#1 - Sarah Martello, Co-Founder & CEO at AgWise
Slice of Agriculture Team
01/28/2025
In Episode #1 of Slice of Agriculture our guest is:
Sarah Martello, Co-Founder & CEO at AgWise.
Listen to the full episode to learn about:
- From Farm to AgTech: Sarah Martello’s journey from a Kansas farm to leading AgWise, driven by her passion for agriculture and technology.
- Precision Farming Tools: Saving farmers $200 per acre through data-driven nutrient recommendations, reducing waste and cost.
- Blockchain for Transparency: Leveraging blockchain to address traceability and standardization issues in organic and regenerative agriculture.
- Future of Farming: How AI and technology are transforming farming into a real-time, interactive process.
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From Kansas Farm to AgWise: A Vision for Better Farming
Sarah Martello, Co-Founder and CEO of AgWise, brings a unique perspective to the agriculture technology space. Growing up on a farm near Wichita, Kansas, she witnessed the challenges of farming profitability firsthand. After a successful career in tax law, Sarah found herself drawn back to agriculture, driven by her family's legacy and a passion for innovation. The journey to founding AgWise was far from linear, but it ultimately became a mission to address inefficiencies in farming with modern technology.
Tackling ROI Challenges with Precision
AgWise's breakthrough foliar scripts, launched recently, have already made an impact. By providing precision nutrient recommendations based on plant tissue samples, these tools save farmers an average of $200 per acre. This not only enhances return on investment but also minimizes over-application, which contributes to environmental issues like runoff.
"Farmers use nutrients as an insurance policy," Sarah explains. "But with precise recommendations, they can save money and reduce environmental harm—a win-win scenario."
Blockchain for Better Transparency
The journey to launching AgWise wasn't without challenges. An early attempt at blockchain traceability for organic ranching revealed a significant issue: inconsistent and outdated data across the supply chain. This discovery led AgWise to pivot toward digitizing data collection and management for farmers, laying the groundwork for traceability.
The company now works with regenerative certification organizations to build better tools, ensuring farmers are compensated for sustainable practices. Blockchain remains a cornerstone of AgWise's vision, promising transparency and credibility for agricultural practices.
A Farmer-Centric Approach to Technology Adoption
One of the biggest challenges AgWise faces is helping farmers adopt digital tools. Many farmers are part of an older generation accustomed to traditional practices. By focusing on user-friendly platforms and immediate financial benefits, such as cost savings, AgWise positions its tools as investments rather than expenses.
"Farmers are willing to adapt," says Sarah. "But tools need to be accessible and easy to use, so they don’t feel like a burden."
The Farmer of the Future
Looking ahead, Sarah envisions a fully interactive and real-time farming experience. With AI and integrated data, future farmers will make informed decisions throughout the growing season, adjusting strategies to maximize ROI and sustainability. This vision aligns with AgWise’s mission to bridge the gap between traditional farming and advanced technology, empowering farmers to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
