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50 Best Thought Leaders in Agriculture (2026)

  • Writer: Jonno White
    Jonno White
  • Mar 26
  • 27 min read

The agriculture industry is at a turning point. Climate change, population growth, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological adoption are reshaping every corner of farming, food production, and land management. Whether you are a farmer looking for new approaches, an agribusiness executive seeking strategic insight, or a policymaker navigating complex food system challenges, following the right thought leaders can change the way you think about what is possible.


This guide features 50 of the most influential thought leaders in agriculture today. These are the people driving conversations about regenerative farming, precision agriculture, agtech innovation, food security, and sustainable food systems. From pioneering farmers and bestselling authors to CEOs of global agribusiness companies and founders of cutting edge startups, each person on this list is shaping the future of agriculture in meaningful ways.


We have organised this list to help you find the voices most relevant to your interests, covering regenerative agriculture advocates, agtech innovators, corporate leaders, policy shapers, educators, podcast hosts, and more.



How to Choose Which Agriculture Thought Leaders to Follow


With so many voices in the agriculture space, it helps to have a framework for deciding who deserves your attention. Here are some criteria to consider.


Relevance to your sector. Agriculture is enormous and diverse. A dairy farmer in New Zealand has different needs than a vertical farming startup founder in San Francisco. Look for thought leaders who speak directly to your segment, whether that is broadacre cropping, livestock, horticulture, agtech, food policy, or something else entirely.


Track record of real world results. The best thought leaders do not just talk. They have built farms, companies, research programs, or policy frameworks that have delivered measurable outcomes. Prioritise people who have walked the walk.


Consistency and accessibility. Follow people who publish regularly, whether through LinkedIn posts, podcasts, books, conference talks, or media appearances. Consistent output signals genuine commitment to advancing the conversation.


Diversity of perspective. Agriculture is a global industry. Seek out voices from different geographies, farming systems, and backgrounds to challenge your assumptions and broaden your understanding.


Willingness to challenge the status quo. The most valuable thought leaders are often the ones who ask uncomfortable questions about conventional practices and push the industry toward better outcomes for people, planet, and productivity.



Regenerative Agriculture Pioneers



Jonno White, Clarity Group Global


Jonno White is the Co-Founder of Clarity Group Global, a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the bestselling author of "Step Up or Step Out," which has sold over 10,000 copies. He hosts the Leadership Conversations Podcast, which has featured more than 230 episodes and reached listeners in over 150 countries. Through the 7 Questions Movement, Jonno has connected with over 6,000 leaders across every sector, including many in agriculture and agribusiness.


While Jonno's core expertise is in leadership development, team building, and facilitation using Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius framework, his work with agricultural organisations, regional businesses, and rural leadership teams makes him a valuable voice for anyone in agriculture looking to strengthen their leadership capacity. His facilitation at events like ASBA 2025, where he achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating, demonstrates his ability to connect with diverse audiences. Jonno works with leadership teams across industries to help them understand their natural gifts, reduce frustration, and build teams that operate at their best. For agricultural leaders navigating complexity, from succession planning on family farms to leading large agribusiness teams, his approach to team dynamics and leadership conversations is highly relevant.




Gabe Brown, Brown's Ranch


Gabe Brown is one of the most recognised pioneers of the regenerative agriculture movement. He and his family own and operate Brown's Ranch, a diversified 5,000 acre farm and ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. Named one of the 25 most influential agricultural leaders in the United States, Gabe is the author of "Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey into Regenerative Agriculture," which has become essential reading for anyone interested in soil health and sustainable farming.


What sets Gabe apart is that he developed his regenerative approach through decades of hands on experimentation on his own land. His five principles of soil health, including minimising disturbance, keeping the soil covered, maintaining living roots, encouraging diversity, and integrating livestock, have influenced farmers around the world. He is a co-founder of Understanding Ag, a consulting firm that helps farmers transition to regenerative practices, and he speaks at conferences globally about the business case for regenerative farming.




Allan Savory, Savory Institute


Allan Savory is the founder of the Savory Institute and the creator of Holistic Management, a systems thinking framework for managing land that mimics natural grazing patterns to restore degraded grasslands. Originally from Zimbabwe, Savory has dedicated his career to demonstrating that properly managed livestock can reverse desertification, restore biodiversity, and sequester carbon.


His TED Talk, "How to Fight Desertification and Reverse Climate Change," has been viewed millions of times and sparked global debate about the role of livestock in sustainable agriculture. The Savory Institute now operates through a global network of hubs on six continents, training land managers in Holistic Management. Whether you agree with all of his conclusions or not, Savory has undeniably shifted the conversation about the relationship between livestock, land, and climate.


