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Modern Agriculture Companies

Introduction Top Modern Agriculture Company

The agricultural landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies, a focus on sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.

From established giants to nimble startups, a diverse range of companies are redefining how we grow and source our food. Here’s a glimpse into 29 of the leading players making waves in the agricultural industry today:

Table of Content

29 Top Modern Agriculture Companies Shaping the Future of Food

▶️ Definition of the Modern Agriculture
▶️ Advantage of Modern Agriculture


▶️ Global Leaders Modern Agriculture Company



  1. Cargill

  2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

  3. John Deere

  4. Bayer

  5. BASF

  6. Syngenta


▶️ AgTech Innovators Company



  1. Indigo Agriculture

  2. Plenty

  3. Impossible Foods

  4. AeroFarms

  5. Blue River Technology

  6. Carbon Robotics


▶️ Sustainability Champions Company



  1. The Crop Project

  2. Patagonia Provisions

  3. AppHarvest

  4. Rodale Institute


▶️ Other Notable Players:



  1. DowDuPont

  2. Monsanto

  3. Land O’Lakes

  4. CH Robinson Worldwide

  5. McDonough Farms

  6. Fairway Markets

  7. Whole Foods Market

  8. Urban Outfitters

  9. Smallhold Farms

  10. Equibiome

  11. Apeel Sciences

  12. Farmers Business Network

  13. Bowery Farming

▶️ Modern Agriculture Technology

▶️ Future of the Modern Agriculture

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of top modern agriculture companies, where innovation is as essential as sunshine and water. We’ll meet seasoned players like Cargill and John Deere, wielding decades of experience alongside cutting-edge technology. Alongside them stand nimble startups like Indigo Agriculture and Plenty, their agile minds brimming with fresh ideas to revolutionize how we grow and source food.

Modern Agriculture Companies



▶️ Definition of the Modern Agriculture

Modern agriculture is a broad term encompassing various approaches and innovations that aim to improve efficiency, sustainability, and food security in the face of growing challenges like climate change and population increase. 

Here are some key characteristics of the Modern Agriculture


Technology-driven:



  • Precision agriculture: Using data, sensors, and automation to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase yields.

  • AgTech: Startups and established companies developing solutions like robots, drones, and data-driven tools for various agricultural tasks.

  • Vertical farming: Growing crops indoors in controlled environments, maximizing land use and minimizing resource consumption.


Sustainability-focused:



  • Regenerative agriculture: Practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

  • Organic farming: Avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, focusing on natural methods.

  • Reduced environmental impact: Minimizing water and energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution.


Increased efficiency:



  • Automation: Utilizing robots and machinery for tasks like planting, harvesting, and weeding.

  • Data-driven decision making: Using data analytics to optimize crop selection, resource allocation, and pest management.

  • Improved logistics and supply chains: Efficiently moving and storing agricultural products to reduce waste and spoilage.


Global perspective:



  • Addressing food security challenges for a growing population.

  • Adapting to climate change and its impact on agricultural production.

  • Promoting fair trade practices and sustainable livelihoods for farmers.


It’s important to note that modern agriculture is not a single, monolithic approach. It encompasses a diverse range of practices and technologies, with varying levels of adoption and impact depending on the specific context. Some companies and practices prioritize efficiency and yield, while others focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.


Modern Agriculture Companies



▶️ Advantage of Modern Agriculture


Modern agriculture boasts several advantages over traditional methods, addressing many of the challenges facing our food system today. Here are some key benefits:


Increased Efficiency and Productivity:



  • Precision agriculture: Optimizes resource use by precisely targeting specific areas of a field, reducing waste and boosting yields.

  • Automation: Robots and machinery handle repetitive tasks, freeing up labor and increasing efficiency.

  • Improved plant varieties: Genetically modified and cross-bred crops often offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved stress tolerance.


Greater Sustainability:



  • Regenerative practices: Promote soil health, biodiversity, and water quality, leading to a more sustainable future for agriculture.

  • Reduced environmental impact: Minimizes water and energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution compared to traditional methods.

  • Vertical farming: Enables food production closer to consumers, reducing transportation emissions and resource consumption.


Enhanced Food Security:



  • Increased production: Helps meet the growing demand for food with a potentially smaller land footprint.

  • Reduced crop losses: Improved pest and disease management helps ensure better harvests and less food waste.

  • More resilient crops: Varieties developed for harsher conditions improve food security in vulnerable regions impacted by climate change.


Improved Food Quality and Safety:



  • Advanced monitoring and testing: Ensures food safety and traceability throughout the supply chain.

  • Controlled environments: Vertical farming and greenhouses offer consistent quality and reduced contamination risks.

  • Precision fertilization: Provides crops with precise nutrient needs, potentially improving nutritional value.


Economic Benefits:



  • Lower food prices: Increased efficiency and production translate to potentially lower food prices for consumers.

  • Economic opportunities: Creates new jobs in areas like AgTech, precision farming, and sustainable agriculture.

  • Improved farmer livelihoods: More efficient practices and higher yields potentially increase farmer income and improve livelihoods.


It’s important to remember that modern agriculture isn’t without its challenges, such as concerns about ethical implications of GMOs, potential negative impacts on small-scale farmers, and ensuring widespread adoption of sustainable practices. However, the potential benefits are significant, and continuous advancements offer promising solutions to the challenges facing our food system in the 21st century.

Modern Agriculture Companies



▶️ Global Leaders Modern Agriculture Company

1. Cargil

Cargill: A Global Leader in Modern Agriculture


Cargill, a name synonymous with agriculture, remains a top player in the field, continuously adapting and innovating to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Here’s a closer look at this global leader and its contributions to modern agriculture:


Global Reach and Diversification:



  • Founded in 1865, Cargill is a privately held, multinational corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.It operates in 70 countries with over 155,000 employees involved in various aspects of the food and agriculture value chain.

  • From grain trading and origination to food processing, animal nutrition, and bioindustrial products, Cargill’s diverse portfolio reflects its commitment to a full-spectrum approach to agriculture.


Technology and Innovation:



  • Cargill invests heavily in research and development, embracing precision agriculture solutions and data-driven approaches.

  • The company utilizes digital tools like predictive analytics to optimize resource use, logistics, and supply chain management.

  • Cargill also supports startups and collaborates with research institutions to foster innovation in areas like biotechnology and sustainable agriculture practices.


Sustainability Focus:



  • While large-scale agribusinesses often face criticism for environmental impact, Cargill recognizes the importance of sustainability.

  • The company has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water and land use efficiency, and sourcing sustainable ingredients.

  • Cargill supports regenerative agriculture practices like cover cropping and no-till farming to improve soil health and combat climate change.


Challenges and Opportunities:



  • Cargill faces various challenges, including concerns about its market dominance, its impact on small-scale farmers, and the ethical implications of its involvement in certain agricultural practices.

  • However, the company also has the opportunity to leverage its scale and resources to drive positive change in the industry.

  • By investing in sustainable practices, supporting smallholder farmers, and promoting transparency throughout its supply chain, Cargill can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable food system for the future.


Overall, Cargill remains a significant force in modern agriculture, actively shaping the industry with its global reach, diversified portfolio, commitment to innovation, and growing focus on sustainability. While challenges remain, the company’s efforts hold promise for a more efficient, productive, and environmentally responsible food system in the years to come.

2.  Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)


Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, commonly known as ADM, is an American multinational food processing and commodities trading corporation founded in 1902 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the world’s largest agricultural processing companies, with activities in over 215 countries. Its products include food ingredients, animal feed, industrial oils, and biofuels.

ADM is a major player in the global food supply chain. It originates, transports, processes, and trades agricultural commodities, including grains, oilseeds, and ethanol. It also produces a wide range of food ingredients, such as sweeteners, starches, and flours. In addition, ADM operates a large network of grain elevators and transportation facilities.


The company has been criticized for its role in deforestation, its impact on small farmers, and its use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, ADM has also taken steps to address these concerns, such as by investing in sustainable agriculture and sourcing more of its products from non-GMO crops.


