Key Takeaways

• Sarah Adams, an agritech expert, emphasizes the importance of innovative technology in agriculture.
• The eShepherd tool enhances remote livestock management, focusing on customer needs and sustainable growth.
• Testing agricultural technology in real farm environments is essential for addressing farmers’ actual challenges.

Innovative Approaches in Agritech

Industry expert Sarah Adams highlighted the critical role of agritech and forward-thinking solutions in adapting to a rapidly evolving world during her talks at recent events like Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Out the Gate and Seed and Grain NZ’s Women in Seed.

Adams, who is the general manager for global strategy and new ventures at Gallagher, has successfully transformed the eShepherd tool from concept to commercial product. This remote precision livestock management system utilizes technology for extensive areas, achieving remarkable accuracy.

With 25 years of experience in agricultural business development and practical insights from her background as a farmer in Waikato, Adams advocates for a hands-on approach in creating effective agricultural solutions that deliver measurable value. She stressed the importance of having tech developers “walk in the shoes of farmers,” to better understand the issues their technology aims to resolve.

“The world is changing so fast we need to move much faster,” Adams remarked, underscoring the urgency for innovation in the agricultural sector. The eShepherd model prioritizes customer needs and aligns with market dynamics, promoting efficiency and sustainability throughout the production ecosystem.

Adams highlighted the collaborative nature of the eShepherd program, noting it has involved numerous partnerships and small investments over the last six years to advance industry growth. She encourages an open-minded attitude in tackling challenges, emphasizing the need to manage each animal with care and adapt to a future where automated decision-making plays a significant role.

According to Adams, effective technology addresses not just present problems but also anticipates future challenges. “Good tech solves today’s real problems. Great tech also solves tomorrow’s problems,” she stated, acknowledging the significance of mega trends that the agricultural sector faces.

To innovate effectively, Adams advocates for real-world testing of agricultural technologies. She insists that developers should engage with farmers to truly comprehend their struggles rather than making assumptions about their needs. “We can do so much, so much faster; we do fail, but we learn, and at the end of the day we do celebrate success,” she concluded, reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement in agritech.

In addition to her role at Gallagher, Adams serves on several boards within the agritech sector and was awarded the Robin Davidson Memorial Award in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s agritech industry.

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