Christie Lagally

Florida sued over lab meat ban, winter wheat planting is underway, and USDA to allow H5N1 vaccine trials for dairy cows. Farmer confidence is falling, Impossible and Motif end legal dispute, and a new app matches strangers for a meal. Common questions I get from ag stakeholders: What #agtech should I be looking for? Do I need agtech? Where do I go to find the right agtech? What should it cost? It’s difficult to navigate the dynamic agtech landscape. We could use a trusted advisor in agtech. The agtech entrepreneurs that become trusted advisors will unlock enormous value. I’ll explain how in this week’s newsletter. #agtechfriday #agriculture #advisor #trust #startups #innovation #trustedtech #agtwitter #agtechadvisor https://lnkd.in/gBgcGDEy

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There are so many amazing technologies just waiting to be taken from the lab to customers. As entrepreneurs, it's our goal to find and solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Ultimately, that means getting out of the lab and solving for product-market fit. Looking to the research community is a great way to find game-changing solutions while decreasing the amount of time and money spent on R&D. #startups #entrepreneur #mvp

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As we gather data for the 2024 CEA Census — a comprehensive effort aimed at mapping the global terrain of controlled environment agriculture — distinct trends have emerged. First, and not surprisingly, there has been a noticeable decline in responses from vertical and indoor farms, with previous respondents’ emails bouncing and websites inoperative.

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Another giant falls. 🌱 **Navigating the Future of Vertical Farming** 🌱 It's no secret that the vertical farming industry has faced significant challenges recently, with several companies shutting down due to financial challenges. While this news can be disheartening, it's also an opportunity for us to learn, adapt, and innovate. The closure of companies like Bowery Farming and AeroFarms reminds us that the path to sustainable agriculture is not without its obstacles. However, it also highlights the importance of resilience and the need for new, more efficient models. As we move forward, let's focus on the lessons learned and the potential for growth. Vertical farming remains a promising solution for food security and sustainability, especially as we continue to refine our methods and technologies. Together, we can build a brighter, greener future. 🌿✨ #VerticalFarming #Sustainability #Innovation #Resilience #FutureOfFarming

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"Agtech's 'great reset' continues" says AgTechNavigator in their analysis of Q124 PitchBook Agtech funding. -- Agtech has been around 2.2% of all VC deals since '18 but was 1.6% in Q1 -- Versus Q423, VC dollars ($1.2b) invested was down 26%, VC deals were down 20% (161) and exits dropped from 11 to 6. -- About 20% of all funding went into two deals, Oishii ($144m) and Inari ($103). Inari is sitting at a $1.65b valuation. -- Indoor farming funding was down 5x from its peak in 2021 -- Pre-money valuations were down 8.6% vs. 2023 -- Pitchbook did see some upticks in a few deal categories: 9 biomaterial, 28 plant biotech, 25 agribusiness marketplace, and 11 aquaculture deals. -- Pitchbook also sees promise in blockchain and called Indigo "ahead of the curve". Perhaps this report was published before Indigo's new CEO announced their reorg on 5/2 following three rounds of layoffs. Walt Duflock Seana Day Vonnie Estes Shane Thomas Better Food Ventures Michael Rose Chris Taylor Howard Chao Katie Grimble https://lnkd.in/gcdKSQEv

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How can professionals in the #CEA industry make consumers more aware of where their food comes from? Ekene Tharpe, head grower at Babylon Micro-Farms, sheds light on the important role CEA plays in our food system and the steps we can take to make it a household acronym. #FutureofFarming #indoorfarming #agtech #innovation #CEAgWorld #controlledenvironmentagriculture https://lnkd.in/geVNrJxp

