Free Daily Podcast Summary
Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Harry Duran
The Vertical Farming Podcast is the longest-running interview show in indoor agriculture: 180-plus conversations with the founders, CEOs and scientists building vertical farms, greenhouses and the technology behind them. Host Harry Duran gets past the pitch to the economics, the failures and what actually scales.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jul 31, 202653 min
182: The Importance of Smart Controls in Transforming Greenhouse Operations
Ever wondered if your greenhouse control system is actually helping—or if it’s leaving you in the dark about your energy bills? I’ve been there, and that’s exactly what we dig into in this episode.Joining me are Neda, CEO and co-founder of Microclimates, and Gretchen, Executive Director at the Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering Consortium at Cornell, whose combined expertise covers everything from cutting-edge environmental controls to energy efficiency in controlled environment agriculture. Neda has an extensive background in developing technologies that empower growers with actionable data, while Gretchen brings years of research experience with leading universities and utility-backed initiatives in optimizing greenhouse lighting and automation.This episode unpacks the real-world findings from the CalNEX Project—a first-of-its-kind scientific study focused on the impact of smart environmental monitoring and controls in California greenhouses. We compare “smart” and “smarter” systems, revealing surprising industry gaps in environmental data collection, misunderstood overhead costs, and how simple steps can lead to significant energy savings and business sustainability.Beyond the results, we chat about practical steps for adopting automation without ripping out your current systems, new open-platform sensor trends, the reality (and future) of AI in controlled ag, and why a phased, data-driven approach will be key for small and large growers alike. If you’re daunted by all the talk of sensors, integration, or AI, consider this the guide to understanding what actually matters—and what you can do today.Curious if you’re missing an easy win in your farm’s energy management, or want a reality check on all the AI hype? Tune in now and turn your environmental data into your biggest asset!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Discussing the CalNEX Project findings03:17 Smart Controls Project achievements07:52 Improving greenhouse energy efficiency10:34 Energy consumption misconceptions12:57 Diverse systems in cannabis farming19:10 Automating greenhouse light management22:22 Operational impacts in construction projects25:40 Consulting on greenhouse tech needs27:50 Discussing phased approach for innovations29:57 Phased approach to AI implementation35:51 Parental influence on IT security37:02 Adopting AI and Automation Tools41:17 Starting with basic crop monitoring43:32 Indoor farming control techniques46:39 Year of retrofits and opportunities49:46 Appreciating industry partnershipsTweetable Quotes"Our job is to complement what's already there. The projects Gretchen mentioned, every site had something different… Our job wasn't to go in and just say, rip everything out for this control study and start over because we want to collect the data. It was really to take a look at what do you currently have, how can we complement that with adding more environmental insight, environmental visibility to that operation, and is there a way that we can integrate what you currently have?" "I'd say the biggest surprise and biggest lesson was that they didn't have enough environmental visibility. A lot of these operations had maybe one temperature humidity sensor hanging in the middle of the room representing the entire greenhouse or a section of the greenhouse. Your control system is only as good as the information it's taking in, like the input, right?""If you don't have the thousands of data points, if you can't summarize the trends, if you can't make any recommendations and alerts, and you can't generate those reports based on the thousand data points, how is this AI going to actually get to know you?... First of all, we have to step back and say, are operators actually collecting data? We already said early on in this conversation they are, but they don't have enough environmental visibility, which means they actually are not collecting enough data."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.microclimates.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Microclimates-IncInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/microclimatesFacebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/microclimates.inc" rel="n
- May 9, 202643 min
181: Why Mastering Vapor Pressure Control Holds the Key to Exceptional Crop Quality with David Sandelman
Ever wonder why your plants aren’t thriving—or why your post-harvest yields and terpene profiles just don’t stack up? I’ve been there, and this episode is your shortcut out of the guesswork.This week, I’m joined by David Sandelman, CTO of Cannatrol, inventor, and expert in environmental controls with decades of pioneering innovation under his belt. From the origins of digital thermostats to revolutionizing post-harvest processing in cheese, charcuterie, and cannabis, David Sandelman brings deep scientific insight and a passion for precision.We dive into the real science behind environmental control—why traditional approaches to humidity just don’t cut it, and how understanding vapor pressure is the key to stable, high-quality crops across cheese, cannabis, and even hops. David Sandelman explains, in plain terms, how “water activity” trumps “percent moisture” for true shelf stability and consistent results.You’ll also hear about the future of indoor farming, from AI-optimized grow rooms to what legacy cultivators can learn from the world of cheese and charcuterie. Plus, we dig into practical applications—whether you’re a large-scale producer or a passionate home grower—along with candid insights from David Sandelman’s journey in the industry.Ready to get clarity and control over your crops while boosting quality and yield? Hit play and discover the system that’s changing the game for post-harvest and indoor growers everywhere.