Here are some of ADM’s key products and services:



  • Human nutrition: ADM produces a wide range of food ingredients, such as sweeteners, starches, and flours, that are used in a variety of food and beverage products.

  • Animal nutrition: ADM produces animal feed ingredients, such as corn gluten meal and soybean meal, that are used to nourish animals raised for food.

  • Industrial biosolutions: ADM produces industrial oils and other products that are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as the production of biofuels and lubricants.

  • Origination and processing: ADM originates, transports, processes, and trades agricultural commodities, including grains, oilseeds, and ethanol.

3. John Deere

John Deere is another major player in the agricultural industry, but with a different focus compared to ADM. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:


John Deere is an American manufacturer of agricultural, construction, forestry, and lawn care machinery. Founded in 1837, it’s headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and is known for its iconic green and yellow tractors.

Products and Services:



  • Agricultural Machinery: John Deere is a leading producer of tractors, combines, planters, and other equipment used for various farming operations. Their tractors range from compact models for small farms to large, powerful machines for large-scale agriculture.
  • Construction and Forestry Machinery: John Deere also offers a wide range of construction and forestry equipment, including excavators, dozers, skidders, and harvesters.
  • Lawn and Garden Equipment: For homeowners and professionals alike, John Deere provides lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, riding lawn tractors, and other equipment for maintaining lawns and gardens.
  • Financial Services: John Deere Financial Services offers financing and insurance solutions for John Deere equipment purchases.


Impact:


John Deere plays a significant role in the global agricultural and construction industries. Their equipment helps farmers produce more food and fiber efficiently, and their construction equipment aids in infrastructure development and other projects. However, the company has also faced criticism for its environmental impact, labor practices, and market dominance.


Comparison with ADM:


While both are major players in agriculture, ADM focuses on processing and trading agricultural commodities, whereas John Deere manufactures the equipment used in farming and other related industries. They both play crucial roles in the global food supply chain, but in different ways.

4. BAYER

Bayer AG: A Global Life Science Powerhouse


Founded in 1863, Bayer AG has grown into a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany. With over 100,000 employees worldwide, they operate across three key divisions:


Pharmaceuticals: This branch develops, manufactures, and markets prescription and over-the-counter medications for diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiology, women’s health, and consumer health. Aspirin, Aleve, Claritin, and Xarelto are just a few of their well-known brands.


Consumer Healthcare: Focusing on readily available solutions, this division offers various over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and other healthcare products. Popular brands include Bepanthen, Coppertone, and Dr. Scholl’s.


Crop Science: This business segment develops, manufactures, and markets seeds, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals. Some of their notable brands include Roundup, DeKalb, and Kocide.


Bayer is a significant player in the global life science scene, contributing to healthcare and agricultural advancements. However, the company isn’t without its controversies, such as the ongoing concerns surrounding the potential health risks of their herbicide Roundup.


5. BASF

BASF: Chemistry for a Sustainable Future


BASF, or Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik Aktiengesellschaft, is a German multinational chemical company founded in 1865. Headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, it boasts a presence in over 300 locations worldwide and employs over 111,000 people. The company focuses on creating chemistry for a sustainable future, operating across six core segments:


Chemicals: This segment forms the foundation of BASF, producing basic and intermediate chemicals used in various industries like automotive, construction, and plastics.


Materials: This segment encompasses engineering plastics, performance materials, and chemicals for surface treatment, catering to industries like electronics, automotive, and construction.


Industrial Solutions: This segment includes catalysts, process chemicals, and mining chemicals, supporting production processes in various industries.


Surface Technologies: This segment focuses on coatings, pigments, and industrial adhesives, contributing to the aesthetics and functionality of products across various industries.


Nutrition & Care: This segment produces ingredients for food, vitamins, animal nutrition, and personal care products.


Agricultural Solutions: This segment develops crop protection products, seeds, and digital farming solutions to support sustainable agriculture.


BASF strives for sustainability by integrating it into all aspects of its business. They have set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resource efficiency. However, the company has also faced criticism for its environmental impact and involvement in certain products.


Here are some key points to remember about BASF:



  • Global leader in the chemical industry with a diverse portfolio of products and solutions.

  • Commitment to sustainability through various initiatives and ambitious goals.

  • Focus on innovation to develop new and improved products and solutions.

  • Presence in various controversies related to environmental impact and specific products.


6. Syngenta

Syngenta: Seeds and Traits for a Growing World


Syngenta, a Swiss multinational agribusiness company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, plays a major role in the seed and agricultural products industry. Founded in 2000 through the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta operates in over 100 countries with around 31,000 employees.


Here’s a breakdown of their key areas:


Seeds: Syngenta is a leading developer and producer of innovative seeds across various crops like grains, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. They focus on developing improved varieties with enhanced yields, disease resistance, and other desirable traits.


Traits: The company also invests heavily in researching and developing advanced genetic traits. These traits, often incorporated into their seeds, offer benefits like herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and nutrient efficiency.


Digital and Sustainable Solutions: Syngenta recognizes the importance of technology and sustainability in agriculture. They offer digital tools like BlightCast and BYDV Assist to help farmers manage pests and diseases effectively. Additionally, they are committed to developing solutions that promote regenerative agriculture practices and address climate change challenges.


Impact and Controversies:


Syngenta plays a significant role in global food security by providing farmers with improved seeds and technologies. However, they have also faced criticisms regarding:



  • Market dominance: Concerns exist about their large market share in certain regions and potential impact on seed diversity.

  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): The use of GMOs in their seeds has sparked debates about potential environmental and health risks.

  • Impact on small farmers: Some argue that their business model might disadvantage small-scale farmers in developing countries.


Syngenta is actively involved in addressing these concerns through collaborations with research institutions, NGOs, and governments. They strive to improve their sustainability practices and promote responsible agricultural development.


Modern Agriculture Companies

▶️ AgTech Innovators Company

7. Indigo Agriculture

Indigo Agriculture: Sustainable Solutions for Farmers


Indigo Agriculture, based in Boston, focuses on leveraging science and technology to improve both the sustainability and profitability of agriculture. They achieve this by offering farmers a range of solutions:


Microbial Inoculants: These are mixtures of beneficial bacteria and fungi applied to the soil. They enhance soil health by breaking down organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and making nutrients more accessible to plants, ultimately leading to improved crop yields.


Carbon Program: This program incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable practices that sequester carbon in their soil. This not only benefits the environment by mitigating climate change but also generates additional income for farmers through the sale of carbon credits.


Other Products and Services:



  • Biologicals: A line of natural products supporting plant health and protecting crops from pests and diseases.

  • Market+: A digital platform connecting farmers with buyers to ensure fair pricing for their crops.

  • Carbon College: An online learning platform offering farmers resources and information on sustainable agricultural practices.


Indigo Agriculture strives to make agriculture more sustainable and profitable, helping farmers improve soil health, minimize environmental impact, and maximize yields.

8. Plenty

Plenty: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Indoor Farms


Plenty spearheads the vertical farming movement, using innovative technology to grow fresh, flavorful produce year-round. Their mission is to transform agriculture by:



  • Local Production: Farms situated near consumers, minimizing transportation emissions and ensuring peak freshness.

  • Increased Yields: Stacked farming systems generate 350 times more yield per acre than traditional methods.

  • Resource Efficiency: They use 95% less water and no pesticides compared to conventional practices.


Technological Marvels:


Plenty’s farms are packed with cutting-edge features:



  • Multi-level Towers: Maximize space and optimize yield.

  • LED Lighting: Customized for each crop’s ideal growth.

  • Automated Systems: Precisely control temperature, humidity, and nutrient delivery.

  • Hydroponic/Aeroponic Systems: Minimize water usage and eliminate soil-borne diseases.


Benefits of Plenty’s Approach:



  • Sustainability: Significantly reduced environmental impact and resource usage.

  • Peak Freshness: Produce harvested at peak ripeness and delivered quickly to consumers.

  • Year-Round Availability: Unaffected by weather or seasonal limitations.

  • Pesticide-Free: Safe and healthy for consumers.

  • Consistent Quality: Guaranteed flavor and texture.


The Future of Plenty:


Plenty aims to build 500 vertical farms worldwide and is dedicated to continuous research and development, pushing the boundaries of vertical farming technology.


