Episodes

  • S10E137 Max Knight and Eric Roth/Rooted Robotics - From Seed to Harvest: How Rooted Robotics is Transforming Small-Scale Farming

    S10E137 Max Knight and Eric Roth/Rooted Robotics - From Seed to Harvest: How Rooted Robotics is Transforming Small-Scale Farming
    Jul 28 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Max Knight and Eric Roth, the Co-founders of Rooted Robotics. We dive into their journey from meeting at a large-scale vertical farm to starting their own company focused on affordable automation solutions for small and medium-sized farms. Max shares how his passion for robotics and engineering led to the creation of Rooted Robotics, while Eric discusses his extensive experience in the Agtech space and how it has shaped their approach to solving labor challenges in vertical farming.

    We also explore the evolution of their business model, the importance of understanding unit economics, and the innovative products they are developing to help farmers increase efficiency and profitability. Max and Eric's insights into the industry, combined with their genuine desire to support and collaborate with other farmers, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of vertical farming and agricultural technology.

    Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the practical solutions and real-world experiences driving success in the Agtech industry.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    5:46 Lessons from Kalera

    15:30 Microgreens Seeder Innovation

    19:43 Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Farms

    24:46 Challenges Faced by Small Farm Owners

    31:02 Maximilian and Eric's Comprehensive Farming Business Insights

    35:05 AI and Robotics in Agriculture

    38:27 Computer Vision in Vertical Farming

    47:01 Balancing Custom Projects and Core Products

    51:22 Advice for New Growers in the Industry

    Tweetable Quotes"We saw that labor is one of the biggest operating expenses of these facilities. There needs to be a middle ground where you do a lot of automation, but more affordably.""The biggest lesson learned, especially when scaling, is understanding you might not have to automate your entire system on day one, but you need to plan for it.""We need more collaboration and openness in the industry. A rising tide lifts all ships, and we need to create more positive stories about successful businesses."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://www.rootedrobotics.com/

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@RootedRobotics

    Max’s LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/maximilianknight

    Max’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootedrobotics/

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

    VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

    VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

    Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com

    Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • S10E136 Jesper Hansen/YesHealth - From History Major to Leading an Asian AgTech Awakening

    S10E136 Jesper Hansen/YesHealth - From History Major to Leading an Asian AgTech Awakening
    Jul 12 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Jesper Hansen, the Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth. Jesper shares his unique journey from studying history in Denmark to becoming a key player in the vertical farming industry in Taiwan. We discuss his transition into agriculture, driven by a desire to explore the world and a chance encounter with his now-wife's family business. Jesper's story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the opportunities that arise from them.

    Jesper also delves into the challenges and successes of YesHealth, a company that has become a leader in vertical farming in Asia. He explains the importance of building large-scale farms and the company's strategy of partnering with local entrepreneurs to ensure the success of these projects. Jesper's insights into the cultural differences and the evolving landscape of vertical farming in Asia provide a fascinating look at how this innovative industry is developing globally.

    Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform the way we think about food production.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:03:53: The Value of Studying History in Business

    00:05:13: Cultural Differences Between Denmark and China

    00:19:31: Importance of Collaborative Partnerships

    00:21:29: Differences in Vertical Farming Perspectives Between Asia and the West

    00:27:28: Disrupting Traditional Views on Produce Pricing

    00:31:32: Increasing Awareness of YesHealth in the West

    00:37:30: Timeline for Setting Up a Vertical Farm

    00:39:52: Growing Awareness and Conferences in Asia

    00:41:57: Challenges in Aligning Partners and Teams

    00:44:26: Family Involvement in YesHealth

    Tweetable Quotes"In Denmark, because I'm from a rural area, we are very individualized, so we have a lot of private space. In China, it's the opposite. It's all about the collective. You don't look at the needs of the person first; you look at the needs of the group.""I think the industry in Asia is coming back, but it's at a slightly slower pace. The initial excitement there was before is not there, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing because one of the things that went wrong in the first iteration in the West was that it was too much excitement, maybe too much money and push towards unrealistic goals in the short term." "I feel like I could send the design drawing of our farm to anyone in the industry. First of all, they have their own design, so they wouldn't just adopt ours. Even if they did, they wouldn't know how to run the farm because there's so much more to it."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://www.yeshealthgroup.com

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yeshealth-group/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yeshealthgroup

    Twitter - https://x.com/YesHealthGroup

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

    VFP Instagram -

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • S10E135 Edwin McClure/Bio520 - A Vertical Farming Solution 10 Million Years in the Making

    S10E135 Edwin McClure/Bio520 - A Vertical Farming Solution 10 Million Years in the Making
    Jun 21 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Edwin McClure, CEO of Bio520, who shares his journey from finance to the world of indoor agriculture. Edwin's story is one of passion and perseverance, moving from Miami to San Diego, and eventually diving into the agtech space. We discuss his background in finance and how it shaped his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and profitability. Edward's love for entrepreneurship shines through as he talks about his early ventures and the lessons learned along the way, making this conversation both insightful and relatable for anyone interested in business and innovation.

