Ag Emerge Podcast

Hosted by Monte Bottens

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Soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology — The AgEmerge Podcast. Join our host, Monte Bottens, as he engages with guests from diverse agriculture interests to discuss experiences, practices and scalable applications for any operation. Tune in to new episodes every other Tuesday to regenerate your ideas, soil, crops, livestock and livelihood. ag-emerge ag emerge

5 days ago

AgEmerge Podcast 196 with Colin Hurd of MACH

Autonomous tractors are only the beginning. The next breakthrough in ag tech is a physical AI layer that can learn, adapt, and make farms dramatically more efficient without forcing every grower to become a robotics expert. Colin Hurd returns to the AgEmerge Podcast with a behind-the-scenes look at where ag autonomy really stands now, why retrofit solutions are only part of the story, and what has to change before self-driving machines become truly useful in the field. From dusty harvest conditions that break today’s sensors to the opportunity for AI systems to preserve hard-earned farming knowledge, this conversation gets into the real bottlenecks - and the real upside - of the next five years. Colin has devoted his career to leading innovative companies in the machinery industry. In 2016, Colin founded his second company, Smart Ag, which developed the first retrofit driverless system to automate tractors. After funding and growing the company, he led Smart Ag successfully through an exit to Raven Industries (NYSE:RAVN) in 2019. Raven was then acquired by CNH Industrial in 2021 (NYSE:CNHI). Colin stayed with Raven and managed business development until forming Mach in 2022. Learn about Mach: https://mach.io/about-us/ Timestamps 07:08 - Why physical AI could transform the next 5 to 10 years on the farm 10:39 - Colin’s first startup and the soil compaction problem behind Track Till 12:06 - Why preventing compaction led him into autonomy 13:05 - Smart Ag, autonomous grain carts, and the Raven acquisition 14:34 - Building Mock by acquiring autonomy companies with complementary strengths 16:56 - Mach's thesis: OEMs can source autonomy instead of building or buying it all 18:18 - Why off-road engineering talent is hard to recruit and even harder to localize 20:05 - Why lidar struggles in dusty ag environments 21:04 - Radar-based sensing as Mock’s bet for off-road autonomy 22:53 - Why OEM size creates different autonomy needs across large, mid-sized, and shortline brands 24:21 - Mach's modular stack and why it stays OEM-only 26:20 - Why large enterprise users can help accelerate OEM go-to-market timing 27:29 - Retrofit autonomy and why Mach is avoiding that business model 29:14 - Why smaller, autonomy-first machine designs may be the real future 31:20 - Redesigning machines for autonomy instead of bolting it on 34:15 - One operator supervising eight machines in orchard autonomy 35:08 - Where humanoids fit into agriculture and what they would actually do 37:28 - From rigid path planning to non-deterministic physical AI 39:05 - Machines that understand objectives instead of only following pre-programmed routes 40:44 - The three core autonomy buckets: connectivity, situational awareness, and navigation 42:03 - Physical AI as a supervisory intelligence layer on top of the stack 43:03 - Agentic systems, self-repair, and the right-to-repair conversation 45:46 - Transferring farm knowledge, field history, and terrain awareness into machine behavior 47:16 - Using autonomy to support sustainable practices and reduce cost per acre 48:14 - Why cover crop adoption could accelerate if machines could learn from broader experience 50:37 - Physical AI as a way to reduce fear of failure in new practices 55:23 - Why recursive learning on-device is difficult, but data collection and fleet learning are realistic 58:32 - How farmers can connect with autonomy companies and stay current on emerging tech 63:07 - How Ag Startup Engine was built as an investor-managed fund with farmer input 65:39 - PlowVision and AI-guided cutting in meat processing 67:18 - Terra Blaster and real-time nutrient application for soil health 68:47 - Why founder feedback and customer validation matter more than hype 73:18 - The tradeoffs between angel investing and participating in a fund 74:13 - How farmers can get involved as accredited investors and pilot early autonomy tech 75:39 - Why Mach's technology aims to make agriculture more efficient and more regenerative
25 Aug

