FIRST it was the dot-com boom, next Silicon Valley start-ups, then the Fintech craze (we’re sorry) and now it’s all about AgTech. According to Agfunder News, AgTech investment reached US$4.6 billion in 2015 and 2016 should surpass this amount as more AgTech hubs are being created every month (think SproutX in Melbourne.).
For those of you with actual jobs, AgTech compromises a series of new companies that are bringing cutting edge technology to the world of Agriculture. Being in a similar space ourselves, we thought we would list the three standout AgTech companies of 2016.
Indigo Agriculture
These guys are are hard to ignore since they recently raised US$100 million in the largest funding round ever for an AgTech company. Indigo provides seeds coated in a specific mixture of microbes which are carefully researched and catalogued by the company. The scientific approach uses a specific amount of fungi and bacteria which helps the seeds thrive in environments where they might normally struggle.
Testing has shown 10 per cent higher yields for cotton, the company is currently also experimenting with corn and soy crops.
Blue River Technology
Blue River is a group of former university students who are bringing robotics and computer modelling to agriculture. Their current machines are involved in precision lettuce thinning, smart ‘see and spray’ drones and remote sensing technology also using drones.
The company is still growing their army of smart machines, but the ones they have produced thus far are increasing productivity, reducing unwanted plants and chemical usage.
Agersens
This company is highly upsetting to my cattle dog as they are a virtual shepherd. The fenceless farming system allows you to use your smartphone to create virtual fences, move your livestock and check your cattle’s health and location. The technology will comprise of collars for the cattle that are linked to your smartphone or tablet. The collars use audio cues, and in some cases mild electric pulses, to train the animals to move into desired locations.
If it works it will reduce injuries for animals that occur during mustering or through contact with electric or barbed fences. Other benefits include improved feed allocation and notification of distressed or stolen animals. You can also cut down on your labour costs and don’t need to rebuild fences after floods or fires.
- Neu.Capital helps compatible mid-market companies and sophisticated investors find each other and work out the best deal fast.