Website: savory.global



Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms


Joel Salatin is a farmer, author, and self-described "Christian libertarian environmentalist lunatic farmer" who runs Polyface Farms in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. He is one of the most outspoken advocates for local food systems, pasture based livestock management, and direct to consumer farming. His books, including "Folks, This Ain't Normal" and "The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer," combine practical farming wisdom with a passionate critique of industrial agriculture.


Joel gained mainstream attention through Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and the documentary "Food, Inc." He is a prolific speaker and writer whose unconventional approach has inspired a generation of small scale farmers to question the industrial model and build regenerative, community centred food systems.




Ray Archuleta, Understanding Ag


Ray Archuleta, known as "The Soil Guy," is a retired USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation agronomist who has become one of the most influential soil health educators in the world. He is a co-founder of Understanding Ag and the Soil Health Academy, where he trains farmers, ranchers, and land managers in the principles of regenerative agriculture.


Ray's ability to make complex soil science accessible and engaging has made him a favourite at agricultural conferences and field days. He appeared in the documentary "Kiss the Ground" and has spent decades demonstrating how healthy soil biology can replace expensive chemical inputs while improving farm profitability. His hands on teaching style, often involving live soil demonstrations, has converted thousands of sceptical farmers into soil health advocates.




Will Harris, White Oak Pastures


Will Harris is a fourth generation cattle farmer who transformed his family's conventional cattle operation in Bluffton, Georgia, into one of the largest diversified, pasture based farms in the United States. White Oak Pastures now raises 10 species of livestock on over 3,000 acres using regenerative practices, and it is one of the few farms in the country with its own USDA inspected processing plants for both red meat and poultry.


A landmark lifecycle assessment conducted by Quantis found that White Oak Pastures' regenerative grazing practices actually sequester more carbon than the farm's cattle emit, making it a powerful case study for the climate benefits of regenerative livestock management. Will is a compelling speaker who shares the real economics and real challenges of transitioning from industrial to regenerative farming.




Vandana Shiva, Navdanya


Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and food sovereignty advocate who has been a powerful voice against industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, and corporate control of seeds for over four decades. She founded Navdanya, a network of seed keepers and organic producers across India that has helped establish 150 community seed banks and trained over 900,000 farmers in seed sovereignty, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture.


Her books, including "Stolen Harvest" and "Who Really Feeds the World?", challenge the dominant narrative that industrial agriculture is the only way to feed the planet. While her views are sometimes controversial, Vandana Shiva has undeniably shaped the global conversation about biodiversity, seed rights, and the rights of small farmers.


Website: navdanya.org



Wendell Berry, Author and Farmer


Wendell Berry is an American novelist, poet, essayist, farmer, and environmental activist whose writing has shaped the way millions of people think about the relationship between agriculture, community, and land. His 1977 book "The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture" remains one of the most important critiques of industrial farming ever written.


Berry has farmed in Henry County, Kentucky, for over 50 years, and his work consistently argues that the health of the land and the health of human communities are inseparable. He is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal and has influenced generations of farmers, writers, and environmentalists. His essays on agrarianism, local economies, and the moral dimensions of farming continue to resonate deeply.



Food Systems and Policy Thought Leaders



Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank


Danielle Nierenberg is the president and co-founder of Food Tank, one of the world's leading think tanks focused on sustainable food and agriculture. She has travelled to more than 70 countries conducting on the ground research into food systems, meeting thousands of farmers, scientists, policymakers, and community leaders along the way. She is the recipient of the 2020 Julia Child Award and her work has been cited in over 20,000 media outlets worldwide.


Food Tank's summits, held across the United States and internationally, bring together all sides of food issues for critical discussion. Danielle's strength lies in her ability to connect diverse stakeholders, from small scale farmers to corporate CEOs, and to highlight innovations that are working to improve food systems at every level.


Website: foodtank.com



Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University


Known as "The Food Professor," Sylvain Charlebois is one of the world's most cited scholars in food distribution, food policy, and supply chain management. He is a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, where he leads the Agri-Food Analytics Lab. His research focuses on food prices, food safety, food waste, and the impact of technology on food systems.


Sylvain is a prolific media commentator and has authored over 500 peer reviewed publications and four books. His ability to translate complex food system data into accessible, media friendly insights makes him one of the most visible agriculture thought leaders in North America. He is particularly active on social media and regularly engages with consumers, industry leaders, and policymakers on topics that affect how food gets from farm to table.



Qu Dongyu, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations


Qu Dongyu is the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. As the first Chinese national to lead the FAO, he has prioritised digital agriculture, innovation, and the transformation of agri food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.


