Building the Data Foundation: Modernizing Ag from the Ground Up

Vonnie Estes hosts Seana Day, CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery, on "Fresh Takes on Tech." Seana shares her journey from investment banking to leading a longstanding tree nursery business, tackling challenges of modernizing legacy systems. Discover how Shauna used her tech and finance background to revolutionize the nursery industry, focusing on data-driven decision-making and enhancing customer outcomes. The conversation delves into integrating AI and technology to address implementation challenges in agtech, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders. Tune in for a comprehensive look at transforming traditional agricultural practices.Key TakeawaysSeana Day transitioned from investment banking to agtech innovation, eventually becoming CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery, showcasing her diverse career in finance and agriculture.The critical role of a nursery in the specialty crop supply chain is often underestimated, as nurseries are integral in helping growers select and commercialize fruit and nut varieties.Modernizing an agribusiness like Dave Wilson Nursery involves creating a comprehensive data backbone, evolving from outdated systems to a more agile, technology-enabled operation.Successfully driving change in a nursery business requires strong leadership, effective communication, and involving staff in the design and implementation processes.Agtech companies often falter in implementation and onboarding; treating these aspects with the same care as product development can greatly enhance adoption and succesGuest ResourcesSeana Day is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in investment banking, agtech innovation, and agriculture. She has worked at the intersection of technology, finance, and agribusiness, transitioning from evaluating agricultural technologies to hands-on leadership as the CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery. Her career spans roles across investment banking, agtech investment strategies, and advisory capacities. At Dave Wilson Nursery, she brings her expertise to revitalize and innovate within this longstanding tree nursery business, applying her knowledge to drive modernization and operational transformation.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/