Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA

• 179: How Eleusis Helps Feed Security and Builds Rancher Resilience During Droughts with Joaquin Gonzalez

  Ever feel like droughts, rising costs, or feed shortages are always threatening your ranch’s future? I get it—and so does this week’s guest, who’s engineering innovative solutions for resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.In this episode, Harry Duran sits down with Joaquin Gonzalez, Chief Expansion Officer at Eleusis Feed, an expert in agricultural engineering with deep roots (literally) in ranching and hydroponic fodder systems. Raised on a ranch near Santiago and backed by a career spanning Chile, Colorado, and now Texas, Joaquin Gonzalez brings a wealth of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionize how livestock are fed.This conversation dives into the power of hydroponic fodder systems as a game-changer for ranchers and farmers battling water scarcity, price hikes, and traditional feed limitations. Joaquin Gonzalez unpacks why modular container farms aren’t always the answer at scale, and shares how Eleusis Feed’s industrial solutions offer flexibility for both small and massive operations, empowering producers in drought-prone regions to ensure feed—and food—security all year long.Beyond the nuts and bolts of fodder systems, you’ll hear stories from Joaquin Gonzalez's lifelong obsession with horses, lessons learned from engineering trial and error, and the realities of transitioning from South America to the U.S. Discover what it really takes to convince traditional ranchers to embrace innovation, and get inspired by the impact of sustainable practices on animal health, water conservation, and rural livelihoods.If you’re ready to learn how vertical farming can safeguard your operation and secure the future of animal agriculture, tune in to this episode now—this one’s packed with practical insights and the passion to match. Listen and get equipped to grow smarter today!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:06:42 Tackling Chile’s Drought and the Quest for Sustainable Fodder00:13:01 Engineering Solutions: Container Farms and Overcoming Mold00:19:22 Barley Fodder for All: From Horses to Giraffes00:25:29 Scaling Up: Industrial Hydroponic Fodder Systems00:32:09 Educating Ranchers and Challenging Traditions00:38:18 Entrepreneurship, Moving to Austin, and Staying MotivatedTweetable Quotes"At the end, you have to have horses, you have to have a trainer and all this stuff, and it was something that from there I transitioned to another sport because it was too expensive. Being one of seven, it wasn't something that I was the only one obsessed with horses and stuff, so I pushed that dream aside and focused on other sports. But then after college, I picked it up again, started riding again, won another championship, and it was everything about having a horse and having a train with feed and all this stuff that gets complicated over time. That is something I have in my heart—at some point, I will do it for sure.""The containerized solution that we could put together was able to produce 850 pounds a day, which, if you look at the industry, you can feed 30 cows, 35 horses, and stuff like that. I was talking to many ranchers that had 200 head of cattle, so for that you need eight containers. Putting one container next to another at some point doesn't make sense—maybe two is okay, three you start to think about, no, because every container has its own system, its own way of farming. At the end, we were looking for something more industrial.""With a fodder system, you use about 95% less water than traditional farm. We’re here to help those places, especially...

  --------  

  53:15

  --------

  53:15
• 178: Why Modular Vertical Farming Holds the Key to Scalable Food Security with Fischer Farm's Tristan Fischer