Under his leadership, the FAO has launched initiatives including the Hand in Hand Initiative, which uses advanced geospatial modelling to identify where the need for support is greatest, and the Digital Villages Initiative, which aims to close the rural digital divide. His influence on global agricultural policy and food security priorities is immense.


Website: fao.org



Alvaro Lario, International Fund for Agricultural Development


Alvaro Lario is the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialised United Nations agency focused on investing in rural people and transforming food systems. With a background in finance and development, Lario has championed increased investment in smallholder farmers, climate adaptation, and rural infrastructure.


IFAD works in over 90 countries and has invested in more than 200 million rural people since its founding. Lario's leadership has emphasised the critical role of small scale farmers, who produce one third of the world's food, in building resilient and sustainable food systems. He is a strong advocate for blended finance approaches that combine public and private capital to reach the most vulnerable agricultural communities.


Website: ifad.org



Mary Shelman, Global Agribusiness Strategist


Mary Shelman is an internationally recognised strategist, author, and speaker on global agribusiness, agtech, and food system trends. She is the former Director of the Harvard Business School Agribusiness Program, where she spent over 20 years developing case studies and educational programs focused on the global food and agriculture value chain.


Mary now advises companies, investors, and governments on agribusiness strategy and food system transformation. Her deep knowledge of how agricultural value chains work, from farm inputs to consumer products, makes her a sought after voice on the future of food and agriculture. She is particularly insightful on topics like agtech investment, the role of data in agriculture, and how to build more resilient food supply chains.



Agtech Innovators and Entrepreneurs



Henry Gordon-Smith, Agritecture


Henry Gordon-Smith is acknowledged as a global thought leader in vertical and urban agriculture. He is the founder of Agritecture, a consulting firm specialising in climate smart agriculture, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), and agtech strategy. Based in New York, Agritecture has worked with clients in over 40 countries to plan, design, and optimise urban and vertical farming operations.


Henry is also the creator of the Agritecture Designer, a software platform that helps entrepreneurs and investors assess the feasibility of urban farming projects. He writes and speaks extensively about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and food production in urban environments.




Paul Mikesell, Carbon Robotics


Paul Mikesell is the CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, a company that has developed the LaserWeeder, an autonomous machine that uses high powered lasers and artificial intelligence to eliminate weeds without herbicides. The LaserWeeder can destroy over 5,000 weeds per minute, offering farmers a chemical free alternative to weed management that reduces costs and environmental impact.


Paul is a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded Iodine, a health technology company. Under his leadership, Carbon Robotics has raised significant venture capital and expanded its deployment across large scale farming operations in the United States. The technology represents one of the most tangible examples of how AI and robotics are transforming on farm operations.




Ponsi Trivisvavet, Inari


Ponsi Trivisvavet is the CEO of Inari, a biotechnology company that is developing seeds designed to be more productive while requiring fewer resources like water, fertiliser, and land. Inari combines predictive design with gene editing to create new seed varieties faster than traditional breeding methods.


Under Ponsi's leadership, Inari has attracted significant investment and partnerships with major agricultural companies. The company's vision of "nature positive" crop improvement, which aims to double yields while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint, positions it at the forefront of sustainable agricultural biotechnology.


Website: inari.com



Karsten Temme, Pivot Bio


Karsten Temme is the co-founder and CEO of Pivot Bio, a company that develops microbial crop nutrition products. Pivot Bio's flagship product uses naturally occurring microbes that have been optimised to provide nitrogen directly to crop roots, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilisers.


Synthetic nitrogen production is one of agriculture's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, so Pivot Bio's approach has enormous climate implications. The company has scaled rapidly, with its products now used on millions of acres across the United States. Karsten's background in microbiology and his vision for replacing chemical inputs with biological solutions make him one of the most important voices in sustainable agriculture innovation.


Website: pivotbio.com



John Deere Leadership (John C. May, CEO)


John C. May has been leading Deere and Company, the world's largest agricultural equipment manufacturer, since 2019. Under his leadership, Deere has undergone a significant transformation toward autonomy, precision agriculture, and data driven farming. The company has invested billions in technology, acquiring companies like Blue River Technology and Bear Flag Robotics to bring autonomous equipment and machine learning to farmers.


Deere's See and Spray technology, which uses cameras and AI to distinguish weeds from crops and spray only where needed, is a practical example of how precision agriculture can reduce chemical use while maintaining yields. May's strategic vision for turning Deere from an equipment manufacturer into a technology company serving agriculture is reshaping the industry.