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 From Vermont Restaurants to Post-Harvest Technology00:06:10 The Science of Controls and Humidity Explained00:12:01 Cannabis Flower, Water Activity, and Drying Innovation00:18:00 Trichomes, Terpenes, and Preserving Quality00:23:32 Consistency, Yield, and the Future of Quality Cannabis00:29:32 Expanding Applications: Hops, Tea, and Industry Insights00:34:35 Embracing Change and Applying Proven ScienceTweetable Quotes"That's when we built a prototype and we purchased a wine cooler and stripped it out, just used the insulated box with the door and put a couple of thousand dollars worth of controls on it, gave it to a grower and said, put some flour in there and tell us what happens. Is it going to destroy it? Does nothing? And sure enough, two weeks later, he's like, I don't know what this box is, but this is some of the finest flower I've ever produced. He's, like, hanging on to it. I'm not going to give it back. And that's when we knew we were onto something.""We are a process system that's designed for the process of getting your proper product to the right water activity for shelf stability versus applying conventional comfort cooling equipment to accomplish it.""We like to say it's sous vide for weed."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://cannatrols.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sandelman-74323216/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cannatrolsolutionsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cannatrol/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cannatrol/Twitter - https://x.com/CannatrolsConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - <a href="https
- Apr 20, 202637 min
Precision Agriculture Report 2025: Surprising Patent & Funding Trends - AgTech Digest
📺 Watch on YouTube and SpotifyiGrow News - 2025 Precision Ag Intelligence Report - https://igrownews.com/precisionEpisode DescriptionWhat shook up the world of precision agriculture in 2025? In this exclusive deep dive, Harry Duran sits down with Sepehr Achard, fellow co-founder of iGrow News, to explore the striking trends and surprising signals from the just-released 2025 Precision Ag Intelligence Report. From the surging impact of AI on product development—and the sudden vulnerability of software-only companies—to unexpected M&A moves like food giants buying robotics startups and why a drop in patent filings could predict a seismic shift, this episode connects the industry’s hidden dots.Discover why $600 million in funding might no longer guarantee success, the mysterious surge of patents out of China (but almost none granted), and which countries are quietly emerging as ag innovation hubs. The guests grapple with the future of metrics like "compute cost per acre," the looming prospect of AI-taxation, and whether distribution—rather than technology—could become the true differentiator.And in a world rocked by global tensions, could fertilizer shocks and input price spikes trigger the next wave of ag innovation—or stall it in its tracks? Don't miss this detailed yet fast-paced conversation pulling back the curtain on where precision ag is heading next.Ready for the data points no newswire is covering? Press play.5 Key TakeawaysIn a rapidly evolving AgTech landscape, strategic awareness and rapid adaptation are critical for survival and growth. Take charge of your future with these decisive actions:Monitor patent activity and social signals of key industry players to anticipate strategic moves and market shifts.Diversify beyond pure software solutions—build or partner for hardware, own unique data, and prioritize distribution networks for defensible growth.Prepare for increased M&A activity by strengthening your customer base, technology differentiation, and profitability to become acquisition-ready.Rethink KPIs for the AI era by tracking new metrics like compute cost per acre and token usage to measure operational efficiency.Keep a pulse on global events, such as geopolitical conflict and supply chain volatility, to anticipate their cascading impact on AgTech investments and strategic decisions.Act now—evaluate your business model, data, and partnerships with these insights to stay ahead in precision agriculture.Memorable Quotes"It's not a differentiator anymore to have fancy technology or AI you can create; the real differentiators are controlling the data, owning the hardware, and—most importantly—having the distribution.""The cost of developing new products is dramatically decreasing, but the cost of introducing these products to market is increasing; developing technology alone doesn't mean much anymore because it can be replicated quickly and cheaply.""China has a patent creation engine driven by universities, but once you look at actual granted patents and real technology, there are overlooked hubs like Korea, Japan, India, Israel, the Netherlands, and the U.S. producing innovations that are truly patentable and impactful."Resources MentionedTaylor Farms - https://www.taylorfarms.com/FarmWise (Autonomous Weeding Business) - https://www.farmwise.io/Climate Corporation - https://climate.com/John Deere - https://www.deere.com/Massey Ferguson - https://www.masseyferguson.com/CNH Industrial - https://www.cnh.com/Starlink (integrated by CNH Industrial) - https://www.starlink.com/Arable - https://www.arable.com/Google Cloud - https://cloud.
