Stu Bradbury is a Strategy Adviser at Sprout Agritech Accelerator, New Zealand’s top-rated ag startup accelerator. They back startups that offer bold and innovative solutions to some of agriculture’s biggest problems. Stu’s role is to identify their country’s most promising startup companies as well as mentor and help them grow to success. He has extensive experience in product commercialization and services in the agricultural sector.   Stu joins me today to discuss the ag startup economy in New Zealand as well as how their company’s accelerator programs work. He shares his career background, his experience starting an irrigation company, and his experience working with Sprout. He describes what they look for in a startup as well as what those startups can expect from their programs. Stu also shares how Sprout initially conducted their marketing strategies.   Stay tuned for our Five-Minute Farmer segment with Jana Hocken, author of The Lean Dairy Farm.         You need to understand how your product or service affects your customer's life; how they're going to live with it.” - Stu Bradbury         This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Stu's academic and career background and his entrepreneurial journey. Why agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand. New Zealand's drive for the numerous agricultural inventions and innovations. Why he focused on irrigation tech more than other systems. What he would have done differently if he knew the resources available when he was starting out. What it's like to work with Sprout AgriTech and what they look for in startups.       Resources Mentioned:   Episode 63 - Travel The World Learning About Agriculture with Nuffield Scholar Matt Hocken       Connect with Stu Bradbury:   Sprout Agritech Accelerator LinkedIn             We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!    The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.      Join the Conversation! To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message!   Share the Ag-Love!    Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!    Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram