Agtech - So What?
Have we hit the tipping point for autonomy in ag? With Shane Thomas and Matthew Pryor
26 Nov 2025
Over the past few years, the conversation about autonomy in agtech has moved from “but, does it work?” to “how can I get started?” This is a significant shift, indicative of autonomous machinery becoming a fully commercial category in agriculture.In this episode, Matthew Pryor, Founding Partner at Tenacious Ventures, discusses his recent observations at the Gatton Agtech Showcase, in QLD, Australia, highlighting the move towards production-ready autonomous machinery. He discusses how structure is now emerging in the Australian agtech autonomy market, including in sales and distribution, with a mix of companies from established equipment dealers to venture backed scale-ups. He predicts growth in this market to only compound in the coming years.Matthew and Sarah are joined by Shane Thomas, founder of Upstream Ag Insights, to also dive into recent agtech news and market trends.They discuss:The role of traditional dealership networks in an autonomous futureThe potential misuse of the term ‘autonomous’Regional variations in market dynamics around autonomy between Australia, the US, and CanadaThe forces reshaping crop protection, including the rise of non-chemical solutions such as laser weeding and electric weed controlUseful Links:Carbon Robotics raises $20m to build ‘another AI robot’?, AgFunder News Monarch Tractor sued over tractors that were 'unable to operate autonomously', TechCrunchIs Farmers’ Traditional Loyalty to Ag Equipment Colors Fading?, Farm EquipmentThe Four Forces reshaping the crop protection industry and what comes next, Upstream Ag InsightsThe Generics Revolution and the New Economic Geography of the Global Pesticide Industry, Journal of Agrarian ChangeThe Race to Define the Future of Ag Retail with Shane Thomas of Upstream Ag Insights, Agtech So What?Getting into the Weeds: AI, Computer Vision, and the Future of Non-Chemical Weeding, Agtech So What?Investment Notes: Azaneo, Tenacious VenturesDisrupting the AgTech Ecosystem with Ron Adner, Agtech So What?Vavilovian Mimicry, BionityFor more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.[0007:25] The role of dealerships in an autonomous future[00:17:45] The forces reshaping crop protection[00:25:20] Weeds adapting to non-chemical crop solutions
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Eric Larsen on the emergence and potential of AI in healthcare
10 Dec 2025
McKinsey on Healthcare
Reducing Burnout and Boosting Revenue in ASCs
10 Dec 2025
Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast
Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn
09 Dec 2025
Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast
Dr. Nolan Wessell, Assistant Professor and Well-being Co-Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine
08 Dec 2025
Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast
NPR News: 12-08-2025 2AM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-08-2025 1AM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now