About:

Rhishi Pethe is a technology leader with 20+ years in AgriFood, focused on tech innovation, sustainability, and scaling solutions through writing, podcasting, and leadership.

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Agriculture Food systems Technology Markets and marketplaces Business models Investment and financing Sustainability Scaling innovation Climate change

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Technological innovations in the cotton industry transformed production methods, economic structures, and social dynamics, illustrating the critical nature of second-order effects in agriculture.
Peru's emergence as a top blueberry exporter is driven by innovative farming practices, strategic infrastructure, and supportive policies that leverage its unique climatic conditions for counter-seasonal production.
Automating lettuce harvesting remains a complex challenge due to the precision required, historical labor practices, and ongoing technological advancements in AgTech.
Oz, an AI tool developed by Microsoft and Land O’Lakes, aims to assist agronomists in addressing rising agricultural costs and improving decision-making through extensive data utilization.
Steve Sprieser proposes the Merchant Banking Model as a more effective funding strategy for AgTech, addressing the limitations of traditional venture capital in supporting long-term innovations.
Guardian Agriculture's shutdown illustrates the complexities and challenges of hardware startups in agriculture, emphasizing the need for clear business models and realistic market expectations.
The post examines the historical reasons behind the British Navy's delayed adoption of lemon juice to prevent scurvy, despite early evidence of its effectiveness.
Outdated regulations on autonomous tractors in California hinder agricultural productivity and safety, necessitating a repeal for farmers to compete effectively.
The post highlights the vital role of soil microbes in agriculture, emphasizing their communication with plants and the importance of microbial diversity for crop health.
AgTech companies must navigate complex go-to-market strategies, weighing direct-to-farmer sales against distribution channels while considering unique market contexts and customer relationships.
Dr. Terry Griffin explores the complexities of agricultural economics, emphasizing technology's role and the impact of solar flares on farming practices and decision-making.
The post examines whether the agricultural industry is nearing the limits of combine harvester size and speed, while proposing automation as a potential solution for future productivity gains.
Brad Zamft shares his journey from physics to plant biology and Heritable Agriculture's mission to make crop genetic improvements affordable and impactful using AI.
Soil management practices significantly influence the soil microbiome, affecting microbial communities and their roles in agriculture and soil health.
Dr. Channa Prakash emphasizes the critical role of biotechnology and AI in addressing food security and climate challenges while advocating for public understanding of these technologies.
Mackenzie Burnett emphasizes the role of technology and resilience in agriculture, advocating for tailored financial solutions to empower family-run businesses amidst climate challenges.
Technological innovations have propelled packaged salads into a $15.6 billion industry, enhancing convenience, safety, and shelf life for consumers across America.
Yuma's agriculture, heavily dependent on the Colorado River, faces future challenges due to water scarcity, necessitating innovative AgTech solutions for sustainable farming.
SFTW shifts to a free model while addressing the complexities of agriculture and AgTech, emphasizing the need for scalable technology adoption and innovative funding models.
The post critiques the call for increased R&D in agriculture, arguing that comparisons to tech giants are flawed and highlighting the unique challenges faced by incumbents.
John Deere's Pro Service Upgrade empowers farmers with repair capabilities, highlighting the cultural and economic implications of the Right to Repair movement in agriculture.
Andrew Nelson combines his farming expertise with technology to advocate for sustainable practices and innovative, modular agricultural equipment that enhances productivity and reduces environmental impact.
Measuring soil health involves understanding various metrics, including organic carbon and microbial activity, to enhance agricultural practices and sustainability.
The author transitions to a free newsletter model to broaden audience reach while promoting an upcoming webinar on AgTech funding alternatives.