AgEmerge Podcast 195 with Chuck Schembre

Regenerative agriculture is not a slogan—it is a system. And Chuck Schembre knows where that system can break, where it works, and how growers can make the transition without throwing yields out the window. If you care about specialty crops, produce, vineyards, apples, almonds, or the real-world economics of farming differently, this conversation is for you. Chuck brings a rare perspective shaped by both science and hands-on farming. From working restaurant lines with peak-season tomatoes and onions that changed how he thought about food, to farming across California, Sonoma, Napa, and now the high desert of Nevada, he shares the path that led him into soil health, ecological farming, and regenerative consulting. This conversation gets into the realities behind regenerative agriculture—not just the ideals. Chuck and Monte discuss why transitions are so complex, what actually motivates growers to change, and why removing one conventional practice can create ripple effects across an entire production system. They explore herbicide reduction in orchards and vineyards, cover crop termination, fertility management, phosphorus overapplication in organic systems, food safety challenges in produce, and why regenerative farming doesn't necessarily mean eliminating every conventional tool. Chuck also explains why context matters. A practice that works on a small diversified farm may not translate directly to a large produce operation, vineyard, or orchard. Successful transitions require understanding the entire system, the economics behind it, and the realities growers face in the field. **About Our Guest** Chuck Schembre is the owner of High Desert Harvest Farm, a small diversified regenerative farm in Washoe Valley, Northern Nevada, and founder of EcoSoil Solutions, a soil health and regenerative agronomy consulting company. A Certified Professional Soil Scientist and agronomist, Chuck has two decades of experience farming organically and regeneratively while interpreting soil and plant health metrics and connecting them to practical farm management. His experience ranges from small-scale organic vegetable systems to large orchard and vineyard operations. He holds a B.S. in Earth and Soil Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Find Chuck online: https://ecosoilsolutions.com **Timestamps** 06:14 – Napa demo farm and the move to northern Nevada 08:40 – Cal Poly: soils, organic farming, and surf 10:31 – How fresh tomatoes and onions changed his understanding of food 17:35 – Regenerative transitions and finding committed buyers 21:23 – Soil tests, sap testing, and grower experience 23:47 – What motivates growers to change 31:23 – Why chemical reduction often starts with weed management 36:38 – Moving beyond herbicide dependence 37:07 – Systems thinking: one change affects everything else 42:20 – Why cover crop termination is the key decision 43:14 – Myth-busting regenerative agriculture in specialty crops 46:33 – When conventional fertility may still have a role 47:55 – Phosphorus overapplication in organic systems 48:49 – The tool chest: conventional, organic, and regenerative constraints 50:20 – Restoring orchards before replanting 51:08 – Food safety rules and soil health in produce 53:02 – Why large-scale produce is difficult to transition 58:34 – How small growers can profit through creative sizing and packing 64:49 – Why being a farmer makes Chuck a better consultant
11 Aug

AgEmerge Podcast 194 with Dr. Jessica Chiartas and REGENSCORE

Unlock the future of sustainable farming with Dr. Jessica Chiartas, currently serving at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts of agriculture on soil carbon and overall soil health with a unique focus on carbon at depth. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from corporate pharma sales to pioneering soil health measurement frameworks that could transform global agriculture. Discover how her RegenScore provides a practical, evidence-based way for farmers, brands, and consumers to quantify and promote regenerative practices—beyond mere labels and checkboxes. In this episode, Jessica breaks down the complexities of regenerative agriculture, from soil’s vital role in climate resilience, water quality, and human health, to the challenges of creating scalable scoring systems that respect local context. You'll uncover the innovative process behind developing region-specific metrics, the importance of community and farmer-centric approaches, and how technology and storytelling are shaping a new era of transparency and impact. We dive into the intersection of soil science, market mechanisms, and consumer choices, revealing why understanding soil health is essential not just for farmers but for everyone invested in a sustainable future. Jessica shares why regenerative farming isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but a nuanced, evolving journey—one that requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. She emphasizes the psychological and social shifts needed to inspire widespread adoption, highlighting the power of education, trust, and tangible health outcomes. Learn how soil health ties directly to climate resilience, biodiversity, and human wellbeing—and why immediate action is critical to avoid slow, irreversible damage. This episode is perfect for farmers needing practical pathways to adopt regenerative practices, investors and brands seeking credible impact metrics, educators passionate about soil awareness, and anyone curious about how farming can heal the planet while supporting healthy communities. Jessica’s optimistic outlook reminds us that rapid, positive change is possible—if we leverage science, technology, and storytelling to fuel systemic shifts. Tune in to feel empowered to connect with the ground beneath your feet and imagine a healthier, more resilient future for all. Resources Regen Score Framework - https://regenscore.org Soil Life Project - https://soil.life Jessica Chartis - UBC Profile - https://ubc.ca/jessica-chartis Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Jessica's background 01:59 Jessica's journey from pharma to soil science 03:52 Soil health and its impact on human well-being 06:46 Development of Regen Score and its principles 10:14 Regional specificity and scaling of Regen Score 14:57 Challenges and opportunities in regenerative measurement 19:45 Market drivers and consumer engagement 25:07 Food as medicine and health impacts 30:14 Soil health, biodiversity, and environmental benefits 34:51 Policy, economics, and market pull for regenerative farming 40:08 Future outlook and hope for regenerative agriculture 45:00 Practical steps for farmers to adopt regenerative practices 49:58 Jessica's vision for education and soil awareness 55:04 Closing thoughts and optimism for the future
28 Jul