Website: deere.com



Eric Hansotia, AGCO Corporation


Eric Hansotia has led AGCO as Chairman, President, and CEO since 2021, architecting the company's Farmer First strategy and its push into smart farming and precision agriculture. AGCO owns well known agricultural brands including Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra, and has been expanding its technology capabilities through investments in precision planting, data management, and autonomous farming solutions.


Under Hansotia's leadership, AGCO has focused on developing an open, farmer centric technology ecosystem that allows growers to integrate equipment and data from multiple sources. His emphasis on putting farmers at the centre of technology design, rather than forcing them into proprietary systems, has been well received by the agricultural community.


Website: agcocorp.com



Irving Fain, Bowery Farming


Irving Fain is the co-founder and CEO of Bowery Farming, one of the leading indoor vertical farming companies in the United States. Bowery operates advanced indoor farms that use proprietary software, machine learning, and automation to grow produce year round with significantly less water and no pesticides compared to traditional farming.


Irving's background is in technology rather than agriculture, which gives him a distinctive perspective on how data and software can transform food production. Under his leadership, Bowery has attracted major investment and partnerships with leading grocery retailers. He is a compelling advocate for the role that indoor agriculture can play in building more resilient, local food supply chains.




Diego Casanello, Farmers Business Network


Diego Casanello is the CEO of Farmers Business Network (FBN), a farmer to farmer network and agtech platform that provides independent data analytics, agronomic insights, and e-commerce services to help farmers make better business decisions. FBN was founded on the premise that farmers need access to unbiased data, free from the influence of input suppliers, to optimise their operations.


Under Diego's leadership, FBN has grown to serve thousands of farmers across the United States and beyond. The platform's approach to democratising agricultural data and reducing input costs has resonated strongly with farmers looking for more transparency in the agricultural supply chain.


Website: fbn.com



Corporate Agriculture Leaders



Chuck Magro, Corteva Agriscience


Chuck Magro has served as CEO of Corteva Agriscience since 2021, driving growth in the company's seed and crop protection businesses. Corteva, which was spun off from DowDuPont in 2019, is one of the world's largest pure play agricultural companies, with its Pioneer brand holding a leading position in the U.S. seed market.


Under Magro's leadership, Corteva has invested heavily in biologicals, digital agriculture, and research and development. His strategic focus on innovation and sustainability, combined with Corteva's scale and reach, makes him an influential figure in shaping how modern agriculture addresses challenges like resistance management, soil health, and climate adaptation.


Website: corteva.com



Jeff Rowe, Syngenta Group


Jeff Rowe became CEO of Syngenta Group on January 1, 2024, after leading successful turnarounds in the company's Seeds and Crop Protection divisions and advancing regenerative agriculture initiatives. Syngenta Group is one of the world's largest agricultural input companies, with operations spanning seeds, crop protection, digital agriculture, and biologicals.


Under Rowe's leadership, Syngenta has expanded its commitment to regenerative agriculture, aiming to help farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration while maintaining productivity. The company's Good Growth Plan sets measurable sustainability targets and tracks progress annually. Rowe's ability to drive change within one of agriculture's largest companies makes him an important thought leader at the intersection of corporate agriculture and sustainability.




Brian Sikes, Cargill


Brian Sikes became Cargill's 10th CEO and board chair in January 2024, leading the world's largest privately held agricultural and food company. Cargill operates across the entire agricultural supply chain, from originating and processing grains and oilseeds to producing animal nutrition, food ingredients, and bioindustrial products. The company operates in over 125 countries and has more than 160,000 employees.


Sikes' position at the helm of Cargill gives him unique visibility into global agricultural trade flows, commodity markets, and food system dynamics. Under his leadership, Cargill has continued to invest in sustainability initiatives, including partnerships with farmers to promote regenerative agriculture practices and efforts to eliminate deforestation from supply chains.


Website: cargill.com



Rodrigo Santos, Bayer Crop Science


Rodrigo Santos has led Bayer's Crop Science Division and served on Bayer's Board of Management since January 2022. With over 25 years in the agricultural industry, Santos oversees one of the world's largest crop protection, seeds, and digital farming businesses. Bayer Crop Science's portfolio includes major brands in seeds, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, as well as the Climate FieldView digital farming platform.


Santos has been a vocal advocate for the role of innovation in helping farmers produce more food on less land with fewer resources. Under his leadership, Bayer has invested in short stature corn, biological crop protection, and carbon farming programs that pay farmers for adopting sustainable practices.




Soil Health and Sustainable Farming Educators



John Kempf, Advancing Eco Agriculture


John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, one of the most popular podcasts in the farming space. He founded Advancing Eco Agriculture, a company that provides crop nutrition consulting and biological products to help farmers transition to regenerative practices. His approach is rooted in plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.


