Why Tech Billionaires Keep Failing at Farming: Lessons in Ag Innovation | Damian Mason Podcast
What happens when tech billionaires attempt to disrupt agriculture without understanding its fundamentals? In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by agtech experts Rhishi Pethe and Walt Duflock to analyze high-profile failures in agricultural innovation—highlighting ventures like Larry Ellison’s experimental farm in Hawaii and the struggles of Beyond Meat. Together, they explore the risks of "billion-arrogance"—where immense wealth and success in unrelated industries lead to misguided investments in farming and food systems. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning innovation with real agricultural challenges, economic sustainability, and the needs of producers and consumers alike. Essential listening for agribusiness professionals, ag investors, and anyone involved in food system innovation, this episode underscores the need for practical, problem-solving approaches to agtech development.
The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by:
- NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com
- Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com
- Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com
Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.
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