AgTech360 Archives

Engineering Autonomy: John Deere’s AI-Powered Tractors at Work

Harvesting Innovation (PT. 1)
Sept. 17, 2025 | 15` minutes

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 engineering challenges of scaling autonomous tractors, and the future of precision ag technology for large-scale farming. 

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New Center, New Frontier: Tim Kelliher Leads NC State’s Genome Editing Mission

Editing for Impact (PT. 4)
Aug. 27, 2025 | 14` minutes

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. 

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New Center, New Frontier: Tim Kelliher Leads NC State’s Genome Editing Mission

Editing for Impact (PT. 3)
Aug. 13, 2025 | 20` minutes

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. 

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Bananas, Biotech, and Beyond: Gene Editing with Tropic

Editing for Impact (PT. 2)
July 30, 2025 | 22` minutes

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 innovation to tropical regions where food security is most urgent. 

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CRISPR, Then and Now: A 2025 Update with Rodolphe Barrangou

Editing for Impact (PT. 1)
July 15, 2025 | 31` minutes

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 crops in global markets, and the growing role of AI in designing precision edits. He also reflects on the progress of regulatory frameworks, the importance of public trust, and what scientists, companies, and governments must consider as CRISPR scales from the lab to the marketplace. 

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Shifting Perspectives: How Nanotech is Gaining Ground in Farming

Nanotech (PT. 2)
April 24, 2025 | 19 minutes

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. 

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Tiny Particles, Huge Potential: Assessing Benefits and Risks of Nanotech in Ag

Nanotech (PT. 1)
March 6, 2025 | 25 minutes

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. 

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Women in AgTech: Breakthroughs in Biological Solutions with Dr. Pam Marrone

Women in Ag (PT. 2)
March 6, 2025 | 25 minutes

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 transformative potential of biologicals and their pivotal role in the future of sustainable agriculture. 

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Women Making History in Ag: Dr. Jean Ristaino on Plant Health and Genomics

Women in Ag (PT. 1)
March 6, 2025 | 15 minutes

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 worldwide.  

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Gene Editing Revolution: Monika Paule on the Future of Agriculture with CRISPR

Gene Editing (PT. 2)
February 18, 2025 | 15 minutes

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. 

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Leveraging CRISPR to Drive Sustainability in the Forestry Industry

Gene Editing (PT. 1)
February 4, 2025 | 18 minutes

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.

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N.C. PSI Makerspace: Magic Behind AgTech Prototyping at NC State

SPECIAL EPISODE
December 11, 2024 | 15 minutes

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 dynamic environment is driving breakthroughs in agriculture and empowering farmers to address today’s most pressing challenges.

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Precision Progress: Advancing Weed Control with AI-Driven Robotics

LABOR SHORTAGES (PT. 2)
November 26, 2024 | 14 minutes

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 farming. 

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New Technology Tackles Labor Challenges for Specialty Crop Growers

LABOR SHORTAGES (PT. 1)
November 7, 2024 | 14 minutes

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. 

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Activating Living Microbes: Expanding the Planting Window with Indigo Ag

BENEFICIAL MICROBES (PT. 2)
October 10, 2024 | 17 minutes

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. 

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Pixels to Prediction: Unpacking Landscape Simulations

AERIAL IMAGING (PT. 2)
September 25, 2024 | 13 minutes

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.

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Aerial Imaging and Data Insights with Intelinair’s Tim Hassinger

AERIAL IMAGING (PT. 1)
September 10, 2024 | 14 minutes

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 innovations are transforming farming into a more efficient, data-powered industry. 

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Bridging Biology and Chemistry in Agriculture With Platform 10

August 27, 2024 | 14 minutes

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 sustainability. 

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Unlocking the Power of Beneficial Microbes

BENEFICIAL MICROBES (PT. 1)
Aug. 14, 2024 | 17 minutes

Discover how beneficial microbes are playing a big role in enhancing crop health, boosting productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Mallory Choudoir, soil microbiome extension specialist, discusses the impact biologicals have on agriculture.

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Farming Robotics: Automation Advances with Farm-ng CTO

July 30, 2024
18 minutes

Claire Delaunay of Farm-NG shares her insights on the future of farming robotics, discussing this evolving technology and its imminent impacts on field management practices.

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Robotics and Sensor Technologies on the Farm with Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton

July 11, 2024
17 minutes

Chris Reberg-Horton, N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative platform director for resilient agricultural systems, shares insights about the advancements in robotics and sensor technology in agriculture

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Ag Data Analytics: Discovering Supply Chain Efficiencies

July 1, 2024
12 minutes

Discover how Dani Jones, a researcher at NC State University, harnesses data analytics to improve agriculture practices. She also leads NC State’s Agricultural Data Science Certificate program.

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Data and AI Driving AgTech Breakthroughs

June 10, 2024
19 minutes

Modern data analytics and artificial intelligence tools are empowering farmers to make faster, more informed decisions on everything from field management to post-harvest processes. Hear more from Dan Maycock, vice president of CropTrak and a visiting researcher at NC State.