  Ever wondered how to scale your vertical farm without breaking the bank—or your nerves?In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, I sit down with Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fisher Farms, one of the pioneers in modular farming technology. Tristan brings over 25 years of experience in clean energy and large-scale renewables, translating that expertise into creating more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective vertical farming solutions. Having navigated the challenges of building some of the largest vertical farms in the UK, Tristan is passionate about making vertical farming both accessible and sustainable—and he’s got the battle-tested insights to prove it.We dive deep into Fisher Farms’ journey from traditional R&D setups to their cutting-edge modular approach, using shipping containers like building blocks for truly scalable farms. Tristan shares candid stories about the risks and surprises of massive farm construction, and how clever modular design is transforming the economics and flexibility of indoor agriculture, enabling global expansion—even in places like Abu Dhabi, where energy costs are astonishingly low.Beyond technology, we explore Fisher Farms’ culture of innovation, their relentless focus on driving down costs, and why Tristan believes vertical farming should move from premium niche to practical staple for feeding the world. You’ll hear how the team’s values—kindness, respect, factfulness, and robustness—help foster big ideas and quick pivots, and how these principles drive Fisher Farms to be the lowest-cost vertical farm in the world.If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible with vertical farming and discover how modularity might be the answer to your growth headaches, don’t miss this episode! Click play and join us as we explore the future of feeding the world—without wrecking the planet.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Fisher Farms Expansion and Modular Approach06:01 Overcoming Scaling Challenges at Farm Two12:01 Fisher Farms Ethos and Focus on Cost Reduction18:31 Advancements in Lighting and Efficiency23:40 Competing with Glasshouses and New Market Opportunities29:54 Modular Growth in the UAE and Global Impact35:03 Plug and Play Modular Flexibility40:02 Fisher Farms Technology Certification and Branding46:08 Building an Innovative, Kind, and Robust Company Culture52:42 Closing Reflections and Future OutlookTweetable Quotes"If you have a thousand things which need to get right, I think we probably planned for about 900 of them and got them right, and then once Farm 2 got running, 50 of them were relatively quick to fix, but there were a few items which actually ended up being very, very difficult. Sometimes you had a problem hiding behind another problem.""Our view is that if we focus on really driving down cost, cost, cost, cost, then we don’t have to worry about becoming a premium brand—but it gets us in the direction where we want to be, which is: how do you actually feed the world without trashing the planet at the same time?""What we want is my terrible idea and a genuinely bad idea, and your crazy, insane idea and somebody else’s drug-addled idea or sleep-addled idea—whatever it is—and they’re all actually genuinely bad ideas independently, but by putting those ideas together, layering those...

  --------  

  1:00:15

  --------

  1:00:15
• 177: How Mary Wetherill Discovered the Business Model Shift That Makes Urban Farming Profitable

  I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched passionate urban farmers burn out because their business model wasn’t sustainable—what if there were a better way?This week on Vertical Farming, I sit down with Mary Wetherill, founding president and CEO of Green Food Solutions, for a candid conversation about building a truly sustainable urban farming business. Mary’s unique journey—from the service industry and massage therapy to pioneering food access solutions in city environments—gives her an unmatched perspective on both the struggles and opportunities vertical farmers face today.In this episode, Mary demystifies how Green Food Solutions is reimagining the food system with a “farming as a service” franchise model that prioritizes support, profitability, and genuine community impact. We dig into what makes a good franchise partner, why most farms face recurring challenges, and how Mary’s mission-driven approach is shaking up the industry’s status quo. If you’ve ever wondered how to make real money in urban farming—without sacrificing your values—this conversation is your playbook.Beyond the business model, you’ll hear stories about navigating Silicon Valley hype cycles, lessons learned from early accelerator programs, the importance of resourcefulness, and the surprising ways personal experience shapes entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, discover how Green Food Solutions fosters partnerships that work, advice for new farmers, and eye-opening discussions on market realities and PR.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Jersey City Roots and Entrepreneurial Beginnings06:10 Entering Urban Farming & The Square Roots Experience12:35 Green Food Solutions Business Model Explained18:26 Franchising, Farmers, and Fit for New Owners24:57 Green Food Solutions Origin Story & Mission30:22 Monetization, Resourcefulness, and Revenue Streams36:48 Team Management & Leadership Values41:02 Industry Reflections & Farmers’ Challenges46:16 Closing Thoughts & Contact InformationTweetable Quotes"Honestly, when I worked for Merrill Lynch, I quit. I was in with my boss and I was getting a promotion. She brought me in her office and I was just going to give my two weeks. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eyes than take your promotion. I just really didn't like the corporate environment.""We were disgusted by how consultants and all these people were charging tens, twenties of thousands of dollars for things we were giving for free, and honestly, manufacturers usually give those for free—so I didn’t like what I saw happening when I was so originally excited about it.""There was a day that my mom had a box of food that was brought into the house by a priest. I think that was the first day I had an experience of feeling poor, regardless of what level it was. I started selling my toys and shining shoes—I think I got my knowledge about monetization and being resourceful because of having grown up poor."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.greenfoodsolutions.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18566881 Facebook -

  --------  

  54:59

  --------

  54:59
• 176: From Panic to Prevention: Pathogen Management Strategies for Indoor Growers

