Episode 9 - Interview with Michael Ott CEO of Cquesta and former CEO and founder of Rantizo

Summary In this episode of Ag Uncensored, I interview Michael Ott, CEO of Cquesta and former CEO and founder of Rantizo. We discuss the use of drones in agriculture, specifically in the area of spraying crops. Michael shares his experience in the ag tech industry and how he got into drones and spraying. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the drone spraying market. Later in the conversation, we delve into Cquesta, a company that uses gene editing technology to modify root architecture in crops, allowing them to tolerate stress and store carbon underground. We discuss the potential of this technology in carbon sequestration and its integration into the existing agricultural system. In this conversation, Michael Ott and I discuss various topics related to agriculture technology and innovation. We touch on the importance of having principles in decision-making, the need for smart and targeted solutions in ag tech, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. We also discuss the role of data in agriculture, the value of partnerships and collaborations, and the future of ag tech. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for innovative solutions that address specific challenges in agriculture and the potential for technology to drive positive change.   Takeaways Drones are becoming more common in agriculture, particularly in the area of spraying crops. The reliability of drones and the ability to spray in specific areas have contributed to their increased adoption. Cquesta uses gene editing technology to modify root architecture in crops, allowing them to tolerate stress and store carbon underground. Cquesta aims to integrate their technology into the existing agricultural system, working with seed companies and farmers to provide a no-cost solution for carbon sequestration. The measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system can be used to quantify the carbon sequestration benefits of various technologies, including gene editing and microbial applications. Having principles in decision-making is important, especially in the ever-changing landscape of agriculture. Smart and targeted solutions are needed in ag tech to address specific challenges and optimize outcomes. Data plays a crucial role in agriculture, and leveraging it effectively can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes. Partnerships and collaborations are valuable in the ag tech industry, as they can bring together different expertise and resources to drive innovation. The future of ag tech holds great potential for solving complex problems and creating positive change in the industry.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 07:45 The Potential of Drone Application 24:04 The Future of Sequestra and Carbon Sequestration 31:37 Introduction and Laughter 39:22 The Value of Partnerships and Collaborations 58:44 End