Overall, Plenty offers a promising solution for modern agriculture, providing a sustainable and efficient way to grow healthy food for a growing population.


Data Points:



  • 350x greater yield per acre compared to traditional farms.

  • 95% less water usage compared to conventional methods.

  • 500 planned vertical farms across the globe.

9. Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods: Plant-Based Meat on the Rise


Impossible Foods is a company making waves in the food industry with its plant-based alternatives to meat. Founded in 2011, they’ve garnered attention for their flagship product, the Impossible Burger, which aims to mimic the taste and texture of ground beef but without the animal.


Mission and Products:


Their mission is “to make the global food system truly sustainable by eliminating the need to make meat from animals.” They believe animal agriculture contributes significantly to environmental issues like climate change and resource depletion.


Products currently offered include:



  • Impossible Burger: The star of the show, resembling ground beef in taste, texture, and even “bleeding” thanks to heme, a plant-based molecule mimicking iron found in meat.

  • Impossible Sausage: Plant-based sausage available in breakfast patties and ground form.

  • Impossible Chicken Nuggets: Nuggets with a crispy coating and juicy interior, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of chicken.

  • Impossible Beef Made From Plants: Ground “beef” available in different fat contents for culinary versatility.


Impact and Sustainability:


Impossible Foods claims their products offer significant environmental benefits:



  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 89% compared to beef burgers.

  • Requires 96% less land and 74% less water than beef cattle.

  • Eliminates the need for antibiotics and growth hormones used in animal agriculture.


Growth and Future:


The company has experienced rapid growth, partnering with numerous restaurants and retailers worldwide. They continue to innovate and expand their product line, aiming to disrupt the traditional meat industry with sustainable and delicious alternatives.


Key Data Points:



  • Founded in 2011.

  • Flagship product: Impossible Burger.

  • Mission: Eliminate animal-based meat with plant-based alternatives.

  • Environmental benefits: reduced emissions, land use, and water consumption.

  • Rapid growth and expanding product line.

10. AeroFarms

AeroFarms: Cultivating the Future of Sustainable Agriculture


AeroFarms is a leading indoor vertical farming company dedicated to growing high-quality, flavorful produce with minimal environmental impact. Established in 2004, they utilize a proprietary aeroponic growing system, where plants thrive in a mist of nutrient-rich water, maximizing efficiency and minimizing resource usage.


Mission and Practices:



  • Mission: “To grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity.” This translates to:


    • Superior Taste and Quality: Utilizing controlled environments allows for optimized growing conditions, resulting in consistently delicious and nutritious produce.

    • Enhanced Food Safety: Rigorous procedures and certifications ensure food safety through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Safe Quality Food (SQF) compliance.

    • Sustainable Approach: Vertical farming reduces water consumption by up to 95% and eliminates the need for pesticides, promoting environmental sustainability.

    • Year-Round Availability: Growing indoors allows for consistent production and eliminates dependence on seasons or weather patterns.

    • Commercial Scale: AeroFarms operates large-scale farms, ensuring wider availability of their products.




Technology and Innovation:



  • Aeroponic System: This innovative method delivers nutrients directly to plant roots through a fine mist, minimizing water waste and maximizing nutrient uptake.

  • Data-Driven Growing: Sensors and automation allow for precise control of light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients, creating ideal growing conditions for each plant variety.

  • Research and Development: AeroFarms invests heavily in R&D, constantly pushing the boundaries of vertical farming technology and optimizing yields and quality.


Impact and Partnerships:



  • Global Reach: AeroFarms operates farms and partnerships across the United States and internationally, expanding access to their sustainable produce.

  • Community-Focused Initiatives: Partnering with organizations like the World Economic Forum, they promote urban farming and community access to fresh food.

  • Industry Leadership: As a founding member of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Food Safety Coalition, AeroFarms actively contributes to shaping the future of safe and sustainable indoor agriculture.


Key Data Points:



  • Founded in 2004.

  • Uses aeroponic technology for water-efficient growing.

  • Achieves up to 95% water reduction compared to traditional farming.

  • Operates large-scale farms for wider product availability.

  • Committed to R&D and continuous innovation.

  • Actively involved in promoting sustainable and community-focused food systems.


Overall, AeroFarms exemplifies the potential of vertical farming to provide a sustainable and efficient solution for future food production, offering high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact.

11. Blue River Technology

Blue River Technology: Smart Weed Control for Sustainable Agriculture


Blue River Technology is revolutionizing weed control in agriculture through cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2011, they’ve developed the See & Spray™ technology, a game-changer in precision weed control.


Mission and Impact:



  • Mission: Empower farmers with intelligent solutions that optimize resources, improve profitability, and minimize environmental impact.

  • Impact: Blue River tackles critical agricultural challenges:


    • Herbicide Resistance: See & Spray™ targets only weeds, slowing resistance development and reducing reliance on herbicides.

    • Environmental Sustainability: Minimized herbicide use protects soil health and reduces pollution.

    • Economic Benefits: Farmers see significant cost savings and improved yields, leading to increased profitability.




See & Spray™ Technology:



  • Machine Learning: Advanced algorithms analyze high-resolution images, accurately distinguishing crops from weeds.

  • Robotic Spraying: Precise nozzles apply herbicide only to detected weeds, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

  • Benefits:


    • Reduced herbicide use by up to 90% compared to traditional methods.

    • Improved weed control efficacy and crop yields.

    • Reduced labor costs.

    • Enhanced environmental sustainability.




Future of Blue River Technology:



  • Continued Innovation: They’re constantly refining their technology and expanding product offerings.

  • Global Reach: Blue River actively expands its presence in international markets.

  • Collaboration: Partnerships with leading agricultural companies advance sustainable practices.


Key Data Points:



  • Founded in 2011.

  • See & Spray™ reduces herbicide use by up to 90%.

  • Improves weed control efficacy and crop yields.

  • Contributes to sustainable and profitable agriculture.


Overall, Blue River Technology is a leading innovator offering a promising solution for weed control that benefits farmers, the environment, and the future of food production.

12. Carbon Robotics

Carbon Robotics: Zapping Weeds with Lasers for Sustainable Farming


Carbon Robotics is a Seattle-based agricultural robotics company founded in 2018. Their focus lies on developing innovative robotic solutions to empower farmers through:


Mission:



  • Improved efficiency: Automating tasks and improving precision agriculture methods.

  • Sustainability: Reducing reliance on herbicides and promoting regenerative farming practices.

  • Profitability: Helping farmers increase yields and decrease costs.


Their flagship product:



  • Autonomous Weeder: This tractor-sized robot utilizes:


    • Cameras and computer vision: To identify weeds with high accuracy.

    • Lasers: To precisely target and eliminate weeds without harming crops.

    • Artificial intelligence: To optimize weed detection and laser targeting.




Benefits:



  • Organic certification: Eliminates the need for chemical herbicides.

  • Improved weed control: Precise targeting ensures all weeds are eliminated.

  • Reduced costs: Saves farmers money on herbicides and labor.

  • Environmental benefits: Minimizes herbicide use and promotes soil health.

  • Safer working conditions: Eliminates exposure to herbicides for farmers.


Additional products and development:



  • Carbon Robotics is actively developing a new product line in agricultural technology, aiming to expand their offerings beyond weed control.

  • They recently raised $8 million in funding, which will accelerate their development efforts.


Overall, Carbon Robotics offers a promising solution for sustainable weed control. Their innovative technology has the potential to significantly benefit farmers, the environment, and the future of agriculture.


Here are some data points for your reference:



  • Founded in 2018.

  • Developed the Autonomous Weeder, a laser-based weed control robot.

  • Achieves organic certification by eliminating herbicide use.

  • Reduces weed control costs for farmers.

  • Actively developing new agricultural technology products.