    Edwin also delves into the specifics of Bio520, a product developed in Japan that has shown promising results in the indoor ag industry, particularly in cannabis cultivation. He explains the meticulous process of finding the right product and the importance of having a solid team to bring it to market. We touch on the challenges and rewards of starting a new company, the significance of collaboration in the agtech space, and the exciting potential of new technologies like AI and robotics.

    Join us as we discuss the intersection of finance, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, and it offers valuable insights into the future of indoor farming.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:06:16: Early Interest in Business and Finance

    00:10:17: Importance of Financial Discipline in Business

    00:12:32: Discovery and Development of Bio520

    00:18:44: Incremental Improvements in Agriculture

    00:23:21: Experience at Indoor Ag-Con

    00:26:27: Ideal Clients for Bio520

    00:30:21: Building a Team and Hiring Strategy

    00:36:43: Key Decisions as a CEO

    00:39:36: Future Focus and Industry Trends

    00:42:55: Final Thoughts and Collaboration in the Industry

    Tweetable Quotes"I've always been interested in business, you know, small companies, and there's nothing more American to me than some guy or woman putting it on the line, blood, sweat, and tears, and trying to create something out of nothing.""Until you have had to meet a payroll and not pay yourself because there wasn't quite enough money for both, you're not really an entrepreneur.""You can't do everything well. If you can focus and do one thing really well, you can make money, and then you can start looking at this other stuff. But if you try to climb all five mountains at once, you're going to fall off and die."Resources Mentioned

    Website - http://bio520usa.com

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/101683174/admin/feed/posts/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bio520usa/

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

    VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

    VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

    Vertical Farming Jobs -

    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • S10E134 Rick Langille/Harvest Today - The Secret to Unlocking Nutrient Rich Greens

    S10E134 Rick Langille/Harvest Today - The Secret to Unlocking Nutrient Rich Greens
    Jun 15 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Rick Langille, the Founder and CEO of Harvest Today. Rick's journey from growing up on a farm in Manitoba to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the manufacturing and electronics industries is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his passion for vertical farming and how his diverse background has uniquely positioned him to innovate in this space. Rick shares candidly about the challenges and triumphs of building Harvest Today, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense food and the impact it can have on communities. His stories of sailing around the world and witnessing food insecurity firsthand add a rich layer to his mission of making fresh, healthy food accessible to all.

    Rick's warmth and genuine dedication to his work shine through as he discusses the intricacies of the Harvest Wall, a vertical farming solution designed to maximize space and efficiency. He talks about the importance of building a strong team, the lessons he's learned from his mentors, and the values that drive him. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the vertical farming industry or just curious about innovative ways to grow food, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

    Join us for a conversation that not only explores the technical aspects of vertical farming but also delves into the heart and soul behind Harvest Today.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:03:03: Transition from Farming to Manufacturing

    00:04:25: Sailing Adventure and Realization of Food Insecurity

    00:05:42: The Concept and Development of Harvest Today

    00:09:59: Nutrient Density and Flavor in Hydroponics

    00:11:40: The Importance of Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Food

    00:19:13: Building a Strong Team and Company Culture

    00:24:24: Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Up

    00:32:28: The Catalyst for Starting Harvest Today

    00:36:14: Engineering and Design of the Harvest Wall

    00:42:40: Community Impact and Local Food Production

    00:45:28: Harvest Today App and Technology Integration

    Tweetable Quotes"I didn't want to be Rick had a family, had a business, and died. I'd like to think that people will look back at Harvest Today and know that we're not copiers. We don't. I'm not. If it was just to create another NFT channel system, I'm out. Like, that's not me. Right. Because I always believe that there's a better way to do things. It just might not. And not necessarily. Well, no, I am going to say better, because I'm going to hold up my flag and tell you that I really do believe that the harvest wall was designed, and we say engineered by farmers. For farmers.""Any leafy green or herbs can lose up to or more than 50% of its nutrient value within 72 hours. Then to lose 100% takes ten days. The average number of days it takes for a harvested farm or harvested vegetable, leafy greens or herbs to get to a grocery store shelf is ten. So that means everything that we're basically eating, be it any retailer that you're talking about, the value, the nutrient value of the food is zero.""Business is people. It's not about me. And that took me a while to figure that out. Certainly, I think the older we get, the ego gets smaller. Right. Hopefully, you know, and that's I think that. I hope that's the case for myself as I've gotten more gray hair. The ability to understand that if we build a really super strong team and we listen to them. Right. So. And I do listen to my people all the time."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://www.harvest.today/

    LinkedIn -

    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • S10E133 Matt Lohr/Secretary of Agriculture - Virginia Goes All-In on Indoor Farming

    S10E133 Matt Lohr/Secretary of Agriculture - Virginia Goes All-In on Indoor Farming
    May 24 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these experiences have fueled his commitment to supporting the agricultural industry. Matt's stories about preserving his family's farming legacy and the importance of connecting people to the source of their food are truly heartwarming.

