Many potato farms across North America face the dual challenge of productivity and profitability, and finding next-gen owners and teams. There’s a need to improve marketable yield, and growers’ quality of life through technology and efficiency gains.
Cellar Insights was co-founded by a sixth-generation New Brunswick potato grower intent on building a farm operation that is profitable and appealing for his kids and one that delivers predictable, high-quality potatoes for processors.
Four years ago, Ross Culberson used his 25 years of experience as a processing potato grower to begin experimenting with using technology to track and tune storage conditions to reduce shrink and spoilage.
Previous generations on his farm had relied on experience, instinct, visual and sniff test inspections to detect and limit shrink and rot. He was a top grower himself, using these methods, but the excess loss each year was punishing. He set up sensors to monitor conditions and alarm when out of range - when conditions were hit that he knew put the crop at harm.
What happened surprised him. He caught conditions he was missing without technology.
At first, he was skeptical of the new sensors. He measured and re-measured conditions thinking the sensors were wrong. They weren’t. So he’d take action to bring temperature, humidity or carbon dioxide levels back into ideal range.
As he learned to trust the technology, his annual yield rose by 3% and sometimes more.
After years of experimenting with smart facility monitoring himself, Ross felt it was time to offer the technology to others and test its possibilities. In early 2023, he attracted interest from Carrot Ventures, who recruited CEO Terry Sydoryk to join Cellar Insights.
Ross is a sixth-generation potato grower with a particular interest in using technology to streamline production and post-harvesting processes. He owns a potato farm in Eastern Canada and a small equipment dealership. With multiple years of awards from McCains as a top producer, Ross has a track record of cultivating high-quality potatoes. He is passionate about developing technologies to equip the next generation of farmers to produce more with better quality of life.
Terry has over 30 years of leadership experience in the technology industry, largely focused on company creation and growth. He's led multiple early-stage technology companies, four with successful outcomes. Most recently, he was CEO of Chaordix until Benevity acquired it. Terry also frequently supports business teams as a mentor, board member or angel investor.
Experienced CEO and builder of multiple early-stage technology companies, four with successful outcomes.
Seasoned investor and tech company builder driving commercial results for 15+ years.
Venture investor delivering innovation across a diverse portfolio, now focused on AgTech company formation.
