AgTech360
Business og økonomiVitenskapTeknologiFrom the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative at NC State comes a podcast that takes a 360° view of emerging agriculture technologies. Join the host, N.C. PSI Executive Director Adrian Percy as he speaks with academic researchers, industry experts, growers, producers, Extension specialists, and others in the agtech community.
Siste episoder av AgTech360 podcast
- Drones, Sensors, AI: Farming the Future with Dr. Bai (00:15:09)
Dr. Frank Bai shares his global journey into precision and digital agriculture and highlights how sensors, drones, and AI-driven tools are shaping the future of farming. As an Assistant Professor at NC State, he bridges engineering and agriculture to tackle challenges in the field. In this episode, he discusses his autonomous scouting project at the Sandhills Research Station, innovative methods for screening drought tolerance in soybeans, and the growing role of digital technologies in...
- Engineering Autonomy: John Deere’s AI-Powered Tractors at Work (00:14:50)
Aaron Wells, Director of Engineering & Autonomy at Blue River Technology, a John Deere company, discusses the evolution of agricultural machinery—from traditional horsepower to advanced hardware and artificial intelligence. He explains how John Deere’s next-generation perception system, known as the “eyes and brain” of autonomous tractors, is transforming modern farming. This episode explores how AI, machine vision, and retrofit kits are making autonomy in agriculture possible, the ...
- Microbial Innovation Meets Gene Editing: New Biological Solutions for Agriculture (00:13:56)
Tom Williams, Director of Microbiology at BioConsortia, discusses how beneficial microbes are driving more sustainable agriculture by boosting nutrient availability, soil health, and crop performance. He shares how BioConsortia’s advanced microbial discovery platform and gene editing technologies are unlocking new opportunities for plant health and yield. The conversation also explores regulatory frameworks, grower adoption, and the exciting future of biological solutions in agriculture.
- New Center, New Frontier: Tim Kelliher Leads NC State’s Genome Editing Mission (00:19:56)
Newly appointed Director of NC State’s Genome Editing Center (GEC), Tim Kelliher, shares his unique path from organic farming to the forefront of plant science. He explains how advances in genome editing offer a faster, more precise alternative to traditional breeding—delivering vital solutions for farmers in as little as 5–8 years. Get an inside look at the GEC and how genome editing is shaping the future of agriculture.
- Bananas, Biotech, and Beyond: Gene Editing with Tropic (00:22:17)
Dr. Eyal Maori, co-founder of Tropic, is using advanced gene editing technologies to revolutionize tropical crops such as bananas, rice, and coffee. The conversation explores how Tropic developed proprietary tools like Agrotrop and GEiGS to overcome the unique challenges of editing tropical crops. Dr. Maori also highlights Tropic’s work on non-browning and longer shelf-life bananas, engagement with growers, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the company's vision to bring meaningful innova...
- CRISPR, Then and Now: A 2025 Update with Rodolphe Barrangou (00:31:11)
Genome editing pioneer Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou returns to AgTech 360 to share how CRISPR has advanced and expanded since his last appearance in 2021, transforming from a breakthrough technology into a global force across medicine, agriculture, and beyond. From scientific breakthroughs to real-world applications, he highlights how genome editing is reshaping food systems, farming, and human health. Rodolphe shares insights on the FDA approval of CRISPR-based therapies, the rise of gene-edited c...
- Shifting Perspectives: How Nanotech is Gaining Ground in Farming (00:19:15)
Dr. Jason White from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station explains how nano-scale materials, once seen as potential hazards, are gaining popularity and are now used to boost plant health, increase crop yields, and build climate resilience. He discusses global collaborations, regulatory landscapes, and promising work using nano-nutrients to prepare crops for future stress. Learn how precision delivery through nanotech could reshape sustainable farming.
- Tiny Particles, Huge Potential: Assessing Benefits and Risks of Nanotech in Ag (00:18:00)
Dr. Khara Grieger explores the fascinating world of nanotechnology in agriculture. From nanoscale fertilizers and pesticides to vaccines and biosensors, she explains how these tiny particles could have a big impact on sustainability, food safety, and animal health. The conversation also dives into public perception of nanotech, the challenges of assessing risk, and what’s needed to responsibly scale these innovations for real-world use.