- Mar 20, 202641 min
180: Why Focusing on Farming Holds the Key to Real Success in Vertical Agriculture
Ever wonder if vertical farming is more about mastering plant care than chasing the latest tech trend? I do—and in this episode, you'll find out why that's the reality.Join me as I sit down with Andrew Volpetti, Business Development Director for North America at Red Horticulture, whose deep background in horticulture, hydroponics, and business development has positioned him at the forefront of controlled environment agriculture innovation. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years—including leadership in lighting solutions and a passion for solving agricultural challenges—Andrew brings rich expertise and refreshing honesty to the booming vertical farming industry.This episode gets real about what’s driving the next wave in vertical farming: prioritizing plant health and farm success over flashy tech. Together, Harry Duran and Andrew Volpetti unpack why the “hype bubble” around vertical farming technology has popped, and why that’s a good thing for growers, investors, and anyone passionate about sustainable food systems. You’ll get an insider look at how Red Horticulture’s dynamic LED lighting is helping make farming smarter, not just more high-tech.Beyond tech talk, we explore personal journeys—from backyard gardening roots to global industry leadership—plus crucial topics like sustainability, the impact of legacy practices on soil and water, and the evolving rebate landscape for LED upgrades. Andrew Volpetti also shares candid stories of wins, challenges, and the importance of relationship-building in agri-business.Ready to discover the real future of vertical farming and how you can be part of a movement that’s grounded in reality—not just hype? Click play and listen to the full episode now!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Indoor Ag Con Recap & Industry Reality00:06 Early Connections: Family, Food, and Farming00:13 Hydrofarm Career Journey & Sales Philosophy00:22 Transition to RED Horticulture & Dynamic Lighting00:29 LED Technology Advances & Client Success Stories00:36 Work Ethic, Motivation, and Future VisionsTweetable Quotes"I think a lot of the hype bubble, which did pop, and everyone using that trough of disillusionment graph ad nauseam, I think it was good to see. And I think everyone is appreciating it more.""Dynamic lighting was something that I was vaguely familiar with. I knew there were a lot of changes in LEDs, and the one thing I knew I didn't want to do is just be a box pusher. I wanted to believe in the product, I wanted to understand the product, and I wanted to find solutions for people growing crops that hadn't been presented to them. That's where I think the value lies.""I wanted to take Latin. I wound up taking 8 years of Latin. Now, I'm not going to say I was an A student. I wasn't a B student. I was like a C-. But you know what? Dogged determination. I think that pays. And I think it also helped me just realize, look, if you work hard, you put the time in, you learn, you really can achieve, you know, and I think my parents' work ethic, but you know, being told you can't do something is usually the greatest motivator for most people."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.horticulture.red/en/LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/andrew-volpetti-mbaConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - <a href="https
- Dec 5, 202554 min
179: How Eleusis Helps Feed Security and Builds Rancher Resilience During Droughts with Joaquin Gonzalez
Ever feel like droughts, rising costs, or feed shortages are always threatening your ranch’s future? I get it—and so does this week’s guest, who’s engineering innovative solutions for resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.In this episode, Harry Duran sits down with Joaquin Gonzalez, Chief Expansion Officer at Eleusis Feed, an expert in agricultural engineering with deep roots (literally) in ranching and hydroponic fodder systems. Raised on a ranch near Santiago and backed by a career spanning Chile, Colorado, and now Texas, Joaquin Gonzalez brings a wealth of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionize how livestock are fed.This conversation dives into the power of hydroponic fodder systems as a game-changer for ranchers and farmers battling water scarcity, price hikes, and traditional feed limitations. Joaquin Gonzalez unpacks why modular container farms aren’t always the answer at scale, and shares how Eleusis Feed’s industrial solutions offer flexibility for both small and massive operations, empowering producers in drought-prone regions to ensure feed—and food—security all year long.Beyond the nuts and bolts of fodder systems, you’ll hear stories from Joaquin Gonzalez's lifelong obsession with horses, lessons learned from engineering trial and error, and the realities of transitioning from South America to the U.S. Discover what it really takes to convince traditional ranchers to embrace innovation, and get inspired by the impact of sustainable practices on animal health, water conservation, and rural livelihoods.If you’re ready to learn how vertical farming can safeguard your operation and secure the future of animal agriculture, tune in to this episode now—this one’s packed with practical insights and the passion to match. Listen and get equipped to grow smarter today!