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FarmQA, Inc Expands Agronomic Capabilities with Farm Dog Acquisition FarmQA announced the acquisition of Farm Dog, an agricultural data platform previously owned by Deveron Corporation. This acquisition marks a substantial development in FarmQA’s strategy to transform agriculture by improving supply chain transparency and advancing food security through data-driven agronomic insights. Commenting on the acquisition, Kris Poulson, CEO of FarmQA, said, “The acquisition of Farm Dog’s innovative data technology is a transformative step in further enhancing FarmQA’s position as a leader in the ag tech market. This strategic move strengthens our ability to provide agriculture professionals, including agronomists and growers, with precision tools and actionable insights that span the entire crop production cycle.” Poulson emphasized that combining Farm Dog’s technology with the company’s platform will enable the company to address core agricultural challenges around productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Read the entire article here -> https://lnkd.in/eDKXF_Bh 🌟 Follow us for more updates! 📬 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly industry updates: agtechdigest.com

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🚀 Apply Now for the Climate Tech & AgTech Pitch Night! The countdown is on, and the applications are open! If you're a startup driving innovation in climate technology or agricultural technology (AgTech), this is your chance to shine at the 2024 Climate Tech & AgTech Pitch Night. Why Apply? - Pitch for Success: Seize the opportunity to pitch your startup to a panel of industry experts and investors. Win over the crowd and compete for a prize pack that includes valuable resources to fuel your growth. - Visibility: Showcase your innovation to a room buzzing with investors, founders, and sustainability enthusiasts. Make connections, gain exposure, and propel your startup forward. - Support: Even if you don't win, you'll receive valuable feedback and insights to refine your pitch and strategy. Plus, you'll join a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs passionate about making a difference. How to Apply: 1. Act Fast: Applications are open now! 2. Submit Your Application: Visit https://lnkd.in/e8hMnBqH to share your startup's story and why you deserve a spot on the stage. 3. Stay Tuned: Shortlisted applicants will be announced soon, so keep an eye on your inbox. 4. Pitch Training: If you make the cut, you'll receive pitch training to help you shine on the big night. 5. Pitch Night: Save the date for May 28th, 2024. This is your moment to showcase your innovation and make your mark. Don't Miss Out! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer with a game-changing idea, now is the time to act. Apply now and join us for a night of innovation, inspiration, and opportunity at the Climate Tech & AgTech Pitch Night. Let's make 2024 the year we revolutionize the world of climate tech and AgTech together! https://lnkd.in/eBQaDvEf Ryan Burns Dinesh George Stephanie Hall Vicki Stirling Desmond John

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Within the comments of this post are some things to consider. How many hours does your work require?

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🚨 Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle: A Growing Concern for Agriculture and Animal Health 🐄 In 2024, for the first time, bird flu (Avian Influenza) has been detected in dairy cattle, impacting over 700 herds across the U.S., with majority in California. This development presents serious challenges for the dairy industry and public health. What’s Happening? 🔹Bird flu has been found in raw milk and is spreading among herds via contaminated fomites (such as the movement of infected animals and vehicles between farms), equipment and shared resources. 🔹Human cases remain rare, with around 60 farm workers experiencing mild symptoms, mainly from exposure to infected milk. No human-to-human transmission has been identified. Drinking pasteurized milk is safe as the process kills pathogens such as Avian Influenza, so people cannot get infected from drinking pasteurized milk. Raw (unpasteurized) milk is never safe to drink or eat products made from raw milk. 🛡️ How Can We Protect Our Herds? Biosecurity measures, such as the use of disinfectants like Virkon® S, are essential. Virkon® S has proven efficacy against Avian Influenza on hard, non-porous surfaces with a 1:200 dilution rate in only 15 secondsꭞ. Implementing such protocols minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from infected animals, equipment, clothing, and vehicles. 👉 Learn more about protecting your herd and the power of Virkon® S: https://lnkd.in/gcEPtuNT The content outlined is specific to U.S. Please consult the Virkon® S product container label for a comprehensive list of organisms and directions for use. 1:200 is applicable for disinfection limited to specific and known disease Avian Influenza virus in 15 seconds. ꭞ 1:200 dilution rate is not approved for use in California. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Source: https://lnkd.in/e_NFxiYs #LanxessBiosecuritySolutions #BirdFlu #AnimalHealth #FarmSafety #VirkonS ©2024 LANXESS. LANXESS, the LANXESS Logo and Virkon® are trademarks of LANXESS Deutschland GmbH or its affiliates. All trademarks are registered in many countries worldwide.

