AgTech Visionaries Leading the Future of Agriculture in 2024

AgTech Visionaries Leading the Future of Agriculture in 2024 The way of business solutions www.insightssuccess.com VOL-05 ISSUE-02 2024 Kelly Miller Director AgTech Connecting Farmers with Technology: Connecting Farmers with Technology: Kelly Miller Kelly Miller on Leveraging Innovation for Perpetual Advancements on Leveraging Innovation for Perpetual Advancements

Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.

Editor’s Futurists in Agriculture Note griculture is being reformed by visionary pioneers, economic equity. They understand that the future of individuals, and organizations committed to agriculture cannot be divorced from broader issues of social A harnessing the power of technology to address the justice, climate change, and economic development. challenges facing our global food system. These innovators are not merely observers of change but architects of a future By leveraging technology to empower smallholder farmers, where sustainability, efficiency, and resilience are conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices, paramount. seers are not only driving innovation but also fostering a more inclusive and resilient food system for all. From precision agriculture and vertical farming to gene editing and blockchain technology, visionaries are As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that exploring a diverse array of tools and techniques to lie, let us draw inspiration from the trailblazers who are revolutionize every aspect of food production, distribution, leading the way toward a brighter future for agriculture. and consumption. But beyond technology, these visionaries Through the latest edition of AgTech Visionaries Leading are guided by a more profound ethos – a commitment to the Future of Agriculture in 2024, their vision, creativity, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and and perseverance remind us that in the face of adversity, innovation is not just a luxury – it is a necessity. Preston Bannister

08 C O V E R S T O R Y Connecting Farmers with Technology: Kelly Miller on Leveraging Innovation for Perpetual Advancements A r t i c l e s 14 Precision Agriculture Maximizing Efficiency through Data-Driven Farming 18 Revolutionizing Agriculture The Role of Technology in Modern Farming

Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editors AgTech Preston Bannister Jenny Fernandes Lusy Jameson Visionaries Leading Art & Design Director Associate Designer Visualizer the Future of David King Rosy Scott Angela Ruskin Agriculturein Senior Sales Managers Business Development Manager Brain Moody, Jack McDowell Gary Jacobs 2024 Marketing Manager Sales Executives James M. Max Floyd Technical Head Business Development Executives Jacob Smile Simon, Tom Featuring Institute Brief Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager Dominique T. Irvin Wilson As a Managing Director and Head of Agri-Food at Temasek, Anuj Maheshwari Temasek Anuj leads the global investment activities in this space, with a Managing Director & temasek.com.sg focus on environmental sustainability and societal impact. Head, Agri-Food Research Analyst SME-SMO Executive Frank Adams Steve Rodrigues Advanced Research Program Director working to address David Babson Massachusetts Institute global energy, agriculture, climate, and environmental of Technology Executive Director sustainability challenges. web.mit.edu Database Management Technology Consultant Circulation Manager Kelly is the Director of Compeer Financial, a member-owned Stella Andrew David Stokes Robert Brown Farm Credit cooperative providing financial products and Compeer Financial Kelly Miller services to support agriculture and rural communities in compeer.com Director of AgTech sales@insightssuccess.com Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. May , 2024 Lauren is the Lead Sustainability Manager of Coles Group, Lauren Mackenzie with a workforce being diverse including groceries and liquor Lead Sustainability Coles Group retail operations, online, manufacturing, cleaning and trolley Manager for Forests colescareers.com.au services, drivers, supply chain, and commercial and corporate Land and Agriculture services. Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ www.twitter.com/insightssuccess We are also available on : Copyright © 2024 Insights Success, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any Weitze Ooi is Managing Director of Dole Sunshine Company, form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Weitze Ooi Dole Sunshine Company delivering high-quality fresh and packaged fruit with positive Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success. Managing Director dolesunshine.com impact on people, planet and prosperity.

Cover Kelly Miller Story Director AgTech Connecting Farmers with Technology: Kelly Miller on Leveraging Innovation for Perpetual Advancements Kelly’s role at Compeer Financial encompasses a ‘‘ range of key responsibilities and day-to-day activities aimed at driving innovation and supporting the adoption of technology within the agricultural sector.

