We kick off a new season with apple expert Dr. Tom Kon from NC State's Department of Horticultural Science. During peak harvest season, Dr. Kon reflects on the different variables affecting production, and the new technologies being utilized in orchards to maximize yields. His unique connections with the orchards in the Southeast allow nearly half of his research to be done directly on working farms. 

On the last episode of this season of AgTech360, host Adrian Percy is joined by Han Chen, CEO and co-founder of ZeaKal. They discuss the challenges facing the volume-first row crop industry as well as opportunities to improve its nutrition and sustainability.  ZeaKal is using its photosynthesis-enhancing crop technology to reharmonize the supply chain by building customized solutions, half a million acres at a time.

Adrian Percy is joined by Phil Taylor, Director of Innovation and Outreach for Bayer Crop Science, to talk about open innovation. Even with the largest R&D organization in the industry, Bayer recognizes it cannot achieve its goals and address complex agricultural challenges without open innovation with partners of all types and scale. Taylor presents Bayer's model for open innovation and explores how different models can be applied across industries and disciplines.

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

Adrian Percy sits down with Charles Hall, Executive Director of the NC Soybean Producers Association, to discuss marketing soybeans to the animal industry and where AI and drones fit into the commodity group's goals.

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

Correction: The Morrill Act was established in 1862.

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

For previous episodes from industry perspectives on weed control, check out the first two episodes of season 3!

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

Episode 20: A Look into Alternative Crops with David Suchoff

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

AgTech 360 is brought to you by North Carolina State University, including:

• The Center of Excellence for Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA)
• The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
• The Southern IPM Center

Supporting Crops of the Future with FFAR

Dr. Jeffrey Rosichan shares how FFAR helps identify and support crops of the future. Peek inside this funding force to discover how some uncommon research projects gain steam. Growers in the U.S. are seeing the benefits of FFAR’s global connections as research projects from around the globe also directly impact their farms. 

AgTech 360 is brought to you by North Carolina State University, including:

• The Center of Excellence for Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA)
• The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
• The Southern IPM Center