AgTech360

Dr. Emmanuel Torres Quezada, researcher at the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, explores the unique challenges faced by specialty crop farmers and the importance of focusing research on these high-value, high-return crops. He discusses how in-field robotics can help automate tasks like staking, decrease labor costs, and enhance sustainability, ultimately making fresh produce more accessible and aff...

Jon Giebel from Indigo Ag discusses the role of biological seed treatments in sustainable agriculture. He explains how these living microbes can reduce carbon intensity and improve crop yields. John also introduces the CLIPS system,  an innovative technology designed to streamline the use of biologicals on the farm. This system stabilizes and facilitates the use of microbial treatments at planting...

Dr. Chris Jones, a research scholar at NC State's Center for Geospatial Analytics shares insights on the use of landscape simulation models and their evolving role in agriculture. Learn how Chris creates models to track and predict pest and pathogen spread using tools like satellite imagery and survey data. By leveraging several data sources landscape modeling helps limit crop loss and improv...

Actionable insights from vast data and imagery sets are empowering growers to make more informed decisions. Advanced technologies now enable real-time monitoring of large, dispersed farms, significantly improving both decision-making and crop management. Tim Hassinger, CEO of Intelinair, shares how their AGMRI platform harnesses multiple imagery sources and open data to deliver precise, field-leve...

Peter Wren-Hilton, founder of agritech consultancy Wharf42, shares insights into his latest initiative, Platform 10, which is exploring the integration of biologicals into sustainable farming. Discover how biocontrols and biostimulants are revolutionizing agriculture as global regulatory trends push for more biological solutions in the field. Learn more about the growing adoption of these groundbr...

Dr. Mallory Choudoir, Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist,  discusses the impacts biologicals have on agriculture. Discover how tiny beneficial microbes are playing a big role in enhancing crop health, boosting productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Listen along as we dive into real-world applications of bio-stimulants and highlight the significant be...

Claire Delaunay, CTO and COO of Farm-NG, shares her insights on the future of farming robotics. Claire reveals how advanced robotics are set to transform agriculture, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Join us for an insightful discussion about this evolving technology and it's imminent impacts on field management practices.

Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton, Platform Director for Resilient Agricultural Systems in the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative shares insights about the advancements in robotics and sensor technology in agriculture. Discover how these innovations are being applied in specialty crops, what roles AI and machine learning have in enhancing farm operations, and how farms are leveraging autonomous farming equipmen...

Discover how Dr. Dani Jones, a researcher at NC State, harnesses data analytics to improve agriculture practices. From enhancing sweet potato production to pioneering sustainable biofuels, Dani leverages data-driven insights to drive agricultural sustainability forward. She also leads NC State's Agricultural Data Science Certificate program, sharing her knowledge with traditional learners and...

Dan Maycock, Vice President of CropTrak and a visiting researcher at NC State discusses the impact of data collection and artificial intelligence on agriculture. Dan shares insights into how modern data analytics and AI tools are empowering farmers to make faster, more informed decisions, transforming everything from field management to post-harvest processes. Tune in to discover how these cutting...

Byran Fuhrmann, Aquatic Technology Development Scientist at SePRO Corporation discusses the delicate balance between leveraging phosphorus use in agriculture for optimal benefits while also prioritizing the protection of water systems. Furhmann shares insights into sustainable practices and innovative technologies aimed at minimizing phosphorus runoff and its impact on water quality. Gain a deeper...

Phosphorus plays a critical role in agriculture and the environment. Jacob Jones, Director of the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, and Materials Science and Engineering Professor, discusses phosphorus sustainability. Learn about the significance of phosphorus for life processes, challenges associated with its overuse, and the development of absorbent technolog...

 Yara's Senior Vice President of Global Innovation, Rejane Souza, shares insights on the world of soil health and sustainable agriculture. Explore the complexities of fertilizer production, digital farming tools, and emerging trends like green fertilizers and biologicals, shaping the future of agriculture.

Dr. Luke Gatiboni, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist and Associate Professor at NC State, shares his expertise on fertilizers and soil health. His research focuses on uncovering the elusive balance of soil nutrients critical for boosting yields. Dr. Gatiboni helps farmers identify the "unique recipes" needed for different soil types and  agricultural situations. Furthermore, he delves...

Kathryn Polkoff, co-founder and CEO of Hoofprint Biome, shares the remarkable journey of developing a pioneering product designed to combat climate change and enhance bovine health simultaneously. Tune in to discover how their innovative probiotic solution reduces methane emissions from cow burps. Polkoff is driving agricultural sustainability and innovation - and encouraging other young female sc...

Founded by a team of visionary women, FA Bio is dedicated to identifying sustainable agriculture solutions. They have created a new microbial discovery platform to assist with developing agricultural bioproducts. Their innovative approaches stretch beyond the lab to inclusive hiring practices that attract a diverse workforce. Discover the experiences that led these women to pioneer new technologie...

Rusty Barr from Barr Evergreens talks about advances in technology that have improved Christmas tree seedling production and helped unlock secrets to accelerating growth. Learn how his family business is crafting the perfect holiday centerpiece from root to tip by introducing new science to the old orchard. 

Dr. Justin Whitehill explains how his lab is helping create a more resilient and desirable Christmas tree. He shares insights on combating root rot, thwarting insect pests, and outsmarting browsing deer. With nearly four decades of tree breeding and genetic improvement research to build on, Dr. Whitehill and his team collaborate with growers to enhance evergreens.

Thomas Joyner, President of Nash Produce, shares how using Sweet-APPS technology boosts profitability and yields by taking pictures of their full storage bins. Joyner explains how sharing timely information with growers about their recent harvests is a win-win for everyone.

NC State researcher and professor, Dr. Mike Kudenov, delves into the intersection of engineering, agriculture and relationships. As an engineer, he looks at agriculture with a different perspective, modifying tools like sensors for use on the farm. Kudenov works closely with sweet potato producers in NC to leverage new technologies and create a more efficient food production system. 

Ed Fuches, CEO and Founder of FOLIUM Science, talks about microbial resistance and the challenges facing the food value chain. Fortunately, a new solution to combat harmful bacteria has been discovered. Fuches explains how their natural alternative to typical treatments more rapidly identifies and terminates harmful microbes. https://foliumscience.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f...

Adrian Percy speaks with Sid Thakur, a Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Executive Director of Global One Health Academy at NC State. Thakur says, “pathogens don’t respect international boundaries.” Several technologies have emerged to help with the identification and tracking of foodborne pathogens. Advances in genomics, data tracking, reporting infrastructure and interdisci...

Matej Stefancic, CEO of Trapview, engaged a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, IT experts and data scientists to develop a unique pest management tool. New solutions for pest monitoring and forecasting allow growers to make real-time decisions. Trials done on apple orchards in the U.S. have already proven beneficial. trapview.com

We kick off a new season with apple expert Dr. Tom Kon from NC State's Department of Horticultural Science. During peak harvest season, Dr. Kon reflects on the different variables affecting production, and the new technologies being utilized in orchards to maximize yields. His unique connections with the orchards in the Southeast allow nearly half of his research to be done directly on workin...

On the last episode of this season of AgTech360, host Adrian Percy is joined by Han Chen, CEO and co-founder of ZeaKal. They discuss the challenges facing the volume-first row crop industry as well as opportunities to improve its nutrition and sustainability.  ZeaKal is using its photosynthesis-enhancing crop technology to reharmonize the supply chain by building customized solutions, half a milli...