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Just Released Episode 7 of the Engineering Success Podcast! 🎧 In this episode, our host Daniel sits down with Anton Zaides, who started with game development and now shapes the future of ag-tech. Here’s a straight talk on what we dive into: 1. Anton breaks down his career transitions from hands-on coding in game development to leading roles in DevOps and system architecture. 2. We discuss the calculated decisions behind evolving through different tech roles, aligning with both technological shifts and business needs. 3. Anton shares how direct customer insights drive better product outcomes and business success. Tune in on Spotify or youtube for a no-nonsense breakdown on climbing the tech career ladder. 🎙️ Link in the comments.

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Transforming Agriculture with Robotics: A Conversation with Eric Adamson, CEO of Tortuga AgTech    https://lnkd.in/emfx-XrZ In the latest episode of the Green Sense Show, I sit down with Eric Adamson, Co-founder and CEO of Tortuga AgTech, to discuss how their cutting-edge robotic strawberry harvester is revolutionizing farming today! Tortuga is leading the charge in smarter, more sustainable agriculture, helping farms become more resilient and efficient with advanced robotics. Eric shares incredible insights on how these robots work, the challenges of robotic harvesting, and the pros and cons of replacing manual labor with automation. Did you know? In 1961, the Chicago Tribune predicted that agriculture would evolve into a highly mechanized industry, where farms would function like factories, with robots doing everything from harvesting to packing and shipping. We're seeing that vision come to life with Tortuga's innovation. Download the podcast to hear how Tortuga AgTech is sustainably shaping the future of farming. https://lnkd.in/emzEkkam Or listen to this episode now to learn more about the future of food production and the role of robotics in sustainable agriculture! #GreenSenseShow #SustainableAgriculture #AgTech #Robotics #Innovation #SmartFarming #FutureOfFarming #TortugaAgTech #ClimateAction #Sustainability

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There's a lot of talk about making rumen fermentation more efficient. We here this when discussing methane reduction in cattle. It is true, that for every methane molecule created, an acetate or propionate molecule is foregone. Those acetate and propionate molecules represent the energy cattle use to create milk, meat, fiber, or cellular maintenance. So in theory, yes, when methane is made there is a lost opportunity for energy production. BUT... Let's challenge that logic. Rumen fermentation is inherently inefficient, and that’s by design. Ruminants, like cattle, have evolved to convert low-quality forage into highly nutritious food. This process fills a unique niche in our ecosystem, turning what we can't eat into valuable nutrition. If we try to "optimize" the rumen, we risk losing this incredible capability and essentially turning ruminants into monogastrics— a more "efficient" diestive process, but one that could lead to a very sick cattle population. Yes, there is room for exploring efficiencies in the rumen, but we must not take it too far. Nature's inefficiencies have a purpose. Let's not overlook the beauty in that. Let's harness the power of inefficiency instead of trying to fight it. #Ruminants #CattleNutrition #Sustainability #Agriculture #MethaneReduction #AnimalScience

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“The United States began running an agricultural trade deficit in 2019 after China responded to tariff hikes introduced by then-President Trump by imposing new tariffs on U.S. ag exports and ending a decades-long U.S. trade surplus. The U.S. has since faced an agricultural trade deficit in four of the last six years.” Agripulse

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Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements. At the forefront of this innovation is Microclimates Inc. a platform that unifies various CEA systems, offering a holistic view of operations. By integrating data and controls from different sources, Microclimates helps growers improve productivity, manage resources efficiently, and ensure high-quality yields. In this month's #IndoorAgCon CEA Q&A, Microclimates Founder Neda Vaseghi shares how their solutions are paving the way for sustainable and scalable CEA practices, setting new industry standards in California and beyond. https://ow.ly/WuPt50SkLtr #indoorfarming #verticalfarming #controlledenvironmentagriculture #smartcontrols #sustainability

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