Farming the Future: Navigating the Agri-Tech Revolution

As growers continue to be presented with new and fast-changing developments in agricultural technology, join this workshop as innovation specialists discuss trends in agri-tech, including precision agriculture, advanced robotics, and the emerging artificial intelligence revolution, and learn how to determine which technology can further advance efficiency and profitability on your farm or ranch.

Speakers:

• Brett Sciotto, CEO, Idealyst Innovation
• Joe Waddell, Industry and Innovation Officer, Horizon Farm Credit
• Gatlin Didier, Oklahoma Farmer and Social Media Content Creator

Moderator:

• Chase Hieneman, Managing Director, Industry Relations, AFBF

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Speaker Details

Brett Sciotto

Brett Sciotto is the founder and CEO of Idealyst Innovation, a firm empowering American farmers and ranchers by solving on-farm challenges and unlocking new opportunities through innovation, delivered by their most trusted partners.

Before launching Idealyst, Brett founded and led Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm specializing in agri-food that was named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former Army Intelligence Officer, Brett Sciotto brings a practical, results-oriented approach to the civilian business world. His training in, and emphasis on, mission-critical information-gathering and targeted research methodologies make him unique in his approach to problem-solving in a corporate environment.

With over two decades of leadership and service to Agriculture, Brett's deep understanding of the dynamics facing our industry, clear view of the future, and relentless pursuit of solutions that strengthen American Food Power make him a trusted advisor to corporate leaders, government officials, and state and national organizations at all levels.

Joe Waddell

Joe is the Industry & Innovation Officer at Horizon Farm Credit, where he serves as a futurist and industry relations leader for the agricultural sector. In this role, he identifies and analyzes emerging trends, forecasts their impact on the market, and helps shape the future of agriculture by connecting innovation with farmers and rural communities. He also supports Horizon Farm Credit’s Rural Business Investment Company portfolio, evaluating private equity funds designed to strengthen businesses that serve agriculture and rural America. Joe brings a unique blend of technical expertise and industry experience to his work. He was raised on a dairy farm and earned a degree in mechanical engineering before starting his career as a test engineer at CNH Industrial. Joe later advanced into a sales and marketing role as a High Horsepower Tractor Product Specialist at Case IH, where he bridged the gap between complex machinery and customer needs. This background enables him to translate cutting-edge innovations into practical opportunities for agriculture.

Gatlin Didier

Gatlin Didier is a creator, actor, entrepreneur, and fourth-generation Oklahoman whose storytelling celebrates the humor, grit, and heart of rural America. Best known for his viral characters — including Granny Bibbins, Gate Bart, and his farm-life persona Darrell Bibbins — Gatlin has built a digital empire with more than 8 million followers and billions of video views across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. His content blends sharp comedy, ranch culture, and everyday country life, making him one of the most recognizable voices in modern rural entertainment. Gatlin has also appeared in film and television, including roles in projects like 1883, bringing his authentic Western background to the screen. Beyond entertainment, Gatlin is the co-founder of Didier Ranch, a premium ranch-to-table beef company delivering high-quality, Oklahoma-raised beef nationwide. He continues to expand into consumer products such as jerky, beef sticks, and lifestyle merchandise — all grounded in the values of hard work, tradition, and family. Through his media company, Didier Inc., Gatlin produces original content highlighting agriculture, ranching heritage, and the real stories of rural communities that often go unseen. His mission is simple but powerful: celebrate the ranching lifestyle, uplift rural America, and remind people that tradition still matters in a rapidly changing world. Whether he’s making people laugh, advocating for ag producers, or building generational opportunity, Gatlin Didier is redefining what it means to be a modern Western storyteller.

Chase Hieneman

Chase Hieneman joined the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in 2022 and currently serves as the Managing Director, Industry Relations. In his role, Chase leads the Industry Relations team in driving strategic collaboration across the food, fiber, and renewable fuel supply chain; fostering agricultural innovation; and building enduring partnerships that advance the organization’s mission and resources.

Over his career, Chase has been involved in a wide range of public policy issue areas, providing him a clear understanding of how government actions directly impact industry and consumers. He has over a decade of experience working in federal government affairs, and previously held positions at The Carlyle Group, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, and Republic Consulting.

Chase holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Kentucky and lives in Washington, D.C.