AgTech Visionaries Leading the Future of Agriculture in 2024 s the Director of AgTech at Compeer Financial, of those industries to support a different way of doing Kelly Miller brings a wealth of experience and business. Based on Kelly's experience, clients are ready to A expertise cultivated over her years in agricultural do more and more business online, and the agriculture lending. With a career spanning multiple roles, including industry has to keep up. loan officer, product management leader, and innovation & strategy lead, Kelly's journey has led her to the forefront of Fostering a Culture of Innovation agricultural technology. Kelly shares the importance of fostering innovation and For Kelly, the transition from lending to product collaboration within her team to drive technological management sparked a significant "ah-ha" moment, advancements in agriculture. This culture is what Compeer revealing the transformative potential of technological is striving towards as an organization. A few key cultural advancements for farmers. She recognizes that technology behaviors that Kelly emphasizes to drive growth in offers farmers and rural communities the opportunity to Compeer include cultivating healthy relationships, enhance efficiency and productivity in their daily operations innovating to stay ahead of the market, and championing and business endeavors. change to evolve to the next level. In her current role, Kelly is dedicated to providing digital Kelly regularly asks a couple of very tactical questions: financing solutions to farmers and drive innovation within "What has to be true for this to happen?" and "How might the agriculture industry. By partnering with ag retailers to we be able to get this done?" Additionally, Kelly considers, offer point of sale and embedded financing, farmers are able "If we started over, what would we do differently?" Finally, to make purchases and run their businesses on their own Kelly seeks input from AgTech partners, valuing their terms, whether they’re in their fields, making purchases at thoughts and ideas. Kelly believes that active listening to their local retailer or in-person at one of Compeer’s offices. partners and clients is crucial for learning and growth. Empowering AgTech Innovation Insights on New Trends Kelly’s role at Compeer Financial encompasses a range of Kelly is keen on emerging trends and technologies in key responsibilities and day-to-day activities aimed at AgTech, particularly the role of AI, which she believes will driving innovation and supporting the adoption of play a significant role in agricultural lending in the long technology within the agricultural sector. She plays an run. Kelly expresses a mixture of excitement and even in the context of advancing technology and essential role in establishing and maintaining relationships apprehension regarding the potential of AI to better serve digitalization. with AgTech partner companies, both new and existing. She farmers. collaborates closely with these partners to evaluate and Strategic Partnership Selection integrate cutting-edge technologies that align with the needs To stay updated, she faithfully reads a few resources each of Compeer Financial’s clients. week. These include Shane Thomas's Upstream Insights, as At Compeer Financial, Kelly shares that the team has Kelly is dedicated to well as insightful blog posts and LinkedIn posts from many developed the AgTech business unit with a go-to-market ‘‘ While leading the AgTech Product and Sales Teams, Kelly of Compeer's partners. Kelly finds these sources invaluable strategy centered around partnerships and collaborations. leveraging agricultural oversees a group of professionals responsible for for staying informed about the latest developments and When vetting potential partners, Kelly and the team developing and managing AgTech products and solutions. insights in AgTech. consider a couple of key factors: technology to empower Her role also includes driving and supporting change farmers and drive management for digital lending adoption, where she is Balancing Innovation and Practicality Ÿ Alignment of Values: They ensure that the values of actively involved in driving change management efforts to both parties align, as this is crucial for a successful and innovation within the facilitate the adoption of digital lending solutions within Kelly recognizes the delicate balance between both being sustainable partnership. Compeer Financial and among its clients. innovative and practical in digital channels. She believes Ÿ Unique Offerings: They assess whether each potential industry. that the most successful instances in their digital channels partner offers something unique that complements the Transforming Agriculture have occurred when there was full buy-in from the sales strengths of both parties. This ensures that the team, and they effectively conveyed the value proposition collaboration brings added value to each other. Kelly believes that agriculture is rooted in relationship to the farmers. She understands that farmers are more Ÿ Staying in Zone of Expertise: Kelly highlights the selling: lending, input sales, real estate transactions, and willing to try new ways of doing business if it comes importance of each partner staying within their "zone of anything else farmers buy. The challenge with that is the recommended by a trusted partner. Thus, Kelly underscores expertise." For example, Compeer Financial leverages change management that is required for the teams across all the ongoing importance of relationships in this business,

