The Pantheon Innovation Theater in downtown Vincennes hosted an Ag Tech Showcase on Friday September 5th, bringing together farmers, educators, business leaders, and state agriculture officials to discuss technology and the future of farming in Knox County.

The event included a panel on agricultural economic development, featuring representatives from the Pantheon, the Knox County Indiana Economic Development board, AgriNovus Indiana, and local farmers. Labor shortages, food safety, and sustainability were among the main topics.

A homegrown startup took center stage as TerraForce, founded by Vincennes engineer and farmer Mike Jacob, demonstrated its robotic watermelon harvester. The machine uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify, grip, and place melons — a technology aimed at easing one of Knox County agriculture’s biggest challenges: the rising cost and availability of seasonal labor.

Jacob said the project was driven by conversations with local growers. “From substantial challenges come great opportunities. It’s extremely expensive to pick a watermelon, and labor is a huge burden. This technology allows us to invest in ourselves and control our own destiny as a farming community.”

More than 90 percent of the funding for TerraForce came from Knox County investors.

Drew Garretson, president of the Pantheon board and chair of its Ag Technology Committee, said connecting farmers with problem-solvers is at the heart of the mission. “We never dreamed that we’d be able to solve a problem like this, but we’re super excited that we can. It really comes down to listening to farmers and finding creative and smart people to solve the problems they have.”

Christy Wright, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana, praised the innovation and local support that made TerraForce possible. “Technology like this is just a very exciting advancement. Growers face challenges with labor and weather, and it’s great to see innovation being developed here that can scale up and meet those needs,” Wright said. She added, “What I see in Knox County is especially special. There are committed leaders here who want to incubate startups, ensure the community thrives, and give young people a place to build successful careers. What this community is doing is a great example for the rest of our state.”

Organizers say that local commitment, combined with new technology, positions the community to become a hub for agricultural innovation.