  Are you worried about potential pathogens lurking in your indoor farm's water system or substrate? I've got you covered with insights from an expert in agricultural analytics.I sat down with Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and founder of Rimrock Analytical, to discuss the critical role of proactive monitoring in controlled environment agriculture. Taylor's unique background in molecular sciences and agriculture has positioned him as a leader in providing cutting-edge analytical services to indoor farms.Taylor shed light on the common challenges indoor farmers face, from biofouling in water systems to unexpected pathogen outbreaks. He stressed the importance of having a solid biosecurity plan and regular monitoring to catch issues early. We delved into real-world case studies, including a Pythium outbreak that nearly devastated a farm's operations, and how data-driven solutions helped turn the situation around.We also explored the evolving landscape of indoor farming, discussing the industry's consolidation and the lessons learned from early adopters. Taylor shared valuable insights on how farms of all sizes can benefit from analytical services, emphasizing the return on investment in preventing crop losses. If you're involved in indoor farming or curious about the science behind growing food in controlled environments, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you won't want to miss.Ready to unlock the secrets of maintaining a healthy indoor farm environment? Listen now to gain valuable insights that could save your crops and optimize your growing operations.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:03 Water treatment challenges in indoor farming10:31 Proactive monitoring vs. reactive troubleshooting16:23 Education and support for growers22:25 Risks of pathogen spread in grow systems26:50 State of the indoor farming industry31:32 Rimrock team size and recent hires34:36 Importance of preventative maintenance for farmsTweetable Quotes"We take the mantra of 'data to decisions' at Rimrock. We see ourselves as a vehicle to streamline what can be barriers for growers and operators to get the necessary data.""Microbes have the capacity to multiply and spread very rapidly. So keeping a close eye on things, establishing routine monitoring surveys we've found is key.""We're rolling out a microbial heat map to help you better visualize your microbial results mapped to your process flow in your facility. With that you can see potential hotspots for pathogens and how they might integrate to downstream systems."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://rimrockanalytical.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/65487487/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rimrock_analytical/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram -

  --------  

  45:22

  --------

  45:22
• 175: Advanced Aeroponics & Why Vertical Farming’s Future Lies in Glasshouses

  Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture? I recently caught up with Charlie Guy, CEO of Let Us Grow, to discuss the fascinating world of advanced aeroponics and its potential to revolutionize greenhouse farming.Charlie shared insights on Let Us Grow's journey from vertical farming to focusing on aeroponics technology for greenhouses. He explained how their advanced aeroponics system offers significant advantages over traditional hydroponic methods, including increased yields, improved plant health, and reduced water usage. Charlie also touched on the company's expansion into global markets and their efforts to educate both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of controlled environment agriculture.We delved into the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how Let Us Grow has adapted to changing market conditions. Charlie emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlighted their partnerships with established greenhouse builders and system integrators. He also discussed their community outreach efforts, such as the Bristol Basil Company initiative, which demonstrates the potential of local food production using advanced growing techniques.Throughout our conversation, Charlie provided valuable insights into the future of controlled environment agriculture and the role of aeroponics in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge world of advanced growing methods.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:07 Shifting focus to glasshouses and partnerships11:40 Biking to GreenTech conference and industry events16:44 Building relationships with government agencies20:21 Bristol Basil Company and local food initiatives28:12 BBC Radio 4 feature on sustainable growing34:57 Challenges of running a company in this environment39:06 Future plans and global expansion goals44:01 Closing thoughts on collaboration in indoor farmingTweetable Quotes"We've taken the rolling bench architecture widely used in the greenhouse industry and integrated our advanced aeroponics technology into it. This means we can partner with numerous Dutch large greenhouse builders to deliver these systems, providing the smarts while they handle the delivery.""There's no point in doing vertical farming unless it's powered by renewable energy. It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint to burn fossil fuels to convert them into electrons to power lights to grow plants when the sun is free.""We're showing you can turn disused greenhouses into productive grows that are profitable and give back to your local food community. You can achieve many of the same outcomes as vertical farming with a slightly lower tech structure like a greenhouse, while still growing the best produce year-round with the least water."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.lettusgrow.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lettus-growFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/LettUsGrow/Instagram -

  --------  

  50:41

  --------

  50:41

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA

Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA: Podcasts in Family