    We also explore Virginia's ambitious goals in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) space, driven by Governor Youngkin's vision to make the state a leader in indoor farming. Matt discusses the strategic advantages Virginia offers, from its geographical location to state investments and educational initiatives. He highlights the exciting developments in CEA, including innovative technologies and partnerships that are transforming the industry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an urban dweller curious about where your food comes from, or someone interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Virginia.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:05:51: Importance of Local Food and Indoor Farming

    00:09:39: Becoming Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

    00:13:35: Virginia's Commitment to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

    00:21:34: Diverse CEA Companies in Virginia

    00:27:08: Tough Questions and Economic Challenges

    00:29:37: Energy Demands in CEA

    00:29:55: Message to CEA Leaders and Innovator

    Tweetable Quotes"I'm a fifth-generation farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which is one of the breadbaskets of the country when it comes to ag production. Rockingham County is one of the top 30 or 40 counties in the country for ag production. Farming and agriculture have been my life. As a young child, I remember my earliest memories were walking alongside my grandfather on the farm and learning a love of the land and conservation. We have conservation easements on our farm to ensure my kids can be the sixth generation. Agriculture is in my life, and every part of my career over the last 30 years has been directly tied back to supporting the agricultural industry.""I grew up in a family where public service was stressed from day one. My father was very active with church and the Ruittian club, a service club community. My parents were active in the volunteer rescue squad and fire department for their entire career. I grew up around people who served. My first chance to serve was as a state international officer for the FFA organization, Future Farmers of America. I took a year out of college for both the state and then another year out as a national officer, dedicating my time for two years serving the ag industry, speaking in schools and communities, and lobbying for agriculture. I learned pretty early on that I wanted to have a career in advocacy and public service.""We have around 20 CEA companies in Virginia, and I've visited all of them. They all have their own secret sauce, whether it's a vertical farm or a greenhouse, the type of lighting or automation, or the types of products they're producing. The technology is incredible. I'm very excited to travel to Amsterdam for Greentech in June. The Dutch are the world leaders in greenhouse and food production, and they've got a great story to tell. The...
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • S10E132 Shlomy Raziel / Growth Tech - From Kibbutz Fields to Vertical Farming Success

    S10E132 Shlomy Raziel / Growth Tech - From Kibbutz Fields to Vertical Farming Success
    May 8 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Shlomy Raziel, the visionary behind Grow-Tec, joining us all the way from Israel. Shlomy shares his deeply rooted connection to agriculture, tracing back to his childhood in a Kibbutz and his family’s pioneering spirit in farming. His journey from managing large-scale agricultural projects to founding Grow-Tec is not just a career path but a continuation of a legacy. We dive into how his company is innovating in the vertical farming space, particularly focusing on fruiting vegetables, a challenging yet rewarding venture that sets them apart in the industry.

    Shlomy’s insights into the evolution of vertical farming are grounded in practicality and a clear vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry to overcome common challenges like energy costs, climate control, and labor. His approach is refreshingly open, advocating for shared progress over competition. This conversation isn’t just about the technicalities of indoor farming; it’s a testament to how a passion rooted in tradition can foster innovation that might just change the world of agriculture. Join us to hear how Shlomy Raziel is not only navigating but also shaping the future of farming with thoughtful technology and a community-focused mindset.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:03:38 - The Idea and Vision Behind Growth Tech

    00:07:11 - Experiences in Kibbutz and Early Innovations

    00:13:44 - Changes and Adaptations in Business Model Over Time

    00:18:36 - Lessons Learned and Growth as a Leader

    00:23:08 - Perspective on the Vertical Farming Industry

    00:36:04 - Message to Peers in the Indoor Farming Space

    Tweetable Quotes"I was born and raised in a Kibbutz, just ten minutes from my office. From childhood, I was deeply involved in agriculture, starting with open field orchards and later moving on to greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) projects after university." "Big companies do great work with technology for the mainstream, but there's a lack of solutions for tailor-made projects. I found a niche in creating specific, precise solutions not just for mainstream agriculture but for unique, smaller-scale projects that big companies overlook." "The future of vertical farming should involve more collaboration. We need to establish forums and associations to share knowledge and technology openly. Improving key aspects like lighting, HVAC systems, and reducing manpower through automation benefits everyone in the industry, not just individual companies."Resources Mentioned