▶️ Sustainability Champions Company

  1. The Crop Project
  2. Patagonia Provisions
  3. AppHarvest
  4. Rodale Institute

▶️ Other Notable Players:

  1. DowDuPont
  2. Monsanto
  3. Land O’Lakes
  4. CH Robinson Worldwide
  5. McDonough Farms
  6. Fairway Markets
  7. Whole Foods Market
  8. Urban Outfitters
  9. Smallhold Farms
  10. Equibiome
  11. Apeel Sciences
  12. Farmers Business Network
  13. Bowery Farming

Modern Agriculture Companies



▶️ Modern Agriculture Technology

Modern Agriculture Technology: A Data-Driven Revolution


The way we grow food is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in technology. Modern agriculture tech is making farming more productive, efficient, and sustainable, with data playing a central role in this evolution. Here are some key areas where this shift is happening:


1. Precision Agriculture: Imagine sensors meticulously collecting data on your crops and soil, providing insights into moisture levels, nutrient needs, and potential pest threats. This is the reality of precision agriculture, where farmers leverage sensors, drones, and data analysis tools to make informed decisions on planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. This data-driven approach leads to reduced water usage, targeted resource allocation, and ultimately, higher yields.


2. Robots Take the Field: Robots are no longer confined to science fiction; they’re increasingly contributing to farming activities. Autonomous robots are programmed to handle various tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and even milking cows. This not only reduces labor costs but also improves efficiency and precision in farm operations. Imagine a fleet of robots meticulously weeding a field, meticulously avoiding your precious crops!


3. Vertical Farming Soars: Land scarcity? No problem! Vertical farming allows food production to literally reach for the sky. Crops are grown indoors in vertically stacked layers, creating controlled environments optimized for temperature, light, and humidity. This method is particularly well-suited for urban areas and regions with limited land availability. Imagine fresh salads and vegetables flourishing within city walls!


4. Genetic Engineering: A Complex Equation: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raise both excitement and concerns. By altering the genetic makeup of plants or animals in a lab, scientists aim to improve pest resistance, enhance nutritional value, or increase drought tolerance. While this holds the potential for increased food security, ethical and safety debates surround GMOs, requiring careful consideration and open dialogue.


Data: The Common Thread


These diverse technologies share a common thread: data. By collecting and analyzing vast amounts of information, farmers gain deep insights into their operations, enabling them to optimize resource use, maximize yields, and minimize environmental impact. This data-driven approach is transforming agriculture into a smarter, more sustainable, and efficient industry.


Challenges and the Road Ahead


While the potential of modern agriculture technology is undeniable, challenges remain. Affordability can be a barrier for smaller farms, and potential job displacement due to automation raises concerns. Addressing these issues and ensuring equitable access to technology are crucial for a truly sustainable and inclusive future of farming.


Modern Agriculture Companies



▶️ Future of the Modern Agriculture

Gazing into the Future of Modern Agriculture: A Kaleidoscope of Possibilities


Modern agriculture technology is rapidly reshaping the way we cultivate food, and its influence shows no signs of slowing down. As we stand on the precipice of what promises to be a transformative future, several key trends are likely to guide the evolution of this dynamic industry:


1. Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI’s potential to revolutionize farm management is immense. Imagine AI-powered systems analyzing data from sensors, drones, and satellites to predict crop health, optimize resource allocation, and even perform autonomous tasks like weed control and disease detection. This level of automation could significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.


2. Robotics on the Rise: The current wave of agricultural robots will likely evolve into even more sophisticated machines capable of handling complex tasks like fruit picking and livestock monitoring. Collaborative robots, designed to work alongside humans, could bridge the labor gap and address ergonomic concerns faced by farmworkers.


3. The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture: As environmental concerns escalate, regenerative practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity will gain traction. Imagine farms functioning as integrated ecosystems, employing cover crops, rotational grazing, and biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and carbon sequestration.


4. Personalized Nutrition & Vertical Farming: Imagine customized food production tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences. Vertical farms, coupled with advancements in hydroponics and aeroponics, could enable localized production of fresh, high-quality produce in urban areas, reducing reliance on long-distance transport and its associated environmental footprint.


5. The Ethical Debate around Gene Editing: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology holds immense potential for crop improvement, but ethical concerns and regulatory hurdles remain. Open dialogue and responsible development will be crucial in navigating this complex landscape.


Data: The Fueling Force


Data will continue to be the driving force behind all these advancements. The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret vast datasets will empower farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource use, and minimize environmental impact.


Challenges and the Path Forward


The future of modern agriculture is brimming with possibilities, but challenges persist. Ensuring equitable access to technology for all farmers, addressing potential job displacement caused by automation, and navigating the ethical considerations surrounding gene editing are crucial issues that demand focused attention.


By fostering collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and consumers, we can harness the power of technology to create a future of agriculture that is productive, sustainable, equitable, and resilient. Ultimately, this future holds the promise of ensuring food security and nourishing a healthier planet for generations to come.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/02/29-top-modern-agriculture-companies.html

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Instead of reacting to the next power bill shock, many Australian businesses are starting to think forward.

Every day, more and more Australian companies are asking a simple question we all seek an answer to: How can we reduce energy costs without compromising performance?

Well, for many, the answer lies in commercial solar power, and Cyanergy is one of the Australian companies helping businesses take that step with confidence.

With hands-on experience delivering commercial solar solutions across a wide range of industries, from farms and sporting clubs to breweries and large manufacturing facilities, Cyanergy’s real-world projects demonstrate how tailored solar systems can transform energy usage and significantly reduce operating expenses.

In this blog, we’ll explore what commercial solar power is, why it matters today, and how Cyanergy’s real-world case studies illuminate the path to a cleaner, more profitable energy future, both financially and environmentally

Let’s get into it!

What Are Commercial Solar Solutions? |Why does this matter?

Solar solutions for commercial applications are photovoltaic (PV) systems designed to meet the energy needs of businesses, large facilities, and organizations. This system often consumes much more power than residential households.

Commercial solar systems typically include:

  • Solar PV panels that capture sunlight and convert it to electricity
  • Inverters and electrical integration are used to convert DC to usable AC power
  • Monitoring and performance systems are installed to track energy generation
  • Optional battery storage to support energy autonomy and peak demand management

Unlike residential solar, commercial systems are scaled to handle larger loads and are often optimized for financial return, corporate sustainability goals, and energy independence.

Why Australian Businesses Are Turning to Solar Now?

Throughout the world, many companies are adopting solar power for several compelling reasons. It is already proven
that solar can:

  1. Reduce Operational Costs
  2. Electricity prices are volatile and often increasing worldwide. Incorporating a solar panel helps businesses lock
    in
    energy cost savings by
    producing electricity on-site rather than relying exclusively on grid power.

  3. Strong Financial Returns
  4. Commercial solar systems can pay back their investment in just a few years, far shorter than the 25 to 30 years
    the
    panels last. This ultimately means, after that, you are left with decades of essentially free electricity.

  5. Sustainability and Brand Value
  6. Customers, employees, and stakeholders increasingly value organizations that visibly commit to environmental
    responsibility.

  7. Energy Security
  8. Generating power locally reduces reliance on external sources and grid outages, a huge advantage for businesses
    with
    continuous operations.

    This mix of economic, environmental, and operational benefits makes commercial solar a smart choice for
    forward-looking organizations and commercial
    property
    owners
    .

4 Proven Solutions Through Real Case Studies by Cyanergy

To understand how these benefits play out in real situations, let’s dive into several commercial solar projects executed by Cyanergy. These case studies show diverse applications of solar power and tangible outcomes for different kinds of businesses.

1. Kew Golf Club (VIC): Sporting Facility Goes Solar

At a local golf club that relied on consistent electricity for lighting, clubhouse operations, and course facilities, Cyanergy installed an 88 kW commercial solar system to reduce costs.

Key Results

  • Payback period: around 63 months (5 years)
  • Annual savings: $26,165, a 50% drop in electricity costs
  • Energy generated per year: 141 MWh

This project demonstrates that not only industrial property but also community-oriented facilities can benefit greatly from solar power.

Beyond cost savings, the golf club also reinforced its commitment to sustainability, attracting eco-conscious members and reducing its carbon footprint.

Why This Matters?

Solar is not limited to manufacturing or heavy industry. In Australia, many Sports clubs, community centres, and similar facilities often have high energy use during peak daylight hours, which can be supported by solar.

