Shane Thomas
Shane Thomas is an Agribusiness Analyst for Upstream Ag Insights, a weekly newsletter providing curated news and evergreen insights and analysis at the intersection of innovation and business in agriculture.
Robotics | Automation
February 18, 2025
Carbon Robotics Introduces G2 Product Line: Will Laser Weeding Eliminate Herbicides in Row Crops?
While this marks a notable step beyond high-value specialty crops, challenges remain in speed, cost, and integration with existing farm operations.
Digital Farming
February 10, 2025
Language Model Capacity and Agronomic Prowess: Are We Measuring What Matters?
Model intelligence is only one consideration for how AI is going to be valuable and impact agribusinesses, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Digital Farming
January 30, 2025
From Chatbots to Digital Teammates: How AI Agents Fit Into Agribusiness
Analyst Shane Thomas delves into the evolution of AI agents and how their potential to augment agribusiness professionals will become clear over time.
Digital Farming
January 20, 2025
5 Technology Patents from John Deere and What They Might Mean for the Future of Precision Agriculture
One of Deere’s defining features is its patent portfolio, which provides insight into its strategic priorities and technological advancements, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Digital Farming
December 16, 2024
5 Insights from John Deere’s Virtual Agronomy Summit on See & Spray Technology
From advancements in speed to the integration of weed pressure mapping, Deere is redefining precision agronomy with See & Spray.
Digital Farming
December 9, 2024
Companies Evolve Industries, Ag Technologies Do Not
It’s not the technology that drives change, it's a company's unique integration and application of that technology, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Analytics
November 26, 2024
How Indigo Ag and Truterra’s Collaboration Seeks Clarity in Sustainability Programs
Analyst Shane Thomas discusses how Indigo Ag and Truterra’s recent collaboration seeks to reduce confusion for farmers and buyers.
Digital Farming
November 18, 2024
Why Distraction Is the Most Overlooked Issue for Agtech Companies Struggling with Global Expansion
Diverting focus to a new market strains leadership teams and increases operational complexity, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Digital Farming
November 13, 2024
Is a Super App Possible in North American Agriculture?
Creating a true super app in North American agriculture faces significant structural and cultural hurdles, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Digital Farming
November 4, 2024
Greeneye’s Partnership with Croplands Shows Commitment to Global Market Expansion
Greeneye's expansion into Australia could drive adoption of its AI-powered precision spraying system in new markets.
Digital Farming
October 30, 2024
From Chatbots to Digital Teammates: How AI Agents Fit Into Agribusiness
As agents evolve, their potential to augment agribusiness professionals will become clear, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Analytics
October 22, 2024
Making Sense of the Syngenta-Taranis Partnership
Analyst Shane Thomas delves into the complexities that often accompany digital partnerships like the recent Syngenta-Taranis collaboration.
Digital Farming
October 15, 2024
Rethinking the Financing of Agtech Innovation: Is Venture Capital the Best Path Forward?
To better support agtech innovation, there is a growing call for alternative funding models, says analyst Shane Thomas.
Analytics
October 7, 2024
Ensuring a Bias-Free AI Experience With Syngenta’s Cropwise AI and Other GenAI Systems
Shane Thomas shares insight into why bias-free AI recommendations could be challenging for companies like Syngenta to achieve, but not impossible.
Robotics | Automation
October 1, 2024
Navigating the Impact of Precision Spraying on the Crop Input Market
John Deere’s "See & Spray" is a great example of progress in precision spraying, but also highlights the complexity of integrating it into farming operations.
Analytics
September 30, 2024
Disrupting Agronomy? Mental Models for Why the Future of Agronomy Is AI-Augmented Not Automated
Maintaining a "human-in-the-loop" approach ensures farmers can confidently adopt AI-driven tools while still relying on agronomists for personalized advice.
Analytics
September 16, 2024
Why the Bayer-AgVend Partnership Sets the Stage for Further Digital Collaboration
Analyst Shane Thomas says deal could be a step towards deeper data integration leading to other partnership opportunities surrounding the supply chain.
Digital Farming
September 9, 2024
What’s Next for Ceres AI Following Rebranding?
Analyst Shane Thomas provides insight into Ceres Imaging rebranding to Ceres AI and its expansion into financial services.
Digital Farming
September 3, 2024
Making Sense of the EarthOptics, Pattern Ag Merger
Analyst Shane Thomas provides insight into the recent merger between EarthOptics and Pattern Ag and its impact on soil health digitalization.
Top Stories
Digital Farming
June 13, 2025
Smart Spraying Takes Root: Agriculture Spraying Equipment Market Grows With Precision And Sustainability At The Core
In-Field Technologies
June 12, 2025
Spain: Over 400 Researchers From 43 Countries to Convene at the European Conference on Precision Agriculture
Market Watch
June 11, 2025