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:06:42 Tackling Chile’s Drought and the Quest for Sustainable Fodder00:13:01 Engineering Solutions: Container Farms and Overcoming Mold00:19:22 Barley Fodder for All: From Horses to Giraffes00:25:29 Scaling Up: Industrial Hydroponic Fodder Systems00:32:09 Educating Ranchers and Challenging Traditions00:38:18 Entrepreneurship, Moving to Austin, and Staying MotivatedTweetable Quotes"At the end, you have to have horses, you have to have a trainer and all this stuff, and it was something that from there I transitioned to another sport because it was too expensive. Being one of seven, it wasn't something that I was the only one obsessed with horses and stuff, so I pushed that dream aside and focused on other sports. But then after college, I picked it up again, started riding again, won another championship, and it was everything about having a horse and having a train with feed and all this stuff that gets complicated over time. That is something I have in my heart—at some point, I will do it for sure.""The containerized solution that we could put together was able to produce 850 pounds a day, which, if you look at the industry, you can feed 30 cows, 35 horses, and stuff like that. I was talking to many ranchers that had 200 head of cattle, so for that you need eight containers. Putting one container next to another at some point doesn't make sense—maybe two is okay, three you start to think about, no, because every container has its own system, its own way of farming. At the end, we were looking for something more industrial.""With a fodder system, you use about 95% less water than traditional farm. We’re here to help those places, especially in the western states, where drought makes water a critical issue. There are even incentives from the government like retiring wells—they’ll pay you to retire a well because water is so scarce. Those are the people who benefit the most from this technology."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://eleusisfeed.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbGX9JbBJ89H51sVEN1BogLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquingonzalezv/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576560510377 Instagram - <a href="https://www.inst
- Nov 21, 20251h 1m
178: Why Modular Vertical Farming Holds the Key to Scalable Food Security with Fischer Farm's Tristan Fischer
Ever wondered how to scale your vertical farm without breaking the bank—or your nerves?In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, I sit down with Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fisher Farms, one of the pioneers in modular farming technology. Tristan brings over 25 years of experience in clean energy and large-scale renewables, translating that expertise into creating more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective vertical farming solutions. Having navigated the challenges of building some of the largest vertical farms in the UK, Tristan is passionate about making vertical farming both accessible and sustainable—and he’s got the battle-tested insights to prove it.We dive deep into Fisher Farms’ journey from traditional R&D setups to their cutting-edge modular approach, using shipping containers like building blocks for truly scalable farms. Tristan shares candid stories about the risks and surprises of massive farm construction, and how clever modular design is transforming the economics and flexibility of indoor agriculture, enabling global expansion—even in places like Abu Dhabi, where energy costs are astonishingly low.Beyond technology, we explore Fisher Farms’ culture of innovation, their relentless focus on driving down costs, and why Tristan believes vertical farming should move from premium niche to practical staple for feeding the world. You’ll hear how the team’s values—kindness, respect, factfulness, and robustness—help foster big ideas and quick pivots, and how these principles drive Fisher Farms to be the lowest-cost vertical farm in the world.If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible with vertical farming and discover how modularity might be the answer to your growth headaches, don’t miss this episode! Click play and join us as we explore the future of feeding the world—without wrecking the planet.