision-making and optimize farming practices.
Affordable and accessible technology is crucial for small-scale farmers to benefit from advanced agricultural practices.
The majority of farmers operate on smaller scales and may not have access to or be interested in cutting-edge ag tech solutions.
Investment in technology for small-scale farmers can have a significant impact on global food production and sustainability. There is a need for simpler and more affordable agricultural technology that is accessible to all farmers, including smallholders.
Backward compatibility is important when adopting new technologies to ensure a smooth transition and compatibility with existing systems.
AI and automation have the potential to impact jobs in agriculture and other industries, but they can also create new opportunities and improve efficiency.
Consistent and high-frequency data is crucial for training AI models effectively and obtaining accurate insights.
Multimodal interfaces, where farmers can have conversations with AI assistants, hold potential for improving communication and decision-making in agriculture. AI assistants have the potential to become higher-order assistants that can provide real-time information and reminders.
The integration of AI and the ability for AIs to communicate with each other will revolutionize the agricultural industry.
Smaller, more modular changes in software and technology adoption are necessary for success.
Standards play a crucial role in the integration and compatibility of different technologies.
The concept of a circular economy in agriculture, where inputs and outputs are recycled and reused, has the potential to create more sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:23 Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Agriculture
25:12 Affordable and Accessible Technology for Small-Scale Farmers
30:52 The Concentration of Ag Tech Solutions on Large-Scale Farms
34:59 Investing in Technology for Small-Scale Farmers
38:42 The Importance of Backward Compatibility in Technology Adoption
43:39 The Impact of AI and Automation on Jobs in Agriculture
53:05 The Role of Data in Training AI Models
01:02:14 The Potential of Multimodal Interfaces in Agriculture
01:04:14 The Future of AI Assistants
01:05:38 The Integration of AI and AIs Communicating with Each Other
01:07:17 Challenges of Onboarding New Software and the Need for Modular Changes
01:08:54 The Importance of Standards in Technology Integration
01:14:21 Exploring the Potential of a Circular Economy in Agriculture

Episode 10 - Interview with Randy Barker Founder and CEO of Intent

In this episode of Ag Uncensored, host Nathan Faleide interviews Randy Barker, CEO of Intent, a company in the AgTech space. They discuss the evolution of precision agriculture practices from Western Canada and the US, the challenges of proving the effectiveness of AgTech solutions, and the role of AI and ML in agriculture. They also touch on the importance of agronomy and the need for practicality and skepticism when it comes to adopting new technologies. The conversation explores the challenges and debates surrounding the adoption of new agricultural technologies and equipment. It delves into the dilemma faced by farmers when deciding whether to upgrade to expensive, high-tech equipment or stick with their current, reliable tools. The conversation also touches on the limited market size for advanced agricultural technology and the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of farmers. It highlights the need for trust and confidence in the use of data in agriculture and the value of long-term, sustainable approaches in the industry. In this final part of the conversation, Nathan and Randy discuss the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture industry. They touch on topics such as investment strategies, the importance of understanding the financial aspects of farming, the need for smart decision-making in corporate agriculture, and the potential risks and benefits of biologicals in agriculture. They emphasize the importance of self-governance and responsible innovation in the industry.
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:21 Challenges in Proving the Effectiveness of AgTech Solutions
30:53 The Upgrade Dilemma
46:38 The Importance of Long-Term, Sustainable Approaches
01:01:34 Navigating the Financial Aspects of Farming
01:09:39 The Potential Risks and Benefits of Biologicals in Agriculture
01:19:09 The Importance of Self-Governance and Responsible Innovation in Agriculture

Episode 9 - Interview with Michael Ott CEO of Cquesta and former CEO and founder of Rantizo

Summary
In this episode of Ag Uncensored, I interview Michael Ott, CEO of Cquesta and former CEO and founder of Rantizo. We discuss the use of drones in agriculture, specifically in the area of spraying crops. Michael shares his experience in the ag tech industry and how he got into drones and spraying. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the drone spraying market. Later in the conversation, we delve into Cquesta, a company that uses gene editing technology to modify root architecture in crops, allowing them to tolerate stress and store carbon underground. We discuss the potential of this technology in carbon sequestration and its integration into the existing agricultural system. In this conversation, Michael Ott and I discuss various topics related to agriculture technology and innovation. We touch on the importance of having principles in decision-making, the need for smart and targeted solutions in ag tech, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. We also discuss the role of data in agriculture, the value of partnerships and collaborations, and the future of ag tech. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for innovative solutions that address specific challenges in agriculture and the potential for technology to drive positive change.
 