AgEmerge Podcast 193 with Verdant Robotics

The future of ag tech is here—aimable, precise, and radically more efficient. Gabe Sibley and Curtis Garner reveal how they’ve built Verdant Robotics platform to target weeds and pests with pinpoint accuracy but also transforms how farms scout, analyze, and act on data in real time. Discover how Verdant Robotics is pioneering an autonomous spraying system that’s faster, smarter, and more sustainable than traditional methods. Gabe shares how deep learning, high-resolution imaging, and patented aiming technology are redefining crop management—dissecting individual plants, detecting diseases earlier, and reducing input use dramatically. Curtis chimes in with stories from scaling operations across North America and beyond, explaining how agility, innovation, and a focus on real farmer pain points propel their mission. We break down the critical role of digitization in unlocking exactly the right amount of herbicide or fertilizer at the right spot, the challenges of supply chain constraints—and more importantly—how the industry can leap forward despite long timelines and slow tech adoption. Why wait years to see ROI? This tech promises a rapid payback—sometimes in mere months—that could revolutionize productivity for growers of all sizes and crop types, especially those underserved by existing solutions. If you’re a forward-thinking farmer or agtech enthusiast tired of incremental improvements that don’t deliver, this is your shot at catching the next big wave. Learn how sophisticated AI, machine vision, and precision application tools are converging into a new era of farming—one where autonomous, versatile robots adapt seamlessly to complex crop environments, saving money, inputs, and water, while boosting yields. Whether you’re in leafy greens, orchards, or row crops, these insights are essential to understanding how automation will shape the future landscape of agriculture. Are you ready to ditch the old and embrace the cutting edge of farm technology? This episode is your front-row seat to the innovations that are not years away—they’re happening right now. Gabe Sibley is CEO and Co-Founder of Verdant Robotics, known for cutting-edge autonomous sprayers that combine high-resolution vision with precise chemical delivery. Curtis Garner, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, is a seasoned farm operations expert, brings practical insights on deploying automation at scale across diverse crops and regions. Timestamps 07:02 - How farmer conversations reveal unmet needs and unspoken problems 09:59 - Case study: Using AI to identify individual apples and improve profitability 11:17 - Digitizing crops at scale for better decision-making and control loops 14:02 - Unique aimable fluid delivery technology for targeted chemical application 18:11 - 3D space navigation, camera systems, and occlusion strategies in orchards 19:01 - Achieving millimeter-level accuracy and scaling to various crop sizes 20:46 - Expanding from leafy greens to grass seed and international markets 26:09 - Challenges of scaling tech amidst supply chain shortages and global chip scarcity 29:30 - The cultural challenges of integrating Silicon Valley innovation, manufacturing, and farming 36:52 - ROI and operational efficiency of their autonomous spraying units 37:45 - The hardware specs, form factor, and integration options with existing machinery 39:11 - Opportunities in disease detection, multi-spectral imaging, and remote sensing 44:49 - Autonomous operation advancements, teaming with VEX and other partners 58:13 - Final thoughts: the future of agricultural automation and innovations
14 Jul