2. Sparacino Farms: Where Agriculture Meets Solar Innovation!

Whether for irrigation, cooling, processing, or storage, agricultural operations have faced rising energy costs for a long time.

Similarly, Sparacino Farm was suffering from high electricity costs. For this family-run farm, Cyanergy implemented a 99.76 kW solar system that revolutionised their energy expenses.

Project Highlights

  • Electricity cost dropped: from $48,000 to $12,000 per year
  • Monthly savings: roughly $3,000
  • Payback period: 30 months (2.5 years)
  • Annual clean energy production: 87 MWh

This dramatic turnaround showcases how rural and agricultural businesses can achieve some of the fastest returns on solar investments.

In environments where a roof, sunlight, or a shed space is available, solar becomes both a strategic and practical choice.

The Sparacino farms example proves that solar isn’t just an environmental sustainability, it’s a core business decision that can significantly improve margins.

3. Philter Brewing: Crafting Sustainability

Sustainability often aligns naturally with brand identity, and for Philter Brewing, this was a perfect match.

With the help of Cyanergy, the brand installed an 86 kW system to slash power costs and support green operations.

Project Impact

  • Annual energy generated: 99 MWh
  • Annual savings: $29,130, cutting electricity costs from $81,900 to $52,770
  • Payback period: 45 months (3.75 years)

The brewery not only reduced operating expenses but also strengthened its reputation as an environmentally conscious brand, a powerful differentiator in a competitive market.

4. Uniplas Mouldings International: Heavy Industry Solar Success

In one of Cyanergy’s most impactful case studies, a large industrial manufacturer significantly transformed its energy profile with solar. And that’s Uniplas Mouldings International!

Project Features

  • Total installed solar: 490 kW, executed in staged phases
  • Timeline: Stage 1 (200 kW) completed in just 4 weeks
  • Subsidy optimisation: Accessed three sets of government incentives
  • Payback period: as short as 37 months
  • Annual generation: 752 MWh
  • Energy cost savings: Lowered from $647,000 to $456,000 per year

Big industrial energy users can unlock dramatic operational savings with solar, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year while achieving rapid ROI that justifies investment sooner, without delay.

Beyond Case Studies: Cyanergy’s Approach to Commercial Solar

Across all these projects, Cyanergy’s methodology shares some common themes that contribute to success:

1. Customized System Design

We all know that no two energy profiles are identical, whether it’s a golf club or a manufacturing plant.

At Cyanergy, we design systems tailored to the business’s actual energy usage, site orientation, and financial goals. So you don’t have to worry about adding a solar solution.

2. Financial Optimization

From government incentives to financial investment planning, Cyanergy helps businesses structure their solar projects to reduce upfront costs and improve payback timelines.

3. End-to-End After-Sale Support

Proper solar implementation requires more than panels; it requires site assessment, design, installation coordination, monitoring, and performance guarantee.

At Cyanergy, we support clients at every step, from early energy audits to post-installation support.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

Tracking system performance and energy generation ensures ongoing optimization and confidence in the investment.

Our real-time monitoring tools empower business owners to understand exactly how solar contributes to their bottom line.

The Transformative Role of Solar in Business Strategy

The benefits of commercial solar extend far beyond the energy generated or the energy cost that’s reduced. Overall, solar is a strategic business asset that impacts:

Profitability: Lower operating costs mean more available working capital, whether for reinvestment, dividends, or growth initiatives.

Resilience: Energy independence provides a hedge against market volatility in electricity pricing.

Sustainability Credentials: Solar investments signal that your organization is serious about environmental stewardship, which is crucial to investors, customers, and regulators alike.

Employee and Community Engagement: A company that commits to clean energy signals a long-term vision, strengthening morale and community trust.

Takeaway Thoughts

Cyanergy’s real case studies show how businesses from farms to breweries to industrial giants have harnessed solar to cut costs, stabilize operations, and enhance sustainability.

Whether your organization is exploring its first solar project or looking to scale existing efforts, the data is clear: smart solar investment delivers measurable ROI and long-term value.

As energy dynamics continue to evolve, solar power will become increasingly relevant, and companies that act now will secure economic and environmental advantages for years to come.

So, it’s time for you to take the next move! For more information, contact us today and win a free solar quote!

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Commercial Solar Solutions: Real Case Studies by Cyanergy appeared first on Cyanergy.

https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/commercial-solar-solutions-real-case-studies-by-cyanergy/

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Inside ATT and SSE’s Faskally Safety Leadership Centre

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Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Inside ATT and SSE’s Faskally Safety Leadership Centre

Allen visits the Faskally Safety Leadership Centre with Mark Patterson, Director of Safety, Health, and Environment at SSE, and Dermot Kerrigan, Director and Co-Founder of Active Training Team. They discuss how SSE has put over 9,000 employees and 2,000 contract partners through ATT’s innovative training program, which uses actors and realistic scenarios to create lasting behavioral change across the entire workforce chain, from executives to technicians. Reach out to SSE and ATT to learn more!

Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us!

Welcome to Uptime Spotlight, shining Light on Wind. Energy’s brightest innovators. This is the Progress Powering tomorrow.

Allen Hall: Mark and Turnt. Welcome to the show. Thank you.

Mark Patterson: Thank you.

Allen Hall: We’re in Scotland, present Scotland and per Scotland, which is a place most people probably haven’t ventured to in the United States, but it is quite lovely, although chilly and rainy. It’s Scotland. We’re in December. Uh, and we’re here to take a look at the SSE Training Center.

And the remarkable things that active training team is doing here, because we had seen this in Boston in a smaller format, uh, about a year ago almost now.

Dermot Kerrigan: Just Yeah,

Allen Hall: yeah. Six months

Dermot Kerrigan: ago.

Allen Hall: Yeah. Yeah. It hasn’t been that long ago. Uh, but IC was on me to say, you gotta come over. You gotta come over. You gotta see the, the whole, uh, environment where we put you into the police room and some of the things we wanna talk about, uh, because it, [00:01:00] it does play different.

And you’re right, it does play different. It is very impactful. And it, and maybe we should start off first of Mark, you’re the head of basically health and safety and environment for SSE here in Perth. This is a remarkable facility. It is unlike anything I have seen in the States by far. And SSE has made the commitment to do this sort of training for.

Everybody in your employment and outside of your employment, even contractors.

Mark Patterson: We have been looking at some quite basic things in safety as everybody does. And there’s a fundamental thing we want to do is get everybody home safe. And uh, it’s easier said than done because you’ve gotta get it right for every single task, every single day.

And that’s a massive challenge. And we have like 15,000. 15,000 people in SSE, we probably work with about 50,000 contract [00:02:00] partners and we’re heavily dependent, uh, on get our contract partners to get our activities done. And they’re crucial.

Speaker: Mm-hmm.

Mark Patterson: And in that it’s one community and we need to make sure everybody there gets home safe.

And that’s what drove us to think about adding more rules isn’t gonna do it. Um, you need to give people that sense of a feeling, uh, when a really serious sense of cars and then equip them with tools to, to deal with it. So. We’ve all probably seen training that gives that sense of doom and dread when something goes badly wrong, but actually that needs to be.

Coupled with something which is quite powerful, is what are the tools that help people have the conversations that gets everybody home safe. So kind of trying to do two things.

Allen Hall: Well, SSC is involved in a number of large projects. You have three offshore wind farms, about a more than a thousand turbines right now.

Wind turbines onshore, offshore, and those offshore projects are not easy. There’s a lot of complexity to them.

Mark Patterson: Absolutely. So look, I I think [00:03:00] that’s, that’s something that. You’ve gotta partner with the right people. If you wanna be successful, you need to make it easy for people to do the right thing. Yeah, as best you possibly can.

You need to partner with the right people, and you need to get people that you need to have a sense that you need to keep checking that as you’re growing your business. The chinks in your armor don’t grow too. But fundamentally there’s something else, which is a sense of community. When people come together to, to do a task, there is a sense of community and people work, put a lot of discretionary effort into to get, uh, big projects done.