What makes John distinctive is his ability to bridge the gap between hard science and practical farming. His podcast features in depth conversations with scientists and successful growers, making cutting edge research accessible to everyday farmers. He grew up in an Amish farming community in Ohio, which gives him an intimate understanding of the practical realities that farmers face when adopting new approaches.




Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist


Kris Nichols, Ph.D., is a renowned soil microbiologist who has dedicated her career to understanding the relationship between soil biology and plant health. She appeared in the documentary "Kiss the Ground" and has been a leading voice in translating soil microbiology research into practical applications for farmers.


Her work on mycorrhizal fungi, glomalin, and soil aggregate stability has helped farmers understand why biological approaches to soil management can outperform chemical intensive methods. Kris speaks at agricultural conferences worldwide and consults with farmers and organisations seeking to improve their soil health outcomes.



David Montgomery, University of Washington


David Montgomery is a professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington and the author of several groundbreaking books on soil, including "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations" and "Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life." Along with his wife Anne Bikle, he co-authored "What Your Food Ate," which connects soil health to human nutrition.


David's ability to tell the story of soil through history, science, and on farm examples has made him one of the most effective communicators of why soil health matters. His work provides the scientific foundation for many of the regenerative agriculture practices being adopted by farmers around the world.



Steve Groff, Cover Crop Pioneer


Steve Groff is an author, speaker, and one of the world's leading advocates for cover cropping and soil health. Known as the "Cover Crop Coach," he has been experimenting with cover crops on his own farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for over 30 years. His work has demonstrated the practical and economic benefits of keeping soil covered year round.


Steve speaks at agricultural events worldwide and has trained thousands of farmers in cover crop management. His message centres on the courage required to challenge conventional farming wisdom and the business case for investing in soil health. He is also a trusted voice in regenerative agriculture and plant based wellness.




Leah Penniman, Soul Fire Farm


Leah Penniman is the co-founder and farm manager of Soul Fire Farm, an Afro-Indigenous community farm in Petersburg, New York. She is the author of "Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land," which has become a seminal text in the food justice movement.


Leah's work focuses on the intersection of racial justice, food sovereignty, and regenerative farming. Soul Fire Farm trains Black, Indigenous, and other marginalised communities in sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, and food system advocacy. Her perspective is essential for anyone who wants to understand how equity and justice intersect with the future of agriculture.




Kristin Ohlson, Author


Kristin Ohlson is the author of "The Soil Will Save Us," a book that introduces readers to the scientists, farmers, and ranchers working to restore soil health as a solution to climate change, water scarcity, and food quality challenges. Her accessible, narrative driven writing style makes complex soil science engaging for a general audience.


While Kristin is primarily a journalist and author rather than a farmer or scientist, her ability to synthesise research and tell compelling stories about soil health has played a significant role in bringing these ideas to mainstream awareness.



Podcast Hosts and Media Voices



Monte Bottens, AgEmerge Podcast


Monte Bottens is the host of the AgEmerge Podcast, which focuses on soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology in agriculture. The podcast features conversations with farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders working at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and ecological farming.


Monte's work through the AgEmerge network helps connect practitioners and researchers across the agriculture spectrum, making it easier for farmers to discover new approaches and for innovators to reach farming audiences.



Koen van Seijen, Investing in Regenerative Agriculture Podcast


Koen van Seijen is the founder and host of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food Podcast, which has featured over 400 interviews with farmers, investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs. The podcast is one of the most comprehensive resources for understanding how capital flows into regenerative agriculture and what investors and entrepreneurs are learning about scaling sustainable food systems.


Koen's focus on the financial and investment side of regenerative agriculture fills a critical gap. While many thought leaders focus on farming practices, Koen's work helps connect the dots between on farm innovation and the capital markets needed to scale these approaches.



Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown


Paul Hawken is a New York Times bestselling author, environmentalist, and the founder of Project Drawdown, the world's leading resource for climate solutions. His books, including "Drawdown" and "Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation," place agriculture at the centre of climate action.


Project Drawdown's research has identified regenerative agriculture, reduced food waste, and improved agricultural practices as some of the most impactful climate solutions available. Paul's ability to frame agriculture not just as a contributor to climate change but as one of its most powerful solutions has reframed how millions of people think about farming and food.


Website: drawdown.org



Mark Hyman, The Doctor's Farmacy Podcast


Mark Hyman, M.D., is a physician, bestselling author, and the founder of The UltraWellness Center. His podcast, "The Doctor's Farmacy," regularly features conversations about the connection between soil health, regenerative agriculture, and human health. His book "Food Fix" examines how the food system affects health, the economy, and the environment.