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Phosphorus: Managing Ag Benefits, Protecting Water

May 9, 2024
14 minutes

Byran Furhmann, aquatic technology development scientist at SePRO Corp. discusses the delicate balance between leveraging phosphorus use in agriculture for optimal benefits while also prioritizing the protection of water systems. 

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Phosphorus Sustainability

April 18, 2024
17 minutes

Phosphorus plays a critical role in agriculture and the environment. Jacob Jones, director of the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability Center and an NC State materials science and engineering professor, discusses the significance of phosphorus for life processes, challenges associated with its overuse and more.

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Grounded Growth: Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture

April 11, 2024
18 minutes

Yara’s Senior Vice President of Global Innovation, Rejane Souza, shares insights on the world of soil health and sustainable agriculture.

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Unearthing Soil Secrets with Extension Specialist Luke Gatiboni

March 13, 2024
15 minutes

NC State University soil fertility expert Luke Gatiboni’s research focuses on uncovering the elusive balance of soil nutrients critical for boosting yields.

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Women in Science: Kathryn Polkoff

March 27, 2024
15 minutes

Entrepreneur Kathryn Polkoff shares the remarkable journey of developing a pioneering product designed to combat climate change and enhance bovine health simultaneously.

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FA Bio Founders on Solutions in Ag and the Workplace

February 13, 2024
22 minutes

Founded by a team of visionary women, FA Bio is dedicated to identifying sustainable agriculture solutions. Learn about the experiences that led these women to pioneer new technologies and attract top talent. 

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Cultivating Holiday Magic from Seed to Tree with Barr Evergreens

December 18, 2023
12 minutes

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 introducing new science to the old orchard.

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Tree Tech Talk with NC State Researcher Justin Whitehill

December 11, 2023
20 minutes

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.

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Optimizing Animal Microbiomes with Folium Science

October 18, 2023
14 minutes

Adrian Percy is joined by Ed Fuchs, CEO of Folium Science, to talk about the barriers and needs of the livestock industry. Folium uses a CRISPR-Cas technology to target and eliminate or reduce harmful microbes and bacteria while preserving the beneficial ones. The technology is transferrable to plants so we may grow healthier, more resilient crops.

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Part 2: Sensors Used at Nash Produce Could Increase Profitability for Sweetpotato Growers

November 22, 2023
15 minutes
 
Thomas Joyner, president of Nash Produce, shares how using Sweet-APPS technology boosts profitability and yields. Joyner says that sharing timely information with growers about their recent harvests is a win-win for all.

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Part 1: Using Sensors in Agriculture with NC State Researcher Dr. Kudenov

November 1, 2023
15 minutes

NC State researcher and professor 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.

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Foodborne Pathogens with Sid Thakur

October 4, 2023
18 minutes

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 about foodborne pathogens and the many technologies that have emerged to help identify and track them.

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Monitoring Orchard Pests with Trapview

September 20, 2023
18 minutes

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.

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Apple Tech with Tom Kon

September 6, 2023
18 minutes

We kick off a new season with apple expert 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 working farms. 

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Revolutionizing Row Crops with ZeaKal

May 31, 2023
19 minutes

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 million acres at a time.

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Open Innovation with Bayer’s Phil Taylor

May 17, 2023
16 minutes

Adrian Percy is joined by Phil Taylor, Director of Innovation and Outreach for Bayer Crop Science, to talk about open innovation. Bayer recognizes it cannot achieve its goals without open innovation with partners of all types and scale. Taylor presents Bayer’s model for open innovation and explores how different models can be applied across industries and disciplines.

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Controlled Environment Agriculture with Ricardo Hernandez

May 3, 2023
19 minutes

Ricardo Hernandez, Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Coalition at NC State, joins host Adrian Percy to discuss CEA, present its challenges and highlight its possibilities. Hernandez details the varied spectrum of CEA, from greenhouse tomatoes to vertical farming, as well as its place in the food supply chain.

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Making & Marketing a Better Soybean with Charles Hall

April 12, 2023
15 minutes

Adrian Percy is joined by Charles Hall, Executive Director of the NC Soybean Producers Association, to discuss marketing soybeans to the animal industry and where AI and drones fit into the commodity group’s goals.

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Making Extension Connections with Rachel Vann

March 29, 2023
22 minutes

Rachel Vann, a soybean Extension specialist and N.C. PSI platform director, demystifies North Carolina’s extension program and discusses its critical role in bringing technology to soybean growers across the country.

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Understanding Weed Biology with Katie Jennings

March 8, 2023
13 minutes

Adrian Percy sits down with NC State professor and Extension specialist, Katie Jennings to discuss the biology behind why certain weeds give farmers such a hard time and what her research program is doing to help. Jennings takes us through the limitations and options, from traditional methods like hand-weeding and herbicides to nascent technologies like electrocution, bioherbicides, and robots.

