Field days are a cornerstone of agtech development. These hands-on events bring together farmers, researchers, and tech innovators, giving everyone a first-hand look at how emerging tools perform under real conditions. By sparking direct feedback and collaboration, field days ensure that new technologies address the actual challenges faced in agriculture, from labor shortages, water scarcity, rising input costs, and the need for more sustainable practices. They’re a critical step in refining innovations so they’re truly practical and impactful for the farming community.

On November 4th, we brought this collaborative spirit to life at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier for our first the VINE Connect Field Day. Organized by the VINE, a partnership between Farmhand Ventures and UC ANR, the event welcomed Central Valley’s agricultural community—farmers, researchers, tech developers, and investors—to experience the latest innovations that aim to make a difference for California’s agriculture.

What is VINE Connect?

VINE Connect is an initiative by The VINE, part of UC ANR’s Office of Innovation, aimed at scaling ready-to-market agricultural technologies that address real-world challenges identified by California’s agricultural industry. Unlike programs that push solutions without fully understanding local needs, VINE Connect takes a community-driven “market pull” approach. We conduct open calls and targeted outreach to select promising companies for a three-month cohort program. During this time, these companies fine-tune their solutions for the California market, culminating in a Field Day event where they can demonstrate their technologies directly to farmers, investors, and industry partners.

Opening Remarks: Setting the Stage for Innovation

The day kicked off with insightful remarks from several key figures who highlighted the importance of collaboration between agriculture and technology.

• Hannah Johnson, Industry Lead for The VINE, welcomed everyone by emphasizing our mission: “We’re here to connect California’s agriculture industry with meaningful, real-world innovation. Today’s Field Day is all about seeing if these tools truly address the everyday challenges our farmers face.”
• Helle Peterson, Regional Director for F3 Local, spoke about supporting agricultural innovation in the Central Valley: “F3 Local is here to help bring resources and technology to the farmers who feed our nation. By partnering with initiatives like The VINE, we’re investing in the future of sustainable agriculture.”
• Congressman Jim Costa underscored the vital role agriculture plays in our economy: “California’s Central Valley produces 25% of the nation’s food. Events like this are critical for ensuring that our farmers have access to the latest technologies to overcome challenges and continue to thrive.”

Other speakers included Atef Swelam, Director of Kearney REC, who introduced the center’s mission and impact, and Santanu Thapa, Research and Industry Liaison Coordinator for F3 Local, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving practical solutions.

Hands-On Demos: A Tour of Innovative Technologies

After the opening remarks, we all boarded on a tram for a tour of the Kearney REC fields to see live demonstrations from five ag-tech companies. This was the heart of the event—an opportunity for farmers and growers to see these innovative technologies in action and understand how they might benefit their own operations.

The participating companies showcased solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency,reducing costs, and promoting sustainability:

• Aksata Technologies, Inc.: demoed a smart-spreading drone system that precisely sprays crops, reducing waste and boosting crop health.
• Amos Power Inc.: demoed an electric autonomous tractor designed to cut down on labor needs and operational costs for vineyards, all while being environmentally friendly.
• Bonsai Robotics: demoed their automated almond shaker, designed to harvest more carefully and efficiently, reducing crop damage.
• Gather: demoed the Gather Rover, a robotic tool that transports table grapes within vineyard rows, saving time and energy for farmworkers.
• RapidAIM Pty Ltd: demoed a pest detection system that monitors pest activity in real-time, helping to reduce pesticide use and better protect crops.

Seeing these technologies in action sparked valuable conversations between the farmers and innovators. It was clear that this kind of direct interaction is crucial for both understanding the practical needs of farmers and refining the technologies to meet those needs effectively.

Key Takeaways: Collaboration Drives Innovation

The Field Day highlighted several important insights that align with The VINE’s mission:

• Real-World Testing Matters: Demonstrating technologies in actual farming environments is essential for validating their effectiveness and practicality.
• Farmer Input is Invaluable: Direct feedback from farmers helps ensure that innovations address real needs, increasing the likelihood of adoption and success.
• Partnerships are Key: Collaborations between tech companies, farmers, researchers, and investors are crucial for advancing agriculture in California.

Connie Bowen, Managing Partner of Farmhand Ventures and partner with The VINE, summed it up nicely: “Field Days like this enable us to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture. By working closely with farmers, founders can adapt and improve their solutions to be truly effective in the field.”

See the Day in Action: Visit our photo gallery to view highlights from the Field Day. You can also explore our Look Book to learn more about the companies that participated. 

A Big Thank You

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us for the VINE Connect Field Day. Together, we’re driving innovation in California’s rich  agricultural landscape.

Special appreciation goes to:

• F3 Local: For their generous financial support, which was instrumental in making this event a success.
• Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center: For hosting us and providing access to their excellent facilities.
• Mainstreet Cafe, Reedley, CA: For keeping everyone well-fed and energized throughout the day.

Looking Ahead: Join the Next VINE Connect Cohort

We’re excited to announce that applications for the next VINE Connect cohort will open soon! Selected companies will participate in our comprehensive program, which includes workshops and field trial readiness, culminating in Field Day events where you can demonstrate your solutions directly to the agricultural community. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for updates and the upcoming interest form to get involved.

For more information, please contact Nat Irwin at nat@thevine.io or visit us online: thevine.io.