While Mark's primary expertise is in functional medicine rather than agriculture, his large platform and his consistent advocacy for regenerative farming practices have introduced millions of health conscious consumers to the importance of how food is grown. He bridges the gap between agriculture and public health in ways that few other thought leaders do.



Agtech and Innovation Leaders



Andrew and Jocie Bate, SwarmFarm Robotics


Andrew and Jocie Bate are the founders of SwarmFarm Robotics, an Australian company that is leading a global shift in broadacre farming through autonomous, open platform robotics. SwarmFarm was named the 2025 Australian Agritech of the Year, and its robots are designed to perform tasks like targeted weed spraying and crop monitoring with far greater precision than traditional machinery.


What sets SwarmFarm apart is its open platform approach, which allows third party developers to build applications for its robots. The Bates themselves are farmers who developed the technology to solve real problems on their own Queensland grain farm, which gives them credibility and insight that purely tech driven competitors sometimes lack.


Website: swarmfarm.com



Nate Storey, Plenty


Nate Storey is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Plenty, one of the world's most ambitious indoor vertical farming companies. Plenty's farms use machine learning, robotics, and a patented vertical growing architecture to produce leafy greens and berries year round using a fraction of the water and land required by traditional farming.


Nate holds a Ph.D. in agronomy and his scientific background underpins Plenty's approach to optimising every aspect of indoor crop production. The company has attracted investment from SoftBank and other major investors, and it has built one of the largest indoor farms in the world in Compton, California.


Website: plenty.ag



Wade Barnes, Farmers Edge


Wade Barnes is the founder and CEO of Farmers Edge, a precision agriculture company that provides digital solutions for farm management. The company combines satellite imagery, weather data, soil sampling, and machine learning to help farmers make data driven decisions about planting, fertilising, irrigation, and harvesting.


Wade's vision of a fully connected farm, where every acre generates actionable data, has positioned Farmers Edge as a leader in the precision agriculture space. The company employs nearly 300 people across disciplines ranging from data science to soil science and sustainability.




Shashank Kumar, DeHaat


Shashank Kumar is the co-founder and CEO of DeHaat, one of India's largest agtech platforms. DeHaat provides full stack agricultural services to smallholder farmers, including access to quality inputs, agricultural advisory services, access to financial services, and market linkages for selling their produce.


Operating in a country where the majority of farmers cultivate small plots with limited resources, Shashank's work has enormous potential impact. DeHaat has raised significant venture capital and serves millions of farmers across India. His approach to building a complete agricultural ecosystem for smallholder farmers offers a model that could be replicated across the developing world.


Website: dehaat.com



Kimbal Musk, Square Roots


Kimbal Musk is an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and co-founder of Square Roots, an indoor farming company that partners with major food companies to grow fresh produce closer to consumers. He is also the co-founder of The Kitchen Restaurant Group and Big Green, a nonprofit that builds outdoor learning gardens in schools across the United States.


Kimbal's vision is to make real, fresh food accessible to everyone. His multiple ventures across farming, restaurants, and education give him a unique perspective on the entire food value chain, from how food is grown to how it reaches consumers' plates. He is a vocal advocate for local food systems and next generation farming technology.




Global Agriculture and Development Leaders



Fiona Simson, Former President, National Farmers' Federation (Australia)


Fiona Simson made history as the first female President of the National Farmers' Federation in Australia, serving from 2016 to 2022. A farmer from the Liverpool Plains in New South Wales, she brought a practical, on the ground perspective to national agricultural policy. Under her leadership, the NFF developed its ambitious plan for Australian agriculture to become a $100 billion industry by 2030.


Fiona has been a strong advocate for issues including water policy, climate resilience, trade, biosecurity, and the sustainability of regional communities. Her journey from community advocacy to national leadership demonstrates how farmers can shape agricultural policy at the highest levels.



David Rosenberg, AeroFarms


David Rosenberg is the co-founder and CEO of AeroFarms, a pioneering vertical farming company known for its aeroponic growing technology. AeroFarms' proprietary system grows plants without soil or sun, using a patented cloth medium and LED lighting to achieve yields up to 390 times greater per square foot than traditional field farming while using 95% less water.


AeroFarms has been a trailblazer in the indoor agriculture space, building one of the world's largest indoor vertical farms in Newark, New Jersey. David's leadership in commercialising aeroponic technology has influenced the entire controlled environment agriculture sector.


Website: aerofarms.com



Zach Bush, Farmer's Footprint


Zach Bush, M.D., is a physician, researcher, and the founder of Farmer's Footprint, a nonprofit coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders working to reverse the damage caused by chemical farming and heal our food systems from the ground up. His documentary series has brought the message of regenerative agriculture to a broad audience.