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A Look at Alternative Crops with David Suchoff

February 22, 2023
18 minutes

NC State Extension Specialist David Suchoff gives us a glimpse into the future of alternative crops. From hemp and sesame to sunflowers and flax, his research takes market demand and farmer concerns into consideration as he investigates crops that can help farmers reduce economic volatility, adapt to climate change, and respond to shifts in consumer demand.

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Supporting Crops of the Future with FFAR

February 8, 2023
20 minutes

Jeffrey Rosichan shares how FFAR identifies and supports crops of the future. Discover how uncommon research projects gain steam. Growers in the U.S. are benefitting from FFAR’s global connections as research projects from around the world directly impact their farms.

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Combatting Weed Resistance with Harpe Bio

January 25, 2023
18 minutes

Entrepreneur Chad Brommer, CTO of Harpe Bio, dabbled with new formulations in his kitchen blender before collaborating with experts to create a new herbicide. The new mode of action in their biologically based herbicide is quickly proving to be effective worldwide.

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Electrocuting Weeds with Crop.Zone

January 11, 2023
13 minutes

Dirk Vandenhirtz, CEO of Crop.Zone, talks about electrocuting weeds. Growers in several countries are seeing the benefits of this new technology on their fields and in their pockets. Herbicide resistance is no longer an issue with this novel approach to weed management.

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Innovative Beehive Monitoring Technology with Apis Protect

November 11, 2021
18 minutes

CEO Fiona Edwards Murphy speaks about Apis Protect. This Ireland-headquartered company uses a combination of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies to remotely extract and interpret data from beehives while keeping that data safe.

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Post-Harvest Grain Monitoring and Transportation Monitoring with TeleSense

October 22, 2021
17 minutes

Naeem Zafar, Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Offer of TeleSense talks about an integral part of food production – the step after harvest and before shelving. TeleSense provides remote solutions for grain storage and transportation monitoring. 

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Toward Eradicating Malaria: Repurposing Agtech for Public Health with the IVCC

July 20, 2021
21 minutes

Dr. Nick Hamon, CEO at Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) shares how his company repurposes chemistry that may have traditionally been used in agriculture and applies it to the public health sector, working toward the total eradication of Malaria.

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Reimagining Livestock AgriTech with Cainthus

May 21, 2021
13 minutes

Aidan Connolly, Chief Executive Officer at Cainthus and President of AgriTech Capital, gives his perspective on livestock agtech importance and how seemingly simple tech can be revolutionary.

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Rethinking the Drivers of Innovation in AgTech with Finistere

May 7, 2021
19 minutes

Ingrid Fung, Investment Director at Finistere Ventures, talks diversity in agriculture, consumer-driven Ag Tech, pharmaceutical inspiration and what she is most excited about moving forward with sustainable ag.

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Keep Calm and CRISPR On with Rodolphe Barrangou

April 2, 2021
22 minutes

Rodolphe Barrangou, a Distinguished Professor at NC State, talks about the advancements and importance of CRISPR and where the future of this technology may lead. This episode is filled with great examples of what CRISPR is and its capabilities.

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The Plant Sciences Initiative at NC State

February 10, 2021
20 minutes

Dean Richard Linton, of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State, talks about the Plant Sciences Initiative and plans for future and current partnerships along with unique approaches to moving forward.

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Communicating Agriculture with Bayer Crop Science

January 28, 2021
18 minutes

Beth Roden, Global Head of Communications at Bayer Crop Science, talks about the challenges and opportunities of communicating about agriculture and new technologies.

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Small Molecule Chemistry and Biotechnology with Oerth Bio

November 8, 2020
23 minutes

John Dombrosky of Oerth Bio, an AgTech start-up in the RTP, talks about leveraging their PROTAC® protein degraders that harness the plant’s own protein disposal system to degrade and remove unwanted proteins.

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Pollinator Health and Regulatory Science with CERSA

November 2, 2020
20 minutes

Danesha Seth Carley, Director of CERSA, talks with Adrian Percy about the goals for the future of regulatory science and her experience in pollinator health.

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Photobiology with Biolumic

November 2, 2020
22 minutes

Adrian Percy talks with Jason Wargent, Chief Science Officer at Biolumic about photobiology and UV treatments for seeds and seedlings.

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PrecisionHawk talks Drones in Agriculture

November 2, 2020
24 minutes

Bobby Vick, former Director of Agriculture of PrecisionHawk based in Raleigh, NC, talks with Adrian Percy about drones and how agriculture can utilize them.

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Protein-Based Biocontrol with Biotalys

September 2, 2020
23 minutes

Chief Executive Officer of Biotalys, Patrice Sellès, talks with Adrian about protein-based biocontrol.

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Biochemistry and BHAGs with Terramera

September 2, 2020
22 minutes

CEO of Terramera, Karn Manhas, talks with Adrian Percy about BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and using biochemistry to reduce synthetic chemistry loads.

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DNA Sequencing and Crop Genomes with Hi Fidelity Genetics

September 2, 2020
24 minutes

Spencer Maughan of Hi Fidelity Genetics talks with Adrian about how they use precision data science, advanced sensors and large-scale DNA sequencing to build crop genomes.

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