Deere and Kubota present autonomy solutions
Welcome to another edition of Software is Feeding the World. The CES was a big event in the world of Tech this past week, with many food and agriculture companies presenting at the show. Deere, Kubota, Driscolls, etc. were prominent examples. Today’s edition will talk about some of the announcements from Deere and Kubota.
Before we get into this week’s edition, I want to talk about an exciting new project I have been working on with Sachi Desai and Walt Duflock, under the AgTech Alchemy umbrella. We released the inaugural AgTech Alchemy Quarterly report last week.
AgTech Alchemy Quarterly
We're thrilled to introduce the inaugural AgTech Alchemy Quarterly, your go-to source for curated insights and expertise in the field. Inspired by the McKinsey Quarterly, our quarterly publication brings together handpicked articles, podcasts, and observations to foster learning and growth within the AgTech Alchemy community. Each issue is carefully crafted around a central theme, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of agricultural technology.
In this issue, our talented contributors dive into the complexities of success in AgTech, exploring what's worked, what's not, and what's on the horizon. They'll share their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and provide practical advice on how to navigate the landscape and make the most of the tools available. Join us on this exciting journey and discover the latest trends, breakthroughs, and best practices shaping the future of AgTech.
The first AgTech Alchemy Quarterly features fantastic writers and thought leaders like Janette Barnard (Prime Future), Walt Duflock (AgTech Alchemy & Western Growers), Ashley Sweeting (Ash Cloud), J. Matthew Pryor (Tenacious Ventures), Hollis Robbins (Anecdotal), Sachi Desai (AgTech Alchemy and Bayer), Ariel Patton (Topsoil), Shane Thomas (Upstream Ag Insights), Patrick Honcoop (AgTech Edge), Dan Schultz (Ag Done Different), Tim Hammerich (Future of Agriculture), and a small contribution from me as well.
You can download the free copy here. Do not forget to follow the AgTech Alchemy LinkedIn page for future events, and content.
We have started working on the Q1 issue and will be announcing the theme shortly.
-The AgTech Alchemy Team
Deere and Kubota talk autonomy
Noted political strategist, Peter Zeihan provides one view for the US Midwest. He imagines a future in which automated equipment with cameras will take photos of each individual plant. The equipment will identify if the plant is a weed, or a crop and assess the health of the crop. It will give it a little jolt of whatever is appropriate (herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, water etc.). He believes we are on the verge of production increasing by a factor of 2-3 (“on the verge of” is subjective, though within the realm of possibility.) It will turn conventional farming into conventional gardening, with a lower pollution rating and a far lower carbon footprint. (Highlights by me)
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Till a few years ago, the folks in AgTech didn’t pay much attention to CES for AgTech related news. Deere changed it all a few years ago by showing up with some of their cool toys. Deere has continued to do the same and this year was no different. It is a smart strategy to burnish their brand, attract future employees, and investors, and be part of the tech zeitgeist.