Zach's work focuses on the interconnection between soil health, gut health, and human health. He argues that the chemical intensive approach to modern agriculture is not only degrading our soils but also contributing to chronic disease. His medical perspective adds a compelling dimension to the case for regenerative agriculture.




Tyler Froberg, Farmer Froberg


Tyler Froberg is a fourth generation farmer from Texas who has built a massive following on social media, with over 868,000 followers on TikTok and 301,000 on Facebook. He has become one of agriculture's most effective digital communicators, using short form video to educate the public about farming, teach veterans how to farm diversified fruits and vegetables, and advocate for agricultural careers.


Tyler represents a new generation of agriculture thought leaders who use social media to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. His content is authentic, educational, and engaging, and it reaches audiences that traditional agricultural media cannot.



Erin Benzakein, Floret Flower


Erin Benzakein is the founder of Floret Flower, a family owned flower farm in Washington State. She is an award winning author whose books on flower farming have inspired thousands of people to start growing flowers commercially. Her approach to seasonal, sustainable flower production and direct to consumer sales has helped catalyse the local flowers movement.


While flower farming is a niche within agriculture, Erin's success in building a community of flower farmers, educating through her books and online courses, and demonstrating that small scale agriculture can be both beautiful and profitable makes her an important voice in the broader conversation about the future of farming.




Emerging Voices and Next Generation Leaders



Kaleb Cooper, Clarkson's Farm


Kaleb Cooper became a household name through his role on Amazon Prime's "Clarkson's Farm," a documentary series that follows Jeremy Clarkson's attempts to run a farm in the Cotswolds. Kaleb, who began his farming journey at 13, provides the practical farming expertise on the show and has become one of agriculture's most recognisable faces globally.


His candid storytelling and relatable style have connected with millions of viewers who had little prior interest in agriculture. Kaleb has published his own book and speaks at events across the United Kingdom. His ability to make farming engaging and accessible to a mainstream audience is a valuable contribution to raising public awareness of agriculture.



Sophie Ackoff, National Young Farmers Coalition


Sophie Ackoff has been a driving force at the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), which advocates for policies that support the next generation of farmers in the United States. She helped lead the coalition's campaign to win historic investments for young farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill, including increased funding for beginning farmer programs.


Sophie's work addresses one of agriculture's most pressing challenges: the ageing farmer population and the barriers that prevent young people from entering farming. Through policy advocacy, coalition building, and community organising, she is helping create a future where more young people can build viable farming careers.




Jessica Gnad, Soil Solutions Podcast


Jessica Gnad is the host of the Soil Solutions Podcast, which emphasises producing healthy soil and shares insights from industry leaders on soil health and regenerative agriculture. Her accessible approach to soil science education makes complex topics understandable for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in the health of our soils.


Jessica's work contributes to the growing library of educational resources available to farmers who want to learn about soil biology, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and other regenerative practices.



Kara Kroeger, LAND, FOOD, LIFE Podcast


Kara Kroeger is the host of the LAND, FOOD, LIFE Podcast, which takes listeners on a transformative journey through regenerative agriculture, nutrition, holistic healthcare, and food system advocacy. The podcast brings together voices from across the food and agriculture spectrum to explore how land management, food production, and human health are interconnected.


Kara's holistic approach to agriculture and food systems reflects a growing recognition that the challenges facing agriculture cannot be solved in isolation. Her podcast is a valuable resource for listeners who want to understand the bigger picture of how food, health, and land are connected.



Regen Ray Milidoni, Secrets of the Soil Podcast


Regen Ray Milidoni is the host of the Secrets of the Soil podcast, which brings ideas and inspiration for improving soil health. Based in Australia, Ray interviews mentors and practitioners on all things related to soil, covering topics from microbiology and composting to holistic grazing and cover cropping.


His focus on practical, actionable soil health advice delivered through an engaging interview format has built a loyal audience of farmers and gardeners. Ray represents the growing community of agricultural communicators who are using digital media to spread the message of soil health and regenerative practices beyond the traditional farming audience.



What to Expect When Following Agriculture Thought Leaders


Following agriculture thought leaders can transform your understanding of what is possible in farming and food systems. Here is what you can expect.


Fresh perspectives on complex challenges. Agriculture faces interconnected challenges around climate, technology, economics, and social equity. Thought leaders help you see these challenges from new angles and discover approaches you might not have considered.


Practical insights you can apply. The best agriculture thought leaders share specific, actionable advice drawn from their own experience. Whether it is a soil health practice, a technology tool, a business strategy, or a policy idea, you will find ideas you can test on your own farm or in your own organisation.