And in that, um, it’s a sense of community and you wanna make sure everybody there gets home safe to their friends and family. ’cause if we’re all being honest about it, you know, SSE is a brilliant company. What we do is absolutely worth doing. I love SC. But I love my family a fair amount more. And if you bought into that, you probably bought into the strategy that we’re trying to adopt in terms of safety.

Uh, it’s really simple messaging. Um,

Allen Hall: yeah. That, that is very clear. Yeah. And it should be [00:04:00]well communicated outside of SSEI hope because it is a tremendous, uh, value to SSE to do that. And I’m sure the employees appreciate it because you have a culture of safety. What. Trigger that. How long ago was that trigger?

Is this, this is not something you thought up yesterday for sure.

Mark Patterson: No, look, this, the, the, what we’ve done in the immersive training center, um, really reinforces a lot of things that we’ve had in place for a while, and it, it takes it to the, the next level. So we’ve been working probably more than 10 years, but, uh, certainly the.

Seven years we’ve been talking very much about our safety family, that’s the community and SSE with our contract partners and what we need to do. And part of that is really clear language about getting people home safe. Uh, a sense that you’ve, everybody in it that works with us has a safety license. And that license is, if it’s not safe, we don’t do it.

It’s not a rural based thing. It’s how we roll. It’s part of the culture. We’d, we, uh, have a culture where, and certainly trying to instill for everybody a culture. Where [00:05:00] they’ve got that license. If, if they think something’s not right, we’ll stop the job and get it right. And even if they’re wrong, we’ll still listen to them because ultimately we need to work our way through, right?

So we’ve been, we’ve thought hard about the language we wanted to use to reinforce that. So the importance of plan, scan and adapt. So planning our work well, thinking through what we need to do. Not just stopping there though, keeping scanning for what could go wrong. That sense that you can’t remember everything.

So you need to have immediate corrective actions and that immediate sort of see it, sort of report it. If you see something that isn’t right, do something about it. And that sense of community caring for the community that you work with. And those are the essence of our, our language on safety and the immersive training.

Uh, is not trying to shove that language down everybody’s throats again, particularly our contract partners, but it’s, it’s helping people see some really clear things. One is if a [00:06:00] really serious incident occurs at what, what it feels like here. And I’ve spent a lot of time in various industries and people are different when they’ve been on a site or involved when there’s been a really serious incident and you need to do something to.

Get that sense of a feeling of what it feels like and actually make people feel slightly uncomfortable in the process. ’cause that’s part of it,

Allen Hall: right? Yes.

Mark Patterson: Because you know,

Allen Hall: you remember that.

Mark Patterson: You remember that. Yeah. We’ve had, you know, we’ve had people say, well, I felt very uncomfortable in that bit of the training.

It was okay. But was, I felt very uncomfortable. And you know, we’ve talked about that a lot.

Allen Hall: Yeah.

Mark Patterson: We know you kinda should because if there’s something wrong with you, if you don’t feel uncomfortable about that. But what’s super powerful on the guys in at TT do brilliantly. Is have facilitators that allow you to have that conversation and understand what do you need to do differently?

How do you influence somebody who’s more senior? How do you, how do you bring people with you so that they’re gonna [00:07:00] do what you want ’em to do after you’ve left the building? And. Just pointing the finger at people and shouting at them. Never does that. Right? Uh, rarely does that. You’ve gotta get that sense of how do you get people to have a common belief?

And,

Allen Hall: and I think that’s important in the way that SSE addresses that, is that you’re not just addressing technicians, it’s the whole chain. It’s everybody is involved in this action. And you can break the link anywhere in there. I wanna get through the description of why that. Process went through ATTs head to go.

We need to broaden the scope a little bit. We need to think about the full chain from the lowest entry worker just getting started to the career senior executive. Why chain them all together? Why put them in the same room together? Yeah. Why do you do that?

Dermot Kerrigan: Well, behavioral safety or behavioral base safety kind of got a bad rep because it was all about.

If we could just [00:08:00] make those guys at the front line behave themselves,

Allen Hall: then everything’s fine,

Dermot Kerrigan: then everything’s fine.

Allen Hall: Yes.

Dermot Kerrigan: But actually that’s kind of a, the wrong way of thinking. It didn’t work. I, I think,

Allen Hall: yeah, it didn’t work.

Dermot Kerrigan: What the mess, the central message we’re trying to get across is that actually operational safety is not just the business of operational people.

It’s everybody’s business.

Allen Hall: Right.

Dermot Kerrigan: You know? Um, and. Yeah, everybody has a role to p play in that, you know? Right. So site based teams, back office support functions, everybody has a role to play. And, you know, there’s a strand in, in this scenario where, uh, an incident takes place because people haven’t been issued with the right piece of equipment.

Which is a lifting cage.

Allen Hall: Yes.

Dermot Kerrigan: And there’s a whole story about that, which goes through a procurement decision made somewhere where somebody hit a computer and a computer said no because they’d asked for too many lifting cages when they, somebody could have said, you’ve asked for five lifting cages, it’s takes you over the procurement cap.

Would four do it? [00:09:00] Yes, that would be fine. That would be fine. Yeah. As it is, they come to a crucial piece of operation. This incr this, you know, this crucial piece of kit simply isn’t there. So in order to hit the deadline and try and make people happy, two ordinary guys, two technicians, put two and two together, make five, and, and one of them gets killed, you know?

Yeah. So it’s, we’re, we’re trying to show that, that this isn’t just operational people. It’s everybody’s business.

Mark Patterson: Well, that’s why we worked with you in this, because, um, we saw. Why you got it in terms of that chain? Um, so in, in the scenario, it’s very clear there’s a senior exec talking to the client and actually as SSE.

We’re sometimes that client, we’ve got big principal contractors that are doing our big construction activities. We’ve got a lot in renewables and onshore and offshore wind obviously, but, and the transmission business and in thermal, so, uh, and distribution. So I’ll list all our businesses and including customer’s business, but we’ve got some big project activities where we’re the client sometime we’re the principal contractor [00:10:00] ourselves.

And we need to recognize that in each chain, each link in that chain, there’s a risk that we say the wrong thing, put the wrong pressure on. And I think what’s really helpful is we have in the center that sort of philosophy here that we get everybody in together mixed up. Probably at least half of our board have done this.

Our executive team have all done this. Um, people are committed to it at that level, and they’re here like everybody else sitting, waiting for this thing to start. Not being quite sure what they’re gonna go through in the day. Um, and it’s actually really important you’ve got a chief exec sitting with somebody who’s, um, a scaffolder.

That’s really important. ’cause the scaffolder is probably the more likely person to get hurt rather than chief exec. So actually everybody seeing what it’s like and the pressures that are under at each level is really important.

Allen Hall: SSC is such a good example for the industry. I watched you from outside in America for a long time and you just watch the things that happened.

[00:11:00] Here you go. Wow. Okay. SSC is organized. They know what they’re doing, they understand what the project is, they’re going about it. Mm-hmm. Nothing is perfect, but I, I think when we watch from the United States, we see, oh, there’s order to it. There’s a reason they’re doing these things. They’re, they’re measuring what is happening.

And I think that’s one of the things about at t is the results. Have been remarkable, not just here, but in several different sites, because a TT touches a lot of massive infrastructure projects in the uk and the success rate has been tremendous. Remember? You wanna just briefly talk about that?

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah. But we, we run a number of centers.

We also run mobile programs, which you got from having seen us in the States. Um, but the first, uh, center that we, we, we opened was, was called. Epic, which stood for Employers Project Induction Center, and that was the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project, which is now more or less finished. It’s completed. And that was a 10 year project, 5 billion pounds.

Allen Hall: Wow.

Dermot Kerrigan: Um, [00:12:00] and you know, unfortunately the fact is on, on that kind of project, you would normally expect to hurt a number of people, sometimes fatally. That would be the expectation.

Allen Hall: Right. It’s a complicated

Dermot Kerrigan: project, statistic underground. So, you know, we, and, and of course Tide, we are very, very. Very pleased that, uh, in that 10 year span, they didn’t even have one, uh, serious life-changing injury, uh, let alone a fatality.

