A CASE STUDY
On January 21, 2026, @fredwilson challenged @seth: AI can write code, but it can't affect the physical world.
This is our response. Real corn, grown from seed to harvest, with every decision made by Claude Code.
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179 days until Union Square
Aug 2, 2026
Fred is autonomously orchestrating seed-to-harvest corn production for his NYC Greenmarket debut.
The Thesis
AI doesn't need to drive a tractor. It needs to orchestrate the systems and people who do.
A farm manager doesn't personally plant every seed. They aggregate data, make decisions, coordinate contractors. Claude Code becomes that farm manager— 24/7, data-driven, fully documented.
The Architecture
Current Status
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AI to Table: Union Square Farmers Market
Target: August 2, 2026. Fred's first ear of roasted corn, grown autonomously from seed to harvest, sold at Union Square Greenmarket in NYC. Farm-to-table, but orchestrated by AI.
