Urban Fields Ag

This interview details Urban Fields Ag, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Cory Mahony, Owner of Urban Fields Ag.

‍

‍

What is the origin story of Urban Fields Ag?

‍

The idea for Urban Fields Agriculture started sometime in 2017 when I read an article on a new indoor farm opening up in California called Plenty. I was so intrigued I began learning everything I could about this amazing technology.

‍

‍

Once I had a basic grasp of it I began constructing a small system and all of my chef friends could get enough of what I was growing. I was raised in a very entrepreneurial family and so it was natural for me to then start planning a full fledged business. In September of 2019 I opened the doors of Urban Fields Agriculture and have been and pardon the pun but growing ever since. In early 2024 our new larger facility will come online and we will quadruple our output while attaining a much higher energy efficiency than we previously had.

‍

‍

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Urban Fields Ag in the future?

‍

Our biggest challenges going forward are adapting to managing a larger staff and a much wider distribution map while still maintaining the efficiency we need to succeed. Managing power consumption is also a major challenge that needs to be addressed and we will be looking into new technologies and techniques to minimize this.

‍

‍

What is unique about Urban Fields Ag compared to competitors? 

‍

Urban Fields Agriculture is a full bootstrapped operation. We aren’t crushed with debt or diluted in equity. We also realize that although technology can help us achieve our goals of growing better and more flavorful produce, we are not a technology company. We are an agricultural company and make decisions accordingly.

‍

‍

How do you measure the impact of Urban Fields Ag so far? (Revenue, Employees, Customer Quantity, Production Volume) etc? 

‍

Our top metrics for measuring company performance at the moment are revenue and per plant yield. Both of which have increased significantly since we started. In the future once things stabilize more system wise we will likely change this to nutritional value and physical appearance.

‍

‍

What is the current size of your growing area? 

‍

Currently 1000 sqft but we are moving to a 5000 sqft space in January.

‍

Do you use CO2 in your operation today -- if so, how much and what do you pay for it? What are your thoughts in CO2 usage in indoor farms? 

‍

No CO2 used at the moment. It's on the potential experimental list for the new facility.

‍

Energy is a big topic in indoor farming right now. How much do you pay for electricity (kWh)? Is it mainly from the grid or renewables?

‍

I am paying about $0.20 per KwH from the grid.

‍

‍

What have you learned that you wish you knew when you joined or started the company? 

‍

This list could be endless. Truthfully when I started Urban Fields I had only the most basic idea of what I was doing. Our system has undergone countless revisions and reconstructions as I learned more and came up with more efficient ways of doing things.

‍

Even to this day when a better way is presented plans are made to make alterations. I’d say the number one thing I wish I learned at the very beginning is how important strong, consistent germination strategies are and to make that a priority. I have had many headaches and “surprise” yield drops because I was too focused on other aspects of the system.

‍

‍

How can people connect with you or learn more about Urban Fields Ag?

‍

They can visit our website www.urbanfieldsag.com or our Instagram “Urbanfieldsag”

‍

‍

‍