Dr. Ray Wheeler is NASA’s Plant Physiologist and the lead for Advanced Life Support Research activities in the Exploration Research and Technology Program at Kennedy Space Center. He began his career at NASA in 1988 and the bulk of his research revolved around the use of hydroponic techniques for space farming experiments. One of Ray’s goals is to allow humanity to grow safe and nutritious crops off the Earth.

Ray joins me today to discuss some of NASA’s recent developments regarding planting crops in space. He shares some of the systems and tech that have been made commercial in the ag industry and explains why it’s difficult to experiment with plants in space. Ray also describes some of the benefits of being able to grow plants on other planets.

“We've been trying to manipulate the environment to accommodate plants. Now we have the tools to manipulate plants to fit into the environment.” - Dr. Ray Wheeler

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

• The research he's conducted that has made it in today's agriculture industry.
• How NASA helped in terrestrial applications of space farming.
• His recent projects that could be applied commercially in the future.
• Solving the ever-increasing CO2 emissions with space farming tech.
• Recent progress on the experimental planting chambers in space.
• Deciding which crops show promise for space production.
• The water content of Mars and the prospect of someday growing food there.
• The critical benefits of being able to grow plants in space.
• Recovering as much water as possible in space.
• The effects of low gravity environments on plant growth.
• His advice for people interested in space farming technology.

Resources Mentioned:

• Agriculture for Space: People and Places Paving the Way

Connect with Dr. Ray Wheeler:

• NASA
• LinkedIn

We Are a Part of a Bigger Family! 

The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

Join the Conversation!

To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message!

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Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots! 

Learn more about AgGrad by visiting: 

Future of Agriculture Website

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Robert Saik is a professional agriculture consultant, author, distinguished agrologist, and thought leader. He is a serial entrepreneur who has founded over 15 companies in the agriculture sector. His latest project, AGvisorPRO, is an app that seeks to instantly connect farmers with experts to help them with their queries and problems. Robert is also the CEO of DOT Farm Solutions, a company that specializes in the development of autonomous robotic farming equipment.

Robert joins me today to discuss AGvisorPRO and how it works to support farmers. He shares his reason why he is continually starting new companies, his inspiration to write books, and his personal take on the current state of the ag industry. He describes the importance of sustainability in supporting a growing population as well as provide ideas on how to improve farm efficiency. Robert also explains how the DOT system works and the biggest contribution it can provide the industry.

“If the farm isn't economically viable, there is no sustainability. So long as we have people, agriculture needs to be sustainable.” - Robert Saik

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

• The inspiration that led Robert to write his latest book.
• Describing the importance of agricultural sustainability.
• Recent observations in agriculture and how they compare from five years ago.
• The demand for transparency from the ag sector.
• His conversation with Bill Gates.
• AGvisorPRO and how it helps farmers with quick advice.
• Traditional farm systems vs a DOT system and how DOT products work.
• The future of DOT technology and implements.

Resources Mentioned:

• Will Agriculture Be Allowed To Feed 9 Billion People?
• Abundance 360
• Future of Agriculture 095: Could Organic and GMO be on the Same Team with Rob Saik

Connect with Robert Saik:

• AGvisorPro
• DOT
• Book: Food 5.0

We Are a Part of a Bigger Family! 

The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

Join the Conversation!

To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message!

Share the Ag-Love! 

Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots! 

Learn more about AgGrad by visiting: 

Future of Agriculture Website

AgGrad Website

AgGrad on Twitter 
AgGrad on Facebook 
AgGrad on LinkedIn 
AgGrad on Instagram

Lee Addams is the CEO of CropMetrics, a company that pursues innovation in US irrigation services and provide smart irrigation solutions to growers. Lee has experience in business model innovation, business unit growth strategizing, enterprise-level sustainability strategizing, and public sector water resources. He obtained his Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences at Stanford University and is also a Post-Doc Fellow for Water Resources/International Development at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Lee joins me today to share his passion for improving water irrigation efficiency as well as water sustainability. He describes how he became interested in water irrigation and what led him to work with CropMetrics. He explains how their system works and how it can benefit growers. Lee also discusses what a transaction would look like with a farmer and how they convince them to join.

“It's what's happening to 12, 18, to 24 inches under the ground that you don't see. That's what's affecting what water your crop is needing right then, at the moment.” - Lee Addams

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

• How Lee found interest in working with CropMetrics.
• The story behind CropMetrics and their vision.
• The special technology used by CropMetrics that separates them from other startups.
• The type of data they plan to utilize to make irrigation more efficient.
• His thoughts on long term water viability.
• How they transact their business with growers and what convinces them to join.
• What they do for farmers who are hesitant in trying something new.

Connect with Lee Addams:

• CropMetrics
• Twitter

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We Are a Part of a Bigger Family! 

The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

Join the Conversation!

To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message!

Share the Ag-Love! 

Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots! 

Learn more about AgGrad by visiting: 

Future of Agriculture Website

AgGrad Website

AgGrad on Twitter 
AgGrad on Facebook 
AgGrad on LinkedIn 
AgGrad on Instagram