IoT in the AgTech Transformation
TRANSFORMATION TRACK / AUDIENCE-DRIVEN PANEL
ROOM 319-320 / APR. 8 / 2:40 PM - 3:30 PM
About this session
Agriculture and technology intersect in profound ways in Iowa, shaping industries and livelihoods. Leaders from row-crop and animal agriculture sectors will explore AgTech’s evolution, emphasizing IoT’s role in data collection and the distinct adoption curves in crop and animal agriculture. The panel will discuss factors influencing the pace of transformation in AgTech, including connectivity, security, ESG reporting, and commercial.Gain insights into closing the tech gap and driving innovation across sectors.
Key takeaways
1. A more complete understanding of the AgTech landscape and its evolution in Iowa.
2. Awareness of the disparities in technology adoption between crop and animal agriculture.
3. Insights into the challenges and opportunities for innovation in animal AgTech.
4. Practical strategies for accelerating digital transformation in agriculture.
5. An understanding of how the broader tech community, including software development firms, can engage with and drive AgTech innovation.
Panelists
Bryce Hemme
R&D Architecture Lead
Corteva Agriscience
Bryce Hemme is the Architecture Lead within Research & Development at Corteva Agriscience. As the Architecture Lead, Bryce and his team are responsible for driving the technical strategy for R&D at Corteva, encompassing all aspects of the software and systems that power Corteva’s seed, chemistry, and digital product development. Bryce’s previous experience includes leading the development of Corteva’s decision science solutions that leverage on-farm data, agronomic expertise and predictive models to deliver optimal product recommendations to our customers, delivered through their trusted advisors. During his time with Corteva, Bryce has been on the forefront of leading and developing numerous digital ag solutions, including first-to-market solutions for variable rate seeding and nitrogen, advanced machine data processing pipelines, and well-known ag software solutions from DuPont Pioneer, MapShots, and Granular.
Bryce received his undergraduate degree in Information Systems and Computer Science from the University of Iowa. He currently resides in Ankeny, IA and has been with Corteva for 17 years.
Matt Koch
Chief Marketing Officer
Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Matt began his career at Sukup Manufacturing Co in 2007 – specializing in automation and control systems technology. He designed Sukup’s first generation touch-panel control system; a product that established Sukup as the premier grain drying manufacturer in the world. Since that time, Matt has led the hardware and software systems team for all of Sukup’s automation products. He also previously led the IT team and technology initiatives for Sukup from 2020-2022. The product offerings have continued to grow, resulting in more connected devices and new markets. Now, Matt leads marketing efforts globally for Sukup, who has product in all 50 states and 90+ countries around the world.
He spends most of his professional time working with between Sukup’s sales, product, and advertising departments where he specializes in strategic management, new product campaigns, and customer experience. He is an active part of Sukup’s 3rd generation family ownership and executive leadership team.
Matt enjoys traveling, emerging technology, venture capital, leadership development, playing golf, boating, Iowa State athletics, and most importantly — spending time with his wife (Crystal) and three children (Lily, Zander, and Grace).
Matt has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University (’06) with additional degrees in Mathematics and Spanish. Outside of work, he currently serves on several boards and subcommittees. Matt has also received numerous US Patents, AE50 awards, and leadership awards. His control systems and automation designs are also responsible for Sukup Manufacturing becoming Iowa’s 2018 Manufacturing Tech Company of the Year.
Jim Ryken
Chief Operating Officer
BarnTools
Jim Ryken is a dynamic leader in AgTech and IoT innovation, with extensive experience in operations, supply chain, and technology strategy.
He co-founded BarnTools in 2019, a company that manufactures alarm systems for pig and poultry growers. These systems work by collecting data from the farm and turning data points into actionable information.
Jim was a member of the 2024 ITLI Cohort and is passionate about driving digital transformation in the agricultural sector.
Moderator
Maggie Modica
Product Manager, Setup & Start Work
John Deere
Maggie Modica is a Product Manager at John Deere, leading the roadmap for the setup and start software experience in the equipment displays. She collaborates with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and cloud development, while engaging with customers – farmers and Deere dealers – to gain firsthand insights.
An alumna of the University of Illinois, she holds a degree in IT and Marketing and works to bridge gaps between customer needs and technical requirements. She holds an MBA and a Leadership Certificate from the University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business.
At John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG), Maggie leads the global strategy for integrating precision agriculture technology into all John Deere machines. Raised in rural Northwest Illinois, she cultivated an affinity for agriculture and technology through diverse experiences, enabling her to connect with customers.
Passionate about technological advancement, customer experience, and global precision ag, Maggie looks forward to engaging in discussions with the AgTech panel around exciting tech developments in agriculture.
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