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Fisher Farms Expansion and Modular Approach06:01 Overcoming Scaling Challenges at Farm Two12:01 Fisher Farms Ethos and Focus on Cost Reduction18:31 Advancements in Lighting and Efficiency23:40 Competing with Glasshouses and New Market Opportunities29:54 Modular Growth in the UAE and Global Impact35:03 Plug and Play Modular Flexibility40:02 Fisher Farms Technology Certification and Branding46:08 Building an Innovative, Kind, and Robust Company Culture52:42 Closing Reflections and Future OutlookTweetable Quotes"If you have a thousand things which need to get right, I think we probably planned for about 900 of them and got them right, and then once Farm 2 got running, 50 of them were relatively quick to fix, but there were a few items which actually ended up being very, very difficult. Sometimes you had a problem hiding behind another problem.""Our view is that if we focus on really driving down cost, cost, cost, cost, then we don’t have to worry about becoming a premium brand—but it gets us in the direction where we want to be, which is: how do you actually feed the world without trashing the planet at the same time?""What we want is my terrible idea and a genuinely bad idea, and your crazy, insane idea and somebody else’s drug-addled idea or sleep-addled idea—whatever it is—and they’re all actually genuinely bad ideas independently, but by putting those ideas together, layering those ideas on top, we come up with a beautiful, brilliant insight which none of us independently had thought about."Resources MentionedLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanfischer/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite - https://fischerfarms.co.uk/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/</
- Oct 31, 202556 min
177: How Mary Wetherill Discovered the Business Model Shift That Makes Urban Farming Profitable
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched passionate urban farmers burn out because their business model wasn’t sustainable—what if there were a better way?This week on Vertical Farming, I sit down with Mary Wetherill, founding president and CEO of Green Food Solutions, for a candid conversation about building a truly sustainable urban farming business. Mary’s unique journey—from the service industry and massage therapy to pioneering food access solutions in city environments—gives her an unmatched perspective on both the struggles and opportunities vertical farmers face today.In this episode, Mary demystifies how Green Food Solutions is reimagining the food system with a “farming as a service” franchise model that prioritizes support, profitability, and genuine community impact. We dig into what makes a good franchise partner, why most farms face recurring challenges, and how Mary’s mission-driven approach is shaking up the industry’s status quo. If you’ve ever wondered how to make real money in urban farming—without sacrificing your values—this conversation is your playbook.Beyond the business model, you’ll hear stories about navigating Silicon Valley hype cycles, lessons learned from early accelerator programs, the importance of resourcefulness, and the surprising ways personal experience shapes entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, discover how Green Food Solutions fosters partnerships that work, advice for new farmers, and eye-opening discussions on market realities and PR.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Jersey City Roots and Entrepreneurial Beginnings06:10 Entering Urban Farming & The Square Roots Experience12:35 Green Food Solutions Business Model Explained18:26 Franchising, Farmers, and Fit for New Owners24:57 Green Food Solutions Origin Story & Mission30:22 Monetization, Resourcefulness, and Revenue Streams36:48 Team Management & Leadership Values41:02 Industry Reflections & Farmers’ Challenges46:16 Closing Thoughts & Contact InformationTweetable Quotes"Honestly, when I worked for Merrill Lynch, I quit. I was in with my boss and I was getting a promotion. She brought me in her office and I was just going to give my two weeks. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eyes than take your promotion. I just really didn't like the corporate environment.""We were disgusted by how consultants and all these people were charging tens, twenties of thousands of dollars for things we were giving for free, and honestly, manufacturers usually give those for free—so I didn’t like what I saw happening when I was so originally excited about it.""There was a day that my mom had a box of food that was brought into the house by a priest. I think that was the first day I had an experience of feeling poor, regardless of what level it was. I started selling my toys and shining shoes—I think I got my knowledge about monetization and being resourceful because of having grown up poor."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.greenfoodsolutions.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18566881Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenfoodsolutions/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/greenfoodsolutions/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenFoodSolutionsConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Faceboo
- Oct 10, 202546 min
176: From Panic to Prevention: Pathogen Management Strategies for Indoor Growers
