The Modern Acre

On this edition of Acre Insights, Tim and Tyler discuss some of their latest learnings in business and investing. Tim shares a recap of being full time at the farm this year and looks ahead to next year. Links: Acquired Podcast Founders Podcast All-In Podcast Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

As Pivot Bio’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris is focused on increasing farmer profitability and resiliency, as well as driving a dramatic improvement of the agriculture supply chain’s environmental sustainability by replacing synthetic fertilizers with new crop nutrition technologies. Chris has invested in and helped build companies across the ag and food value chain from on-farm biological and digital solutions to midstream processing and logistics, down to the food ingredient and brand manufacturers. With a distinct focus on agriculture, fertilizer efficiency and agtech, deep industry relationships, and capital market expertise, Chris has served as an investor and advisor to dozens of sustainable technology companies. Prior to joining Pivot Bio in 2023, Chris was Co-Head of Continental Grain's Conti Ventures, where he helped build the company’s portfolio as a diversified global investor in food and agribusiness. Chris launched his career in agriculture on Wall Street at Piper Jaffray & Co., EcoAlpha Asset Management and Craig-Hallum Capital Group. As an advocate for creating programs to support youth, Chris serves on the board of InnerCity Tennis. Chris holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota. Links: Chris on LinkedIn Pivot Bio Website Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Ben Gordon is the CEO of Fractal Ag, a farmland investment platform that brings investors alongside farmers to drive impact and returns. Ben previously co-created Corteva Agriscience's carbon program while also leading Business Development. His background includes experience in agriculture technology, management consulting, and private equity due diligence. Ben previously served as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. He was raised in North Dakota where the original family homestead is still farmed by extended family. He lives in San Francisco, CA. Links: Ben on LinkedIn Fractal Ag Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Join the Co-op for full episode! Seana Day of Culterra Capital and Mark Brooks of FMC Ventures led a Zoom call with our Co-op members discussing the latest in investing in agtech. We cover: Impact of flat and reduced valuations Need for lower middle market in ag Are OEM incumbents done acquiring? Is agtech shifting away from software solutions? Exits in agfintech Robotics having a moment  Emerging geographies How AI impacts investing strategy Links: Farm Tech Landscape Map Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Nic De Castro is the Founder and CEO of LandTrust. LandTrust exists to enable the enjoyment, profitability, and sustainability of America’s undeveloped private lands. For farmers and ranchers who are looking for a practical way to add income to their operations, LandTrust is a website that connects landowners with respectful sportsmen looking to pay for access to their land. Unlike government programs, leases, or outfitters, LandTrust is a partner that helps build a valuable new income from sportsmen while keeping landowners in full control. Links: Nuss Farms Farm Tour on LandTrust Nic on Linkedin LandTrust Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Kevin Schwartz has been an investor in the food and agribusiness industry for more than two decades. Today he leads Paine Schwartz Partners as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner. He is further the Chairman of Paine Schwartz Partners’ ESG Committee driving a truly differentiated approach to sustainable food chain investing with material emphasis on the development of positive impacts. Links: Kevin on LinkedIn Paine Schwartz Partners Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

This month, Tim and Tyler talk with Ariel about her latest Topsoil edition - "Weeds will decide the winners - A framework for weed control in agriculture." Ariel Patton is the creator of Topsoil, a newsletter bringing you monthly frameworks to help make sense of agriculture, at just the right depth. Ariel has focused her career on driving digital transformation of agriculture to help farmers manage their businesses more profitably and sustainably at Monsanto, Granular, Corteva and currently, Mineral. Links: Join the Co-op John Kempf's Podcast Episode Subscribe to Topsoil Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

On this edition of Acre Insights, Tim and Tyler break down their takeaways from attending the RFSI Forum last month in Denver focused on the investing landscape in regenerative agriculture. They also share some sound bites from Brian Dawson, Rosario Bennett, and Jack Richardson on their biggest takeaways as well. Links: RFSI Forum Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Robby Sansom is Co-Founder & CEO at Force of Nature, a regeneratively sourced meat company based in Austin, TX. Robby’s roots run deep in the natural food community. Previously, as CFO/COO at EPIC, Robby spent much of the last decade studying regenerative agriculture at ranches all over the world. Through this education, Force of Nature was co-founded with the intention to accelerate the creation of a global regenerative supply network. Force of Nature works in partnership with land stewards, ranchers and farmers committed to creating a positive return on the planet. With Force of Nature, consumers now have the ability to invest in environmental regeneration by consuming meat that is good for the planet. Born and raised in Austin, TX, he received both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Texas. When he’s not building businesses aimed at saving the planet, Robby can be found on a trail, ocean, mountain or field, always making time to appreciate nature and explore his surroundings. Robby is also a land steward at ROAM Ranch where he owns regeneratively managed bison. Links: Robby on LinkedIn Force of Nature on Instagram Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.

Marcus Lovell Smith is the CEO of Neutral Foods, the first carbon neutral food company in the United States that debuted nationally in 2021 with organic whole and 2% milk products available in more than 2,000 grocery stores from coast to coast. An accomplished leader in sustainable agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, Marcus has a personal connection to the agricultural world and a passion for the urgent need to reshape its impact on the planet. Steadfast to make a difference in climate change, Marcus and his team at Neutral are partnering with farmers and ranchers to apply the latest in agricultural science, reduce their carbon footprints and boost the supply side of more sustainable dairy and beef products to meet growing demand from consumers looking to improve their carbon footprints. Marcus lives on a family farm in New Hampshire, Boggy Meadow, that produces artisanal cheese. He moved to the family farm 20 years ago and spent the first four years as a full-time dairy farmer and small business owner. Marcus has a personal understanding of farmers' challenges and an unwavering commitment to forging sustainable practices that protect the environment. Marcus remains a Special Advisor at Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Previously, he was the CTO of Google Fiber, a role that helped revolutionize fiber-optic internet and television services. He also served as the CEO of Diagnostics for All, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives in the developing world. Marcus has navigated Neutral Foods through its initial funding rounds. Under his guidance, the company closed a Series A funding round, securing $12 million, with Breakthrough Energy Ventures leading the investment. Notably, investors such as LeBron James, John Legend, and Questlove recognized the transformative potential of Neutral Foods, contributing, among other investors, to earlier seed rounds totaling approximately $8 million. Marcus is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard University. He has been featured in The New York Times, CNBC.com, and on multiple live broadcasts of Cheddar News and local news stations nationwide. Links: Marcus on LinkedIn Become a Premium Subscriber Sponsor: This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more at MyLand.ag. Check out our interview with Dane.