AgEmerge Podcast 192 with Chris Baggott

A tech entrepreneur turned regenerative farmer is rewriting the future of agriculture. Chris Baggott, a serial entrepreneur behind Salesforce's pioneering marketing platform and innovative food ventures, shares how his journey from Silicon Valley to the farm is helping producers thrive beyond commodity markets. **Watch the full episode:** https://youtu.be/wxffwwsEsOg Chris explains how his technology background taught him the power of democratized marketing and why farmers should embrace digital tools to build direct relationships with consumers. Learn how technology, AI, and transparency help decommodify food, optimize operations, and allow small farms to compete with larger companies through authentic storytelling and local connections. Monte and Chris discuss the growing demand for local, nutrient-dense food, the challenges of regenerative agriculture, and practical ways to improve profitability through branding, consumer education, and direct-to-consumer sales. They also explore soil health, managed grazing, supply chains, and the future of community-based food systems. Whether you're a farmer, entrepreneur, or food advocate, this episode offers practical insights into building resilient, profitable businesses rooted in healthy soil and trusted relationships. **Main Topics Covered:** * Chris Baggott's transition from Silicon Valley entrepreneur to regenerative farmer * Technology, AI, and digital marketing for agriculture * Direct-to-consumer food systems and local markets * Soil health, managed grazing, and regenerative farming * Scaling profitable, transparent food businesses **About Our Guest** Chris Baggott is the founder of Tyner Pond Farm in central Indiana, a regenerative farm dedicated to restoring healthy soil and producing better food through pasture-based livestock management. Prior to farming, Chris built successful software companies, including ExactTarget, which was acquired by Salesforce. Today he combines that entrepreneurial experience with regenerative agriculture, raising 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, pasture-raised chicken, and eggs using managed grazing and rotational systems. Chris is also developing FarmersMarket.com, a national marketplace connecting consumers directly with identifiable farmers instead of anonymous commodity products. His mission is to strengthen local food systems by improving transparency, trust, and direct relationships between producers and consumers. **Timestamps:** 00:00 - Introduction & episode overview 01:11 - Chris Baggott's tech background and ExactTarget 04:13 - Transition to regenerative farming 05:29 - Democratizing marketing through technology 09:06 - Salesforce acquisition and small business marketing 10:53 - Direct-to-consumer food systems 17:26 - Why regenerative agriculture matters 20:12 - Food marketing and digital platforms 25:02 - Grazing management and soil health 30:41 - Partnerships and scaling farm operations 45:50 - Marketing challenges and opportunities 55:58 - Storytelling and consumer trust 66:05 - FarmersMarket.com and connecting with Chris
30 Jun

AgEmerge Podcast 191 with Steve Groff

Steve Groff continues to provide agricultural thought leadership. Sure, he's an author, speaker, farmer and recently claimed himself as a bird nerd. But one of Steve's hallmark accomplishments, is developing and promoting the tillage radish. Hailing from Holtwood, Pennsylvania, Steve's Cedar Meadow farm became Regenified certified in 2023. From initial conservation efforts, through integrating cover crop diversity, to projects like biochar and nutrient-dense crop testing, Steve shares the real-world impact of these practices on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, illustrating how strategic land management can clean polluted estuaries while increasing farm profitability. Monte and Steve discuss the importance of farmer education, public engagement, and bipartisan collaboration to promote sustainable agriculture that benefits us all. Plus, hear about his recent adventures in fiber crop innovation, including custom flax planters and processing opportunities that could revolutionize U.S. fiber industries and reduce reliance on imports. Enjoy a great catch up conversation with Steve Groff by clicking below. Steve's Website: https://www.stevegroff.com/ Regenified and Cedar Meadow Farm: https://regenified.com/farm/cedar-meadows/ Steve's Book: The Future-Proof Farm: https://www.stevegroff.com/book Timestamps: 02:55 - Market shifts: variety packaging and customer preferences 03:37 - Steve's personal farm story and history of no-till since 1982 07:32 - Regenerative agriculture: growing food for health and future generations 08:11 - Challenges of farming on steep, rocky terrain in Lancaster County 09:44 - Land costs, succession, and land transfer strategies 13:43 - Water quality concerns in Chesapeake Bay and conservation efforts 16:37 - Nutrient management, manure regulations, and local innovations 19:33 - Progress in Chesapeake Bay restoration and the role of cover crops 20:58 - Biochar research and its potential benefits and challenges 22:04 - Nutrient runoff issues in the Mississippi Delta and alternative management strategies 23:58 - The potential of Maryland’s cover crop payment programs 25:38 - Lessons from regulatory and incentive approaches across states 30:41 - The role of government, incentives, and public awareness in environmental stewardship 32:36 - The personal impact of water clean-up on community life and future opportunities 33:47 - Linking soil health to human health: the food as medicine movement 36:17 - Innovative tools like cover crop roller development and their origin stories 43:39 - Extending cover crop benefits to pumpkins and specialty crops 45:23 - Moving toward nutrient-dense foods and the role of regenerative practices for health 47:26 - Opportunities in fiber crops: hemp, flax, and market potential 50:17 - The influence of high-profile advocacy and policy in advancing regenerative agriculture 54:45 - The importance of diverse viewpoints and bipartisan support for farm sustainability 56:06 - Linking soil health improvements to health costs and chronic disease prevention 58:28 - Hemp industry challenges: regulation, infrastructure, and market development 61:04 - Innovations in fiber crop equipment, including planting systems for hemp and flax 64:08 - Long-term biochar research plans and soil health impacts 65:22 - Future directions: high tunnels, specialty crops, and nutrient density testing 67:22 - Upcoming events and Steve’s focus on hands-on farm work and family 70:25 - The divine story behind the farm’s historical crops and future crop opportunities 72:43 - Final thoughts: observing nature, curiosity, and the farmer’s role in ecosystem health
16 Jun