- Women in AgTech: Breakthroughs in Biological Solutions with Dr. Pam Marrone (00:25:45)
Dr. Pam Marrone is a pioneering force in biologicals and sustainable agriculture. Explore how the integration of biocontrols and biostimulants is reshaping farming by boosting crop yields while minimizing the environmental footprint of traditional agricultural practices. Through her groundbreaking commercial biological solutions, Dr. Marrone has equipped farmers with the tools to embrace more sustainable, profitable practices that benefit both their farms and the environment. Discover the tra...
- Women Making History in Ag: Dr. Jean Ristaino on Plant Health and Genomics (00:15:24)
Dr. Jean Ristaino discusses how her groundbreaking research has revolutionized plant disease detection and management. Using cutting-edge genomic sequencing and real-time surveillance tools, she has traced the origins of devastating pathogens, helped growers combat crop diseases more effectively, and shaped global strategies for plant health. Discover how her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but also provided critical solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture ...
- Gene Editing Revolution: Monika Paule on the Future of Agriculture with CRISPR (00:15:06)
Dr. Monika Paule, CEO of Caszyme, explores the potential of gene editing in agriculture. She delves into the evolution of CRISPR technology and its role in addressing issues such as food scarcity and climate change. Monika also highlights how gene editing can preserve traditional crops, enhance sustainability, and shape the future of food production.
- Leveraging CRISPR to Drive Sustainability in the Forestry Industry (00:18:30)
Dr. Jack Wang, associate professor at NC State and co-founder of Tree Co, Inc., shares how CRISPR technology and machine learning are revolutionizing forestry. Dr. Wang discusses how gene editing can address global challenges like climate change and sustainability. His research focuses on improving tree resilience to pests, enhancing growth rates, and developing healthier forests by leveraging CRISPR and machine learning to create faster, more robust solutions.
- N.C. PSI Makerspace: Magic Behind AgTech Prototyping at NC State (00:14:51)
The N.C. PSI Makerspace fosters collaboration and rapid prototyping, bringing together researchers, engineers, and partners to develop practical solutions for growers. Andrea Monteza, Makerspace Director, explains how this one-of-a-kind lab plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of N.C. PSI through innovation and collaboration. Go behind the scenes with us, exploring how ideas quickly evolve into field-ready prototypes through fast testing and real-world application. Discover how this ...
- Precision Progress: Advancing Weed Control with AI-Driven Robotics (00:13:50)
Anders Brevik, CEO of Kilter, discusses how AI and robotics are reshaping agriculture to help farmers overcome critical challenges like labor shortages and environmental sustainability. He reveals how Kilter’s innovative new product combines AI with advanced nozzle technology to deliver precise herbicide application, dramatically improving selectivity and minimizing chemical use. Tune in to discover how these cutting-edge technologies are driving the future of more efficient and sustainable f...
- New Technology Tackles Labor Challenges for Specialty Crop Growers (00:14:27)
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 affordable for consumers.
- Activating Living Microbes: Expanding the Planting Window with Indigo Ag (00:16:34)
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 time making them a more feasible option for large-scale farming operations.
- Pixels to Predictions: Unpacking Landscape Simulations (00:13:08)
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 improve resource allocation with more accurate predictive modeling.
- Aerial Imaging and Data Insights with Intelinair's Tim Hassinger (00:14:22)
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-level insights. Tune in to explore the future of precision agriculture and discover how AI-driven inn...
- Bridging Biology and Chemistry in Modern Agriculture with Platform 10 (00:14:23)
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 groundbreaking approaches and their potential to boost crop yields while advancing environmental sustaina...
- Unlocking the Power of Beneficial Microbes: Big Benefits for Growers and Consumers (00:17:07)
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 benefits they offer to both growers and consumers.
- Farming Robotics: Automation Advances with Farm-ng CTO (00:17:56)
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.
- Robotics and Sensor Technologies on the Farm with Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton (00:16:44)
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 equipment. Dr. Reberg-Horton also discusses current research projects and the potential for these technol...
- Ag Data Analytics: Discovering Supply Chain Efficiencies and Educating Future Leaders (00:12:16)
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 industry professionals. Join us as we delve into the transformative impact of data analytics in agric...
- Farm Smarter: Data & AI Driving AgTech Breakthroughs (00:19:09)
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-edge technologies are shaping the future of farming, making data more accessible and actionable ...
- Maximizing Phosphorus Benefits in Agriculture While Safeguarding Water Systems (00:14:18)
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 understanding of the challenges and solutions surrounding phosphorus management in agriculture a...