Um, so you know that that’s, and I’m I’m not saying that what ATTs work, uh, what we do is, is, is, is directly responsible for that, but certainly Epic, they would say Tideway was the cornerstone for the safety practices, very good safety practices that they, they put out. Uh, on that project, again, as a cultural piece to do with great facilities, great leadership on the part of the, of the, of the executive teams, et cetera, and stability.

It was the same ex executive team throughout that whole project, which is quite unusual.

Allen Hall: No.

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah. [00:13:00] Um, so yeah, it, it, it seems to work, you know, uh, always in safety that the, the, the, the tricky thing is trying to prove something works because it hasn’t happened. You know?

Allen Hall: Right, right. Uh, prove the negative.

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah. Um,

Allen Hall: but in safety, that’s what you want to have happen. You, you do know, not want an outcome.

Dermot Kerrigan: No, absolutely not.

Allen Hall: No reports, nothing.

Dermot Kerrigan: No. So, you know, you have to give credit to, to organizations. Organizations like SSE. Oh, absolutely. And projects like Tideway and Sted, uh, on their horn projects. Who, who have gone down this, frankly, very left field, uh, route.

We we’re, you know, it is only in the last 10 years that we’ve been doing this kind of thing, and it hasn’t, I mean, you know, Tideway certainly is now showing some results. Sure. But, you know, it’s, it’s, it, it wasn’t by any means a proven way of, of, of dealing with safety. So

Mark Patterson: I don’t think you could ever prove it.

Dermot Kerrigan: No.

Mark Patterson: And actually there’s, there’s something [00:14:00]fundamentally of. It, it kind of puts a stamp on the culture that you want, either you talked about the projects in SSE, we’ve, we’ve done it for all of our operational activities, so we’ve had about 9,000 people through it for SSE and so far about 2000 contract partners.

Um, we’re absolutely shifting our focus now. We’ve got probably 80% of our operational teams have been through this in each one of our businesses, and, uh, we. We probably are kind of closing the gaps at the moment, so I was in Ireland with. I here guys last week, um, doing a, a mobile session because logistically it was kind of hard to come to Perth or to one of the other centers, but we’re, we’re gradually getting up to that 80%, uh, for SSE colleagues and our focus is shifting a bit more to contract partners and making sure they get through.

And look, they are super positive about this. Some of them have done that themselves and worked with a TT in the past, so they’re. Really keen to, to use the center that we have [00:15:00] here in Perth, uh, for their activities. So when, when they’re working with us, we kind of work together to, to make that happen. Um, but they can book that separately with you guys.

Yeah. Uh, in, in the, uh, Fastly Center too.

Allen Hall: I think we should describe the room that we’re in right now and why this was built. This is one of three different scenes that, that each of the. Students will go through to put some realism to the scenario and the scenario, uh, a worker gets killed. This is that worker’s home?

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah. So each of the spaces that we have here that, that they denote antecedents or consequences, and this is very much consequences. Um, so the, the, the participants will be shown in here, uh, as they go around the center, uh, and there’s a scene that takes place where they meet the grown up daughter of the young fella who’s been right, who’s been, who’s been tragically killed.

Uh, and she basically asks him, uh, asks [00:16:00] them what happened. And kind of crucially this as a subtext, why didn’t you do something about it?

Allen Hall: Mm-hmm.

Dermot Kerrigan: Because you were there,

Allen Hall: you saw it, why it was played out in front of you. You saw, you

Dermot Kerrigan: saw what happened. You saw this guy who was obviously fast asleep in the canteen.

He was exhausted. Probably not fit for work. Um, and yet being instructed to go back out there and finish the job, um, with all the tragic consequences that happen,

Allen Hall: right?

Dermot Kerrigan: But it’s important to say, as Mark says, that. It’s not all doom and gloom. The first part of the day is all about showing them consequences.

Allen Hall: Sure. It’s

Dermot Kerrigan: saying it’s a,

Allen Hall: it’s a Greek tragedy

Dermot Kerrigan: in

Allen Hall: some

Dermot Kerrigan: ways, but then saying this doesn’t have to happen. If you just very subtly influence other people’s behavior, it’s

Allen Hall: slight

Dermot Kerrigan: by thinking about how you behave and sure adapting your behavior accordingly, you can completely change the outcome. Uh, so long as I can figure out where you are coming from and where that behavior is coming from, I might be able to influence it,

Allen Hall: right.

Dermot Kerrigan: And if I can, then I can stop that [00:17:00] hap from happening. And sure enough, at the end of the day, um, the last scene is that the, the, the daughter that we see in here growing up and then going back into this tragic, uh, ending, uh. She’s with her dad, then it turned out he was the one behind the camera all along.

So he’s 45 years old, she’s just passed the driving test and nobody got her 21 years ago. You know,

Mark Patterson: I think there, there is, there’s a journey that you’ve gotta take people through to get to believe that. And kind of part of that journey is as, as we look around this room, um, no matter who it is, and we’ve talked to a lot of people, they’ll be looking at things in this room and think, well, yeah, I’ve got a cup like that.

And yes. Yeah. When my kids were, we, we had. That play toy for the kids. Yes. So there is something that immediately hooks people and children hook

Allen Hall: people.

Mark Patterson: Absolutely. And

Allen Hall: yes,

Mark Patterson: they get to see that and understand that this is, this is, this is, could be a real thing. And also in the work site, uh, view, there’s kind of a work site, there’s a kind of a boardroom type thing [00:18:00] and you can actually see, yeah, that’s what it kind of feels like.

The work sites a little bit. You know, there’s scuffs in the, on the line, on the floor because that’s what happens in work sites and there’s a sense of realism for all of this, uh, is really important.

Allen Hall: The realism is all the way down to the outfits that everybody’s worn, so they’re not clean safety gear.

It’s. Dirty, worn safety gear, which is what it should be. ’cause if you’re working, that’s what it should look like. And it feels immediately real that the, the whole stage is set in a, in the canteen, I’ll call it, I don’t know, what do you call the welfare area? Yeah. Okay.

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah.

Allen Hall: Okay. Uh, wanna use the right language here.

But, uh, in the states we call it a, a break room. Uh, so you’re sitting in the break room just minding your own business and boom. An actor walks in, in full safety gear, uh, speaking Scottish very quickly, foreign American. But it’s real.

Mark Patterson: I think

Allen Hall: it feels real because you, you, I’ve been in those situations, I’ve seen that that break the,

Mark Patterson: the language is real and, uh, [00:19:00] perhaps not all, uh, completely podcast suitable.

Um, but when you look at it, the feedback we’ve got from, from people who are closer to the tools and at all levels, in fact is, yeah. This feels real. It’s a credible scenario and uh, you get people who. I do not want to be in a safety training for an entire day. Um, and they’re saying arms folded at the start of the day and within a very short period of time, they are absolutely watching what the heck’s going on here.

Yes. To understand what’s happening, what’s going on. I don’t understand. And actually it’s exactly as you say, those subtle things that you, not just giving people that experience, but the subtle things you can nudge people on to. There’s some great examples of how do you nudge people, how do you give feedback?

And we had some real examples where people have come back to us and said even things to do with their home life. We were down in London one day, um, and I was sitting in on the training and one of the guys said, God, you’ve just taught me something about how I can give feedback to people in a really impactful [00:20:00] way.

So you, so you explain the behavior you see, which is just the truth of what the behavior is. This is what I saw you do, this is what happened, but actually the impact that that has. How that individual feels about it. And the example that they used was, it was something to do with their son and how their son was behaving and interacting.

And he said, do you know what? I’ve struggled to get my son to toe the line to, to look after his mom in the right way. I’m gonna stop on the way home and I’m gonna have a conversation with him. And I think if I. Keep yourself cool and calm and go through those steps. I think I can have a completely different conversation.

And that was a great example. Nothing to do with work, but it made a big difference to that guy. But all those work conversations where you could just subtly change your tone. Wind yourself back, stay cool and calm and do something slightly different. And I think that those, those things absolutely make a difference,

Allen Hall: which is hard to do in the moment.

I think that’s what the a TT training does make you think of the re the first reaction, [00:21:00] which is the impulsive reaction. We gotta get this job done. This has gotta be done. Now I don’t have the right safety gear. We’ll, we’ll just do it anyway to, alright, slow. Just take a breather for a second. Think about what the consequences of this is.

