Open Prairie CEO on How to Navigate the AgTech Renaissance
Open Prairie首席执行官谈如何驾驭农业科技复兴
- 关键词：
- 来源：
- CropLife；Global Ag Tech Initiative；
- 类型：
- 前沿资讯
- 语种：
- 中文
- 原文发布日期：
- 2025-01-13
- 摘要：
- As we start 2025, the agtechindustry stands at a pivotal juncture, writes Open Prairie CEO Jim Schultz atCropLife. After weathering the storms of inflated promises and sobering realitychecks, we’re witnessing a renaissance in agricultural technology investment.This resurgence is particularly encouraging for those of us at Open Prairie, agrower-owned investment firm deeply rooted in the heartland of America.For 25 years, our team has beenat the forefront of agtech innovation, experiencing firsthand the industry’sebbs and flows. The exuberance of 2020-2022, with its inflated promises, led toa sobering reality check for investors in 2023 and early 2024. However, as weapproach the new year, there’s a palpable shift in the air.The agtech sector’s recentturbulence can be attributed in part to what I call the “space traveler money”phenomenon. Silicon Valley investors, seeking new frontiers but unfamiliar withthe nuances of the farm economy, flooded the market with unrealistic valuationsand expectations. The fall of Silicon Valley Bank serves as a stark reminder ofthe dangers of this approach.As a grower-owned firm, OpenPrairie brings a unique perspective to agtech investment. Our deep connectionsto the farming community allow us to identify and nurture technologies thataddress real-world agricultural challenges. Our Rural Opportunities funds, ourtwo private equity funds licensed by the USDA, along with our Farmers CapitalFund, made up of 220,000 farmer and rancher members, focuses on providingcapital from growth stage to early-stage companies in food and agriculture.Farmer Adoption on the RiseWhile it was a painful time formany in agtech – especially entrepreneurs and farmers – it seems we have comethrough wiser and more focused on making real impact as we shift from the ageof excess to success.The path to successful agtechinnovation lies in understanding and addressing the needs of farmers. Recentstudies have shown that profitability remains the most influential factor intechnology adoption. Farmers are increasingly embracing precision agriculturetechnologies, with adoption rates varying from 10% to 60% depending on thespecific technology.For ag retailers, this presentsa unique opportunity. By acting as trusted advisors and technologyfacilitators, retailers can play a crucial role in bridging the gap betweeninnovative solutions and on-farm implementation. Retailers can offer bundled services,provide training, and demonstrate the ROI of new technologies, therebyaccelerating adoption rates and improving their own business models.
- 所属专题：
- 63