    Wesbite - https://grow-tec.com/

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@grow-tec8331

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-tec

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growtecc

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grow.tec.verticalfarming/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/GrowtecRP

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter -

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • S10E131 Kaylee South / Virginia Tech - Sharing a Passion for CEA and Inspiring the Next Generation of Plant Scientists

    S10E131 Kaylee South / Virginia Tech - Sharing a Passion for CEA and Inspiring the Next Generation of Plant Scientists
    Apr 19 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and improving plant resilience through scientific research. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the impact of early exposure to agriculture and the profound influence of mentors.

    Our conversation also explores the broader implications of CEA in revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing educational programs. Kaylee highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. She emphasizes the importance of industry-academia collaboration in advancing CEA technologies and practices. This episode is packed with insights not just about plant science but also about the evolving role of agriculture in addressing contemporary challenges. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the future of farming, Kaylee’s experiences and insights underscore the dynamic nature of agricultural science and its critical role in shaping sustainable futures.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:06:27 - Application of Research in Real-world Settings

    00:13:34 - Involvement in CEA Summit and Indoor Ag-Con

    00:14:08 - Differences Between CEA Summit East and Other Conferences

    00:29:10 - Interest and Opportunities in Vertical Farming

    00:35:23 - Future Research Directions and Challenges

    00:39:15 - Increasing Interest in CEA Among Students

    Tweetable Quotes"I grew up helping my parents and grandparents in their gardens, which sparked my passion for horticulture. My high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Minyard, particularly encouraged me by involving me in greenhouse work, which solidified my love for working with plants.""My dissertation research involved using beneficial bacteria to improve plant defense against pathogens, specifically targeting botrytis cinerea, a common issue in greenhouse production. This research aimed to explore biocontrol agents and biostimulants to enhance plant growth and disease resistance.""Vertical farming offers unique opportunities, especially in urban settings where traditional farming isn't feasible. It's exciting to see interest from various sectors, including education, where vertical farms are used as tools for teaching and engaging students in agriculture and science."Resources Mentioned

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/south_kaylee

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-south/

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

    VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

    VFP Facebook -

    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • S10E130 David Flynn / AmplifiedAg - Pioneering Vertical Farming and Tackling Food Deserts

    S10E130 David Flynn / AmplifiedAg - Pioneering Vertical Farming and Tackling Food Deserts
    Apr 12 2024

    In this episode, I speak with David Flynn, Vice President of Business Development at AmplifiedAg, and what a journey it's been! David shares his transition from military service to the world of vertical farming, and it's a testament to the power of mission-driven work. His experiences in Afghanistan, witnessing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of local agriculture, have fueled his passion for bringing fresh food to those in need. It's not every day you meet someone who's as dedicated to making a difference as David is.

    We dive into the nitty-gritty of AmplifiedAg's technology, from their propagation containers to their high-yield production units. David's insights into the challenges of energy costs and the need for industry-wide collaboration are eye-opening. It's clear that this isn't just about growing lettuce; it's about community, sustainability, and tackling food insecurity head-on. If you're curious about the future of controlled environment agriculture and the people who are pushing its boundaries, you won't want to miss this conversation. David's story is a reminder that with the right technology and a lot of heart, we can make a real impact, one container farm at a time.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Bio520 Key Takeaways

    00:03:55: Transition from Military to Agriculture Technology

    00:06:02: The Evolution of AmplifiedAg and Vertical Roots

    00:10:53: Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations

    00:16:23: Observations on the Growth of the C EA Industry

    00:21:20: AmplifiedAg's Current Size and Product Offerings

    00:34:51: The Importance of Industry Transparency and Collaboration

    Tweetable Quotes"I don't believe in coincidences, per se. When I moved to Charleston, I met Don Taylor, who's the founder of our company, AmplifiedAg. He painted a vision of marrying technology with agriculture, trying to do good things with technology and agriculture, promoting businesses, job development, and providing fresh food to people in need.""The biggest conversion we made was from an Aeroponics system to a Nutrient Film Technique system using crop king gutters in a stacked formation inside of our containers. That really was a game changer for us.""The core mission of the company was to provide safe access to fresh food globally. We're working with foundations across the country, non-governmental organizations trying to solve food insecurity. We're driven right now to look for opportunities to be a system integrator, to bring food security, help leverage food security for people in need."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://amplifiedaginc.com/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedaginc/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/amplifiedaginc

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifiedag

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@amplifiedag

    Connect With Us

    VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

    VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

    VFP Instagram -

    Show more Show less
    46 mins