And is it worth it at the end of the day? Is it worth it? And I think that’s the, the reaction you want to draw out of people. But it’s hard to do that in a video presentation or

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah.

Allen Hall: Those things just

Dermot Kerrigan: don’t need to practice.

Allen Hall: Yeah. It doesn’t stick in your brain.

Dermot Kerrigan: You need to give it a go And to see, right.

To see how to see it happen. And, and the actors are very good. They’re good if they, you know. What, whatever you give them, they will react to.

Mark Patterson: They do. That’s one of the really powerful things. You’ve got the incident itself, then you’ve got the UNP of what happened, and then you’ve got specific, uh, tools and techniques and what’s really good is.

Even people who are not wildly enthusiastic at the start of the day of getting, being interactive in, in, in a session, they do throw themselves into it ’cause they recognize they’ve been through [00:22:00] something. It’s a common sense of community in the room.

Dermot Kerrigan: Right.

Mark Patterson: And they have a bit of fun with it. And it is fun.

Yeah. You know, people say they enjoy the day. Um, they, they, they recognize that it’s challenged them a little bit and they kinda like that, but they also get the opportunity to test themselves. And that testing is really important in terms of, sure. Well, how do you challenge somebody you don’t know and you just walking past and you see something?

How do you have that conversation in a way that just gets to that adult To adult communication? Yeah. And actually gets the results that you need. And being high handed about it and saying, well, those are the rules, or, I’m really important, just do it. That doesn’t give us a sustained improvement.

Dermot Kerrigan: PE people are frightened of failure, you know?

Sure. They’re frightened of getting things wrong, so give ’em a space where they, where actually just fall flat in your face. Come back up again and try again. You know, give it a go. And, because no one’s, this is a safe space, you know, unlike in the real world,

Allen Hall: right?

Dermot Kerrigan: This is as near to the real world as you want to get.

It’s pretty real. It’s safe, you know, uh, it’s that Samuel Beckett thing, you know, fail again, [00:23:00] fail better,

Allen Hall: right?

Mark Patterson: But there’s, there’s a really good thing actually because people, when they practice that they realize. Yeah, it’s not straightforward going up and having a conversation with somebody about something they’re doing that could be done better.

And actually that helps in a way because it probably makes people a little bit more generous when somebody challenges them on how they’re approaching something. Even if somebody challenges you in a bit of a cat handed way, um, then you can just probably take a breath and think this. This, this guy’s probably just trying to have a conversation with me,

Allen Hall: right.

Mark Patterson: So that I get home to my family.

Allen Hall: Right.

Mark Patterson: It’s hard to get annoyed when you get that mindset. Mindset

Allen Hall: someone’s looking after you just a little bit. Yeah. It does feel nice.

Mark Patterson: And, and even if they’re not doing it in the best way, you need to be generous with it. So there’s, there’s good learnings actually from both sides of the, the, the interaction.

Allen Hall: So what’s next for SSE and at t? You’ve put so many people through this project in, in the program and it has. Drawn great results.

Mark Patterson: Yeah.

Allen Hall: [00:24:00] How do you, what do you think of next?

Mark Patterson: So what’s next? Yeah, I guess, uh, probably the best is next to come. Next to come. We, I think there’s a lot more that we can do with this.

So part of what we’ve done here is establish with a big community of people, a common sense of what we’re doing. And I think we’ve got an opportunity to continue with that. We’ve got, um, fortunate to be in a position where we’ve got a good level of growth in the business.

Allen Hall: Yes,

Mark Patterson: we do. Um, there’s a lot going on and so there’s always a flow of new people into an organization, and if people, you know, the theory of this stuff better than I do, would say that you need to maintain a, a sense of community that’s kind of more than 80%.

If you want a certain group of people to act in a certain way, you need about 80% of the people plus to act in that way, and then it’ll sustain. But if it starts. To drift so that only 20% of people are acting a certain way, then that is gonna ex extinguish that elements of the culture. So we need to keep topping up our Sure, okay.

Our, our [00:25:00] immersive training with people, and we’re also then thinking about the contract partners that we have and also leaving a bit of a legacy. For the communities in Scotland, because we’ve got a center that we’re gonna be using a little bit less because we’ve fortunate to get the bulk of our people in SSE through, uh, we’re working with contract partners.

They probably want to use it for. For their own purposes and also other community groups. So we’ve had all kinds of people from all these different companies here. We’ve had the Scottish first Minister here, we’ve had loads of people who’ve been really quite interested to see what we’re doing. And as a result of that, they’ve started to, uh, to, to step their way through doing something different themselves.

So,

Allen Hall: so that may change the, the future of at t also. And in terms of the slight approach, the scenarios they’re in. The culture changes, right? Yeah. Everybody changes. You don’t wanna be stuck in time.

Dermot Kerrigan: No, absolutely.

Allen Hall: That’s one thing at t is not,

Dermot Kerrigan: no, it’s not

Allen Hall: stuck in time.

Dermot Kerrigan: But, uh, I mean, you know, we first started out with the centers, uh, accommodating project.

Yeah. So this would [00:26:00] be an induction space. You might have guys who were gonna work on a project for two weeks, other guys who were gonna work on it for six months. They wanted to put them through the same experience. Mm. So that when they weren’t on site. That they could say, refer back to the, the, the, the induction and say, well, why ask me to do that?

You know, we, we, we both have that experience, so I’m gonna challenge you and you’re gonna accept challenge, et cetera. So it was always gonna be a short, sharp shock. But actually, if you’re working with an organization, you don’t necessarily have to take that approach. You could put people through a little bit of, of, of, of the training, give ’em a chance to practice, give ’em a chance to reflect, and then go on to the next stage.

Um. So it, it becomes more of a, a journey rather than a single hard, a single event experience. Yeah. You don’t learn to drive in a day really, do you? You know, you have to, well, I do transfer it to your right brain and practice, you know?

Allen Hall: Right. The more times you see an experience that the more it’s memorable and especially with the, the training on how to work with others.[00:27:00]

A refresh of that is always good.

Dermot Kerrigan: Yeah.

Allen Hall: Pressure changes people and I think it’s always time to reflect and go back to what the culture is of SSE That’s important. So this, this has been fantastic and I, I have to. Thank SSC and a TT for allowing us to be here today. It was quite the journey to get here, but it’s been really enlightening.

Uh, and I, I think we’ve been an advocate of a TT and the training techniques that SSC uses. For well over a year. And everybody we run into, and in organizations, particularly in win, we say, you, you gotta call a TT, you gotta reach out because they’re doing things right. They’re gonna change your safety culture, they’re gonna change the way you work as an organization.

That takes time. That message takes time. But I do think they need to be reaching out and dermo. How do they do that? How do, how do they reach att?

Dermot Kerrigan: Uh, they contact me or they contact att. So info at Active Trading Team, us.

Allen Hall: Us. [00:28:00] There you go.

Dermot Kerrigan: or.co uk. There you go. If you’re on the other side of the pond. Yeah.

Allen Hall: Yes. And Mark, because you just established such a successful safety program, I’m sure people want to reach out and ask, and hopefully a lot of our US and Australian and Canadian to listen to this podcast. We’ll reach out and, and talk to you about how, what you have set up here, how do they get ahold of you?

Mark Patterson: I’ll give you a link that you can access in the podcast, if that. Great. And uh, look. The, the risk of putting yourself out there and talking about this sort of thing is you sometimes give the impression you’ve got everything sorted and we certainly don’t in SSE. And if the second you think you’ve got everything nailed in terms of safety in your approach, then, then you don’t.

Um, so we’ve got a lot left to do. Um, but I think this particular thing has made a difference to our colleagues and, and contract partners and just getting them home safe.

Allen Hall: Yes. Yes, so thank you. Just both of you. Mark Dermott, thank you so much for being on the podcast. We appreciate both [00:29:00] of you and yeah, I’d love to attend this again, this is.

Excellent, excellent training. Thanks, Alan. Thanks.

Inside ATT and SSE’s Faskally Safety Leadership Centre

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