Takeaways
Drones are becoming more common in agriculture, particularly in the area of spraying crops.
The reliability of drones and the ability to spray in specific areas have contributed to their increased adoption.
Cquesta uses gene editing technology to modify root architecture in crops, allowing them to tolerate stress and store carbon underground.
Cquesta aims to integrate their technology into the existing agricultural system, working with seed companies and farmers to provide a no-cost solution for carbon sequestration.
The measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system can be used to quantify the carbon sequestration benefits of various technologies, including gene editing and microbial applications. Having principles in decision-making is important, especially in the ever-changing landscape of agriculture.
Smart and targeted solutions are needed in ag tech to address specific challenges and optimize outcomes.
Data plays a crucial role in agriculture, and leveraging it effectively can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes.
Partnerships and collaborations are valuable in the ag tech industry, as they can bring together different expertise and resources to drive innovation.
The future of ag tech holds great potential for solving complex problems and creating positive change in the industry.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:45 The Potential of Drone Application
24:04 The Future of Sequestra and Carbon Sequestration
31:37 Introduction and Laughter
39:22 The Value of Partnerships and Collaborations
58:44 End

Episode 8 - Interview with Paul Schrimpf

Summary
 
In this conversation, I interview Paul Schrimpf, an expert in ag tech and precision agriculture. We discuss Paul's background in journalism and his journey into the world of agriculture. We also explore the evolution of ag technology, including the impact of auto-steer systems and the rise of software in agriculture. We speculate on the next big innovation in the industry and the challenges of automation and consolidation. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of adopting agricultural technologies in the farming industry. We discuss the disconnect between technology developers and farmers, the lack of government support for outstanding performers, and the cultural and lifestyle aspects of farming. The conversation also touches on the marketing strategies of ag tech companies and the need for a more realistic and practical approach to technology adoption in agriculture. In this final part of the conversation, we both discuss the challenges and complexities of the agriculture industry, including the difficulties of expanding farms, the importance of survival in both good and bad years, and the upcoming transfer of knowledge and land from one generation to the next. We also touch on the need for standardization and collaboration in ag tech, as well as the slow and deliberate progress being made in the industry. Overall, we emphasize the importance of learning from the past and using that knowledge to shape the future of agriculture.
 
Takeaways
 
Paul Schrimpf has had a successful career in ag tech and precision agriculture, covering various aspects of the industry.
The introduction of auto-steer systems was a game-changer in terms of efficiency and comfort for farmers.
The usability of software in agriculture has improved over time, with companies like Climate FieldView and Precision Planting leading the way.
The next big innovation in agriculture is still uncertain, but automation and AI are potential areas of growth.
The challenge lies in finding the right balance between technology and the need for human involvement in farming operations.
Consolidation in the industry has not occurred at the scale expected, and the future of agriculture remains dynamic and ever-changing. Agricultural technologies are often built for large-scale operations focused on production and movement, which may not align with the lifestyle and values of individual farmers.
The government support for farming tends to favor all farmers rather than outstanding performers, which may discourage the adoption of new technologies.
The cultural and lifestyle aspects of farming play a significant role in technology adoption, and many farmers may not feel the need to adopt new technologies if they are already making a profit.
The marketing strategies of ag tech companies often focus on grand claims of feeding the world, but the actual impact and effectiveness of these technologies can vary.
There is a need for a more realistic and practical approach to technology adoption in agriculture, with a focus on solutions that work for individual farmers and provide tangible benefits. The agriculture industry is complex and influenced by various factors, making it challenging for farmers to expand and adopt new technologies.
Surviving both good and bad years is crucial in agriculture, and farmers often have to be stubborn and adaptable to navigate the ups and downs.
The transfer of knowledge and land from one generation to the next is a significant event in the industry that will shape its future.
Standardization and collaboration are essential in ag tech to ensure seamless data interchange and drive progress.
Learning from the past and understanding the history of agriculture can provide valuable insights for shaping the future.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:23 The Impact of Auto-Steer Systems
31:59 The Lack of Government Support for Outstanding Performers
55:26 The Need for a Realistic and Practical Approach to Technology Adoption
01:08:12 Importance of Learning from the Past
01:19:14 Surviving the Ups and Downs in Agriculture
01:30:49 Exit - Podcast ‑ Made with FlexClip (1).mp4