Are you worried about potential pathogens lurking in your indoor farm's water system or substrate? I've got you covered with insights from an expert in agricultural analytics.I sat down with Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and founder of Rimrock Analytical, to discuss the critical role of proactive monitoring in controlled environment agriculture. Taylor's unique background in molecular sciences and agriculture has positioned him as a leader in providing cutting-edge analytical services to indoor farms.Taylor shed light on the common challenges indoor farmers face, from biofouling in water systems to unexpected pathogen outbreaks. He stressed the importance of having a solid biosecurity plan and regular monitoring to catch issues early. We delved into real-world case studies, including a Pythium outbreak that nearly devastated a farm's operations, and how data-driven solutions helped turn the situation around.We also explored the evolving landscape of indoor farming, discussing the industry's consolidation and the lessons learned from early adopters. Taylor shared valuable insights on how farms of all sizes can benefit from analytical services, emphasizing the return on investment in preventing crop losses. If you're involved in indoor farming or curious about the science behind growing food in controlled environments, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you won't want to miss.Ready to unlock the secrets of maintaining a healthy indoor farm environment? Listen now to gain valuable insights that could save your crops and optimize your growing operations.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:03 Water treatment challenges in indoor farming10:31 Proactive monitoring vs. reactive troubleshooting16:23 Education and support for growers22:25 Risks of pathogen spread in grow systems26:50 State of the indoor farming industry31:32 Rimrock team size and recent hires34:36 Importance of preventative maintenance for farmsTweetable Quotes"We take the mantra of 'data to decisions' at Rimrock. We see ourselves as a vehicle to streamline what can be barriers for growers and operators to get the necessary data.""Microbes have the capacity to multiply and spread very rapidly. So keeping a close eye on things, establishing routine monitoring surveys we've found is key.""We're rolling out a microbial heat map to help you better visualize your microbial results mapped to your process flow in your facility. With that you can see potential hotspots for pathogens and how they might integrate to downstream systems."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://rimrockanalytical.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/65487487/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rimrock_analytical/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodos
Get Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
TechSurge: Deep Tech Podcast
Explores emerging technologies, startup challenges, and investment trends through interviews with tech leaders, founders, and investors.
Podcast | ice age farmer
Ice Age Farmer, iceagefarmer.com
Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Experts discuss science-based organic cannabis cultivation techniques and advancements in growing technology.
The AI XR Podcast.
Industry insiders interview top founders and executives on AI, spatial computing, VR/AR, and synthetic media.
The joe gardener Show - Organic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Expert Garden Advice From Joe Lamp'l
Joe Lamp'l shares practical, organic gardening advice focused on growing food and sustainable practices for gardeners of all skill levels.
The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers
Explores gardening from basics to advanced techniques, featuring expert insights and innovations in plant science and agriculture.
The Vault Unlocked
Founders share hard-earned lessons on what they wish they’d known earlier to avoid costly mistakes and grow their companies faster.
Growth Triggers: Content Marketing & AI
A marketing expert shares proven podcasting strategies for growing audience reach, generating leads, and building authority in any niche.
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups
Discusses AI advancements and implications with researchers, engineers, and founders shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Grassfed Life
Covers small-scale farming, grass-fed livestock, and farm-based entrepreneurship with seasonal insights and practical guidance.
Founder's Story
Real founders share raw stories of building, scaling, and leading companies, revealing the grit and purpose behind entrepreneurial success.
The Engineering Leadership Podcast
Discusses essential practices and insights from top software engineering leaders to advance leadership skills in tech.
About Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA
The Vertical Farming Podcast is the longest-running interview show in indoor agriculture: 180-plus conversations with the founders, CEOs and scientists building vertical farms, greenhouses and the technology behind them. Host Harry Duran gets past the pitch to the economics, the failures and what actually scales.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Harry Duran.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA release new episodes?
Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA cover?
Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA covers topics including Leisure, Science, Education, Nature, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Vertical Farming Podcast: CEOs & Founders in AgTech and CEA summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.