AgEmerge Podcast 190 Bonsai Robotics and Tyler Niday

Most farms struggle with dust, inefficiency, and labor shortages—but Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics reveals how AI-driven machinery is changing the game by transforming existing equipment into autonomous workhorses. Inspired by biology, Bonsai Robotics is making some of agriculture's toughest environments manageable. Tyler shares how autonomous orchard shakers are improving nut harvest efficiency by up to 40%, while converting shuttle trucks into multi-functional farm platforms can save growers hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment costs. Monte and Tyler explore the industry's evolution from retrofitting machines with autonomous capabilities to developing full-platform solutions, including Bonsai's Amiga series. These adaptable systems support precision spraying, harvesting, and crop scouting. Before co-founding Bonsai Robotics, Tyler began in mechanical engineering and helped develop vision systems at Blue River Technology and gained hands-on learning at Orchard Machinery Corporation. If you've wondered what the future of practical farm automation really looks like, this episode offers a firsthand look at innovations in the field today. Visit Bonsai Robotics: https://bonsairobotics.ai/ Watch episode: https://youtu.be/Cvs7v5FLSN0 Timestamps: 00:10 - Tyler’s background and journey into ag tech 02:23 - The role of AI and perception challenges in dust environments 07:48 - Vision-only AI vs LiDAR debate and dust interference 12:04 - Scalability of perception models across crops 12:58 - Training AI models on dusty environments and data fusion 16:16 - Focus on specialty crops as a starting point for autonomy 16:45 - Collaborations with OEMs like Floria and OMC 17:30 - Managing connectivity in remote farm locations 19:07 - Starlink and cellular solutions for remote operations 21:30 - The Amiga platform's different configurations and applications 25:44 - Strategic move into precision spraying and harvest-related automation 28:28 - Future autonomous applications for open-field crops 37:44 - Autonomous nut shaker and harvesting efficiency 41:46 - Future of crop variability mapping and individual plant management 47:13 - Returning value through data management and software ecosystems 49:21 - Industry collaboration, standards, and evolving equipment 52:25 - Closing remarks and future outlook
27 May

AgEmerge Podcast 189 with Jason Mauck

Jason Mauck's approach to relay cropping, alley cropping, and tight plant timing might just be the game-changer every farmer needs to think about.It’s not just about planting crops; it’s about planning the whole system—synchronizing crop timing with solar angles, plant growth stages, and biological triggers. And here’s the kicker: this isn’t just theory. Jason demonstrated how these principles have already pushed yields into the 80-90 bushels per acre range—something many traditional systems would consider a good year. The understanding of plant interactions, timing, and field layout can reshape the economics of your farm.If you’re tired of the same old, same old, or if you feel like your program is begging for a new approach, this is your nudge to rethink everything. The key is getting out of the “accept what is” mindset and starting to see your acres as a dynamic, living system that responds to careful nudges.For anyone willing to experiment, to learn, and to question the status quo — consider ways to integrate these ideas into your own farm. The future favors those brave enough to think differently. See it all in person at the Farm Weird Event. June 27, on Jason's farm. More Details and Registration: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird?am_id=monte2150 Timestamps: 02:25 - Shifting focus to regenerative farming and early adopter mindset 04:37 - Family background and landscape business 10:37 - Adjusting row spacing, plant density, and resource efficiency for higher yields 12:35 - Managing weeds, weeds suppression strategies, and relay cropping benefits 15:11 - Emotional resilience and momentum after the passing of Jason’s father 18:52 - The difference between salespeople and solution providers 19:25 - Innovations in plant sequencing, planting timing, and resource layering 20:36 - Relay cropping as a response to manure management 30:10 - Adjusting plant populations, seeding densities, and spacing strategies 36:23 - Equipment considerations and planting technology innovations for narrow-row cropping 44:11 - Crop biochemistry, plant growth regulators, and maximizing photosynthesis 45:57 - Strategic shading in crop design 54:05 - Creative mechanical solutions for seed handling, row separation, and crop integrity 58:02 - Crop and residue management, cover crop seeding, and fertility strategies

Soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology — The AgEmerge Podcast. Join our host, Monte Bottens, as he engages with guests from diverse agriculture interests to discuss experiences, practices and scalable applications for any operation. Tune in to new episodes every other Tuesday to regenerate your ideas, soil, crops, livestock and livelihood. ag-emerge ag emerge

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