Access to a broader community. Following thought leaders connects you to their networks. You will discover other practitioners, researchers, organisations, and events that can support your work in agriculture.


Staying ahead of trends. Agriculture is changing rapidly. From AI and robotics to carbon markets and regenerative practices, thought leaders help you understand what is coming and how to prepare for it.



Pricing and Cost Guide


Engaging with agriculture thought leaders can range from free to significant investment, depending on the level of interaction you are seeking.


Free resources. Most thought leaders on this list share valuable content through LinkedIn posts, podcasts, YouTube videos, blog posts, and social media. Following their content regularly is the easiest and most cost effective way to learn from them.


Books. Many thought leaders have written books that distil their most important ideas. Expect to pay $15 to $40 per book, which represents exceptional value for the depth of insight you will receive.


Conferences and events. Agricultural conferences where these thought leaders speak typically cost $200 to $2,000 for registration. Major events like the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit or Regenerative Agriculture conferences feature many of the people on this list as speakers.


Consulting and advisory. For direct engagement, consulting fees vary widely. Independent consultants may charge $2,000 to $10,000 per day, while larger firms and corporate advisory engagements can be significantly more. For leadership facilitation and team development, professionals like Jonno White offer tailored packages for half day workshops, executive offsites, and keynotes.


Online courses and training. Several thought leaders offer online courses and training programs ranging from $50 to $500, covering topics from soil health to regenerative practices to agricultural business management.



Frequently Asked Questions


Who are the most influential thought leaders in agriculture right now?


The most influential thought leaders in agriculture span multiple disciplines. In regenerative farming, Gabe Brown, Allan Savory, and Ray Archuleta have shaped how farmers think about soil health and land management. In agtech, leaders like John C. May (Deere), Ponsi Trivisvavet (Inari), and Karsten Temme (Pivot Bio) are driving technological innovation. In food policy and food systems, Danielle Nierenberg (Food Tank) and Qu Dongyu (FAO) influence global conversations about food security and sustainability.


How can I connect with agriculture thought leaders?


The most accessible way to connect with agriculture thought leaders is through LinkedIn, where many of them are actively posting and engaging with followers. Attending agricultural conferences and events is another excellent way to hear them speak and network. Many thought leaders also host podcasts, webinars, and online communities where they interact with their audiences. For a more direct connection, consider reaching out through their organisations' websites.


What topics do agriculture thought leaders focus on?


Agriculture thought leaders cover a wide range of topics including regenerative agriculture, soil health, precision farming, agricultural technology, food policy, supply chain management, climate smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, livestock management, vertical farming, agricultural biotechnology, food justice, rural development, and agricultural economics. The specific focus depends on each leader's area of expertise and experience.


How is technology changing agriculture thought leadership?


Technology has dramatically expanded both the reach and the nature of agriculture thought leadership. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube have enabled farmers and innovators to share their ideas directly with global audiences. Podcasts have created a new medium for in depth agricultural conversation. Meanwhile, the rapid development of agtech, from AI and robotics to gene editing and biological inputs, has created entirely new areas of expertise and new voices in the conversation. Technology has also democratised thought leadership, allowing farmers with smartphones to reach audiences that previously required traditional media access.


Why should agricultural organisations invest in following thought leaders?


Following agriculture thought leaders helps organisations stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovations that could affect their operations. It provides access to diverse perspectives that can improve decision making, spark new ideas, and identify opportunities before competitors. For leadership teams, engaging with thought leaders on topics like team dynamics, organisational culture, and change management (areas where professionals like Jonno White specialise) can also improve internal effectiveness. In a rapidly changing industry, the organisations that invest in learning from the best thinkers tend to adapt faster and perform better.



Conclusion


Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and consequential industries on the planet, and the thought leaders featured in this guide are at the forefront of shaping its future. From regenerative farming pioneers who are proving that healthy soil is the foundation of productive agriculture, to agtech innovators building the robots, software, and biological products that will define the next era of farming, to policy leaders working to make food systems more equitable and resilient, these 50 individuals represent the breadth and depth of expertise driving the agriculture industry forward.


The challenges facing agriculture are enormous, but so are the opportunities. By following and learning from these thought leaders, you position yourself to make better decisions, discover new approaches, and contribute to a more sustainable, productive, and equitable food system.


If you are looking for support with leadership development, team building, or facilitation for your agricultural organisation, whether that is a half day workshop, an executive offsite, or a keynote, reach out to Jonno White at jonno@consultclarity.org and let's work out how to get your team operating at their best.



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