Robert Saik

Founder & CEO of AGvisorPRO

A lifetime entrepreneur, recognized in 2021 as one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Influential Agriculture Leaders, Robert has been sought for his expertise from the likes of Bill Gates, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, The International Fertilizer Association and most recently the UN_FAO Committee on World Food Security. A sought after keynote and author of “FOOD 5.0 How We Feed The Future”, Robert has leveraged his passion for innovation to found and lead many organizations in the areas of farming, ag retail, fertilizer manufacturing and distribution, consulting, precision agriculture, data management, and robotics. As Founder of Agri-Trend/Agri-Data (now Trimble) and as CEO of DOT Technology Corp (now Raven), Robert has a unique ability to identify and address “white space” he sees in the agricultural sector. Now, as Founder & CEO of AGvisorPRO, his team is creating a global connectivity channel to increase agriculture sustainability, farm profitability and enhance global food security.

Jonah Kolb

President, Moore & Warner Ag Group, LLC

Jonah Kolb leads business development and consulting initiatives at Moore & Warner Ag Group, working with private and institutional investors to build direct farmland portfolios. He also advises start-ups, private equity, and venture capital funds pursuing opportunities in production agriculture and agribusiness. His professional experience includes evaluating agricultural big data technology and trends, business development at Cargill, risk management for CF Industries, and consulting and private equity in agriculture and renewable energy.

Michael has been active in the Digital transformation of Agriculture since 1994, as it continues to evolve from Precision technologies to Decision based systems with a careers experience of implementing electronics for automation from planting through harvest. As Vice President of Strategic Business Development – Agriculture for Topcon his responsibilities combine strategic relationships, product development and business strategy to drive growth. His personal experience includes utilizing technologies of measurement; optical, sonic, and positioning toward improving in field efficiency and is a co-inventor on patents for Auto Steering, Sensors and User Interface. In support of developing a stronger industry, Michael currently serves on the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Ag sector board, co-chairs the councils for Ag Innovation & Future of Food and serves on the Regulatory council. He received bi-partisan endorsement in being appointed to serve a 2^nd term on the federal taskforce for the Connectivity & Technology needs of Precision Agriculture in the USA under the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). He is a founding board member of Ag Data Coalition not for profit corporation and has served as moderator of Germany’s VDI conference on Connected Off Highway vehicles 2018-2021. Michael is frequently a guest speaker at conferences and podcasts on Precision Agriculture or related subjects.

As a native of California, he has familiarity with vegetable crop production and irrigation of the Western US. Michael holds a BS from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; MBA from Golden Gate University, graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program (Class 33) and has also been recognized as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He and his wife Kara have a daughter and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and beef cattle ranching in their spare time.

About Topcon Positioning Group
Topcon Positioning Group is headquartered in Livermore, California, USA (topconpositioning.com). Topcon Positioning Group design, manufacture and distribute precise positioning products and measurement solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, BIM, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets.  Its brands include Topcon, Sokkia, Tierra, Wachendorff Elektronik, Digi-Star, RDS Technology, NORAC and 2LS. Topcon Corporation (topcon.com), founded in 1932, is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (7732).

Allan Fetters

Principal, AGceleration Advisory Service

Allan is a third-generation agriculturist hailing from California’s bountiful San Joaquin Valley. With a lifelong passion for agriculture, he boasts an extensive background in production agriculture, the crop input value chain, and agricultural technologies. For over three decades, Allan has been dedicated to serving growers and agricultural dealers, providing them with top-notch crop inputs and services. His career has been diverse and multifaceted, spanning from sales and company management to technology implementation and farming. Throughout the years, he has played a pivotal role in generating and utilizing data-driven insights, enabling the industry to make informed decisions and embrace innovative technologies.  

Currently, Allan is the Principal at AGceleration Advisory Service, a business consulting firm. In this capacity, he is at the forefront of driving innovation and progress in agriculture. He is a trusted advisor to start-ups, investors, farmers, and industry professionals, guiding them in the development, comprehension, and seamless integration of revolutionary technologies and solutions that bolster farm productivity and sustainability. Additionally, he is an astute strategist, crafting business plans that empower stakeholders along the agricultural value chain. His adeptness in positioning, commercialization, and value creation allows businesses to flourish, benefiting the entire agricultural community.  

Allan received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a licensed Pest Control Advisor.

Vonnie Estes

VP of Innovation, International Fresh Produce Association

Vonnie’s role as VP of Innovation at International Fresh Produce Association is to bring technology to the produce industry across the supply chain, bridging the gap between technology innovators and producers to identify and solve pressing needs. Her career has been driven by a passion for agriculture, technology, and sustainability. She has held leadership roles with some of the largest multinational organizations along with start-ups.

Vonnie is a sought-after voice in the ag industry, speaking and publishing frequently. She produces an insightful weekly Podcast “Fresh Takes on Tech” on technology and solutions in the Produce Industry and manages the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator bringing new technologies into the industry.  She also chairs the Technology and CEA Councils for IFPA pulling the industry together on important topics to those sectors. She sits on three start-up company board of directors (Creatus Bio, Kula Bio and Stony Creek Colors) in addition to advisory and government boards.

Vonnie earned a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from New Mexico State University and a master of science degree in plant pathology from University of California, Davis. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization awarded her with the fourth annual Rosalind Franklin Award for Leadership in Industrial Biotechnology in 2017, an award recognizing women who make lasting contributions in the field of biotechnology.