Data Analytics Solution of the Year” 2026 in Agtech Breakthrough Awards 2026
Farm labor is the most critical challenge AgTech startups are working to solve right now, through automation, small-scale robotics, and labor management software, according to Mikayla Mooney, Partner at Ag Startup Engine. In this AgTalks conversation, she covers where AgTech innovation is heading, why ERP adoption is hard in agriculture, and the practical role of AI on farms.
Starting her journey from family farms in Iowa, Mikayla’s roots in agriculture run deep. She channeled her passion into launching a food-tech startup while studying at Iowa State University, creating solar-powered dehydration solutions for smallholder farmers, a mission that took her to Eastern Africa, deeply immersing her in global farming challenges.
When COVID reshaped the world, it also reshaped her career. She transitioned into venture capital, initially with a generalist fund, but eventually returned to agriculture this time leading investment initiatives at Ag Startup Engine.
Today, Mikayla is empowering promising AgTech startups by providing early-stage funding, strategic guidance, and industry connections.
AgriERP: Which challenges are AgTech startups mainly addressing today?
Mikayla: Agricultural Labor Management is a critical issue right now, and many startups are creating innovative solutions to tackle this challenge. The problem goes beyond a mere shortage of workers; it’s about optimizing and automating operations to use effective labor management. Technologies like small-scale robotics and software solutions are increasingly important as farmers grapple with limited availability and rising labor cost.
AgriERP: Apart from labor, what other key areas are startups innovating?
Mikayla: We’re seeing exciting innovations in crop optimization particularly with biological inputs, microbiome research, and advanced plant genetics aimed at boosting yields sustainably. Livestock and animal health sectors are also critical areas of innovation, especially around biosecurity and disease prevention.
Mikayla pointed out that sometimes the most impactful AgTech innovations address needs farmers haven’t fully realized yet, highlighting the importance of proactive, rather than reactive, innovation.
AgriERP: What’s the biggest challenge for AgTech startups reaching farmers?
Mikayla: The greatest barrier for AgTech startups is demonstrating clear, practical value. Farmers need proof that technology genuinely improves their operations. Startups that succeed invest significant effort into building relationships directly with farmers, learning, testing, and iterating based on real-world feedback.
AgriERP: How significant is AI’s role in agriculture right now?
Mikayla: AI has potential, but the agricultural sector relies heavily on relationships. Farmers want trusted interactions. AI’s real value in AgTech today lies in reducing startup overhead, streamlining processes, and helping innovators bring effective solutions to market faster and more affordably, not replacing personal interactions entirely.
AgriERP: Why is ERP adoption challenging in agriculture?
Mikayla: ERP systems face challenges due to the fragmented nature of agriculture. Farming practices vary widely, making it difficult for a single ERP solution to effectively serve everyone, from Midwest row-crop farmers to specialty producers in California. Systems that succeed are flexible and highly customizable.
AgriERP: How essential is data-driven decision-making in agriculture today?
Mikayla: Leveraging data is essential. Without reliable data, solutions risk being disconnected from farmers’ real-world needs. Data enables AgTech startups to refine their products continuously, ensuring that they genuinely solve problems and create measurable value.
Final Thoughts:
Our conversation with Mikayla offered valuable insights, reinforcing the importance of farmer-centric innovation and pragmatic technology adoption. In her view, today’s agricultural landscape presents unparalleled opportunities, especially amid evolving challenges like labor shortages, Farm Labor Management and efficiency gaps.
What’s Next?
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