Kelly is keen on emerging ‘‘ trends or technologies in AgTech, particularly the role of AI, which she believes will play a significant role in lending in the long run. farmers and rural America deserve access to easy and efficient ways of conducting business, which serves as a driving force to continue pushing progress and innovation in agriculture through AgTech initiatives. Looking ahead, Kelly is committed to: Ÿ Growing partnerships: Kelly aims to strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations to foster collaboration and drive further innovation. Ÿ Relentless improvement of client experience: Kelly its expertise in lending and making strong financial Through tracking adoption rates, learning from partners, prioritizes continuously improving the client experience, decisions, while allowing other partners to contribute and listening to client feedback, Kelly can effectively ensuring that farmers have access to the best services their specialized knowledge and skills in their respective measure the success and impact of AgTech solutions and technologies available. areas. implemented, ultimately driving continuous improvement Ÿ Paying attention to trends and acting on them: Kelly and innovation in the agricultural sector. emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant about Measuring Impact in AgTech emerging trends in agriculture and swiftly acting upon Guiding Young Professionals ‘‘ Kelly understands that them to stay ahead of the curve. Kelly measures the success and impact of AgTech solutions Ÿ Failing quickly, learning and growing: Kelly encourages implemented through various metrics and feedback Kelly advises young professionals aspiring to make an farmers are more willing to a culture of embracing failure as a means of learning channels, including: impact in the field of agriculture technology to consider the and growing. By failing quickly, she believes that try new ways of doing following: valuable lessons can be learned, leading to further Ÿ Adoption: The AgTech team assesses the level of business if it comes progress and innovation. adoption of AgTech solutions among farmers and Ÿ Be curious and ask questions clients. Ÿ Believe in the mission and leadership recommended by a trusted Through these strategies, Kelly is dedicated to driving Ÿ Learnings from each partner: This includes Ÿ Listen to farmers/clients positive change and advancement in agriculture, benefiting partner. understanding the challenges faced, successes achieved, both farmers and rural communities. and opportunities for improvement. Strengthening Collaborations for Agricultural Progress Ÿ Learnings from Client Feedback: Kelly and her team actively solicit feedback from clients and farmers who Kelly describes the evolution as a movement towards utilize the AgTech solutions. enabling farmers to conduct business in the same seamless manner as they do in their consumer lives. She believes that

Maximizing Efficiency through Data-Driven Farming n the expansive canvas of modern agriculture, the age-old adage "knowledge is power" rings truer than ever before. With the advent I of precision agriculture, farming has transcended the realm of intuition and guesswork, embracing a data-driven approach that promises to revolutionize the way we cultivate the land. From optimizing inputs and maximizing yields to minimizing environmental impact, precision agriculture represents a paradigm shift in how we harness technology to feed a growing global population while safeguarding the planet for future generations. The Essence of Precision Agriculture At its core, precision agriculture is about leveraging data to make smarter, more informed decisions on the farm. Gone are the days of treating entire fields with uniform amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and water; instead, farmers now use a combination of sensors, drones, GPS technology, and advanced analytics to monitor crops in real time and tailor their management practices to specific conditions. By applying inputs only where they are needed and in the right amounts, farmers can maximize efficiency, minimize waste, and optimize resource use, leading to higher yields, lower costs, and a reduced environmental footprint. The Eyes and Ears of the Farm Central to the success of precision agriculture are sensors – small, low- cost devices that can measure a wide range of variables, from soil moisture and temperature to nutrient levels and pest populations. By deploying sensors throughout their fields, farmers can collect data on key agronomic parameters with unprecedented granularity and precision, allowing them to monitor crop health and performance in real time. Armed with this knowledge, farmers can identify potential issues early, intervene promptly, and make adjustments to their management practices on the fly, ultimately leading to healthier crops and higher yields. Taking Farming to New Heights Another game-changer in precision agriculture is the use of drones – unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors that can Precision Agriculture May 2024 | 14 | www.insightssuccess.com May 2024 | 15 | www.insightssuccess.com

capture high-resolution images and data from above. By privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI flying over their fields at regular intervals, farmers can loom large, raising questions about who owns and controls collect valuable information on crop health, nutrient the vast amounts of data generated by precision agriculture deficiencies, irrigation patterns, and pest infestations, systems. enabling them to detect problems early and take corrective action before they escalate. Moreover, drones can cover However, amidst these challenges lie immense large areas quickly and efficiently, providing farmers with a opportunities for innovation and collaboration. From comprehensive view of their operations and helping them public-private partnerships that provide access to affordable make data-driven decisions that optimize yields and technology for smallholder farmers to interdisciplinary minimize costs. research initiatives that explore the ethical and social implications of AI in agriculture, there is no shortage of GPS Technology avenues for progress. By harnessing the power of technology in a responsible and inclusive manner, we can In the realm of precision agriculture, GPS technology plays ensure that all share the benefits of precision agriculture, a crucial role in helping farmers navigate their fields with creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for precision and accuracy. By integrating GPS receivers into generations to come. their tractors, planters, and other equipment, farmers can precisely track their movements and activities in the field, Conclusion ensuring that inputs are applied at the right time and in the right place. Moreover, GPS technology enables farmers to In the grand tapestry of human history, agriculture has create detailed maps of their fields, identifying areas of always been a story of innovation and adaptation, of variability and optimizing management practices humans harnessing the power of nature to feed and nourish accordingly. Whether it's adjusting planting densities, themselves. And now, as we stand on the brink of a new era in farming, precision agriculture offers us a glimpse of what varying fertilizer rates, or implementing site-specific pest the future may hold – a future where data is the currency of control measures, GPS technology empowers farmers to success and technology is the key to unlocking the full maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing waste. potential of the land. From sensors and drones to GPS technology and advanced analytics, the tools at our disposal Advanced Analytics are limited only by our imagination. However, perhaps the most transformative aspect of Ultimately, the true measure of success in precision precision agriculture is the use of advanced analytics to turn agriculture will not be found in the bytes of data or the raw data into actionable insights. By harnessing the power whirring of machines but in the lives touched and the of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data communities transformed by these technologies. As we analytics, farmers can analyze vast amounts of data chart a course toward a more sustainable and equitable food collected from sensors, drones, and other sources to identify system, let us not forget the fundamental human values that patterns, trends, and correlations that would be impossible underpin our journey – empathy, stewardship, and a to detect with the naked eye. From predicting crop yields commitment to leaving the world a better place than we and optimizing planting schedules to identifying emerging found it. In the end, the greatest harvest of all is not in the pest threats and managing supply chain logistics, advanced fields of crops but in the hearts and minds of those who dare analytics enables farmers to make smarter, more informed to dream of a brighter future for all. decisions that drive productivity and profitability. Challenges and Opportunities Despite its immense promise, precision agriculture is not without its challenges. For small-scale farmers and those in developing countries, the cost of investment in high-tech equipment and infrastructure can be prohibitive, creating a digital divide that threatens to widen existing disparities in productivity and income. Moreover, concerns about data May 2024 | 16 | www.insightssuccess.com

TheRoleof Technology inModern Farming n the heartlands of rural America and across the verdant fields of Asia, a silent revolution is underway – one fueled not by I political upheaval or social movements but by the relentless march of technology. Modern farming, once synonymous with manual labor and unpredictable yields, is now being transformed by a wave of innovation that promises to revolutionize agriculture as we know it. From precision agriculture to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the role of technology in modern farming is not just about increasing efficiency; it's about rewriting the very narrative of food production for a rapidly changing world. The Rise of Precision Agriculture At the forefront of this revolution is precision agriculture, a holistic approach that leverages technology to optimize every aspect of farming. Gone are the days of blanket applications of fertilizers and pesticides; instead, farmers now use sensors, drones, and satellite imagery to monitor crops in real time, fine- tuning inputs based on precise data. By applying fertilizers only where they are needed and precisely targeting pests and diseases, farmers can not only reduce costs but also minimize environmental impact, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Precision agriculture isn't just about monitoring crops from afar; it's also about getting up close and personal with the soil. Soil sensors embedded in fields can provide invaluable insights into soil health, moisture levels, and nutrient content, allowing farmers to tailor their management practices to maximize yields while minimizing erosion and nutrient runoff. By harnessing the power of data analytics, farmers can make informed decisions that optimize resource use and mitigate risks, ultimately leading to higher productivity and profitability. Artificial Intelligence: Farming's New Brain However, perhaps the most transformative aspect of technology in modern farming is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Powered by vast amounts of data collected from sensors, drones, and other sources, AI algorithms can analyze complex datasets and extract actionable insights faster and more accurately than Revolutionizing Agriculture May 2024 | 18 | www.insightssuccess.com May 2024 | 19 | www.insightssuccess.com

ever before. From predicting crop yields and identifying However, amidst these challenges lie immense pest infestations to optimizing planting schedules and opportunities for innovation and collaboration. From predicting weather patterns, AI is revolutionizing decision- public-private partnerships that provide access to affordable making on the farm. technology for smallholder farmers to interdisciplinary research initiatives that explore the ethical and social Agriculture is the most Agriculture is the most Agriculture is the most One of the most exciting applications of AI in agriculture is implications of AI in agriculture, there is no shortage of in the realm of predictive analytics. By analyzing historical avenues for progress. By harnessing the power of healthful, most useful, and healthful, most useful, and healthful, most useful, and data on weather patterns, soil conditions, crop rotations, and technology in a responsible and inclusive manner, we can pest outbreaks, AI algorithms can forecast future trends ensure that all the benefits of the agricultural revolution are most noble employment most noble employment most noble employment with remarkable accuracy. Armed with this knowledge, shared, creating a more sustainable and equitable food farmers can proactively adapt their strategies to mitigate system for generations to come. of man. of man. of man. risks and capitalize on opportunities, whether it's adjusting planting dates to avoid droughts or deploying pest control Conclusion measures before an infestation takes hold. In the grand tapestry of human history, agriculture has The Future of Farm Labor always been the cornerstone of civilization, providing sustenance, livelihoods, and cultural identity to Another area where technology is reshaping agriculture is communities around the world. And now, as we stand on in the realm of robotics. With labor shortages plaguing the cusp of a new era in farming, the role of technology farms around the world, robots are stepping in to fill the looms large, promising to usher in a future of abundance, gap, performing tasks that were once the exclusive domain resilience, and innovation. From precision agriculture and of human hands. From autonomous tractors and harvesters artificial intelligence to robotics and beyond, the tools at our to robotic weeders and fruit pickers, these machines are disposal are limited only by our imagination. revolutionizing the way crops are planted, tended, and harvested, increasing efficiency and reducing reliance on Ultimately, the true measure of progress in agriculture will manual labor. not be found in the bytes of data or the whirring of machines but in the lives touched and the communities But robotics in agriculture isn't just about replacing transformed by these technologies. As we chart a course humans; it's also about augmenting their capabilities. toward a more sustainable and equitable food system, let us Collaborative robots, or cobots, work alongside human not forget the fundamental human values that underpin our workers, taking on repetitive or physically demanding tasks journey – empathy, stewardship, and a commitment to and freeing up their human counterparts to focus on more leaving the world a better place than we found it. In the end, skilled or strategic activities. By combining the strength and the greatest revolution of all is not in the fields of precision of robots with the ingenuity and adaptability of technology but in the hearts and minds of those who dare to humans, farms can achieve new levels of productivity and dream of a brighter future for all. competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market. Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the widespread adoption of technology in agriculture is not without its challenges. For small-scale farmers and those in developing countries, the cost of investment in high-tech equipment and infrastructure can be prohibitive, creating a digital divide that threatens to widen existing disparities in productivity and income. Moreover, concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI loom large, raising questions about who owns and controls the vast amounts of data generated by precision agriculture systems. May 2024 | 20 | www.insightssuccess.com

AgTech Visionaries Leading the Future of Agriculture in 2024

AgTech Visionaries Leading the Future of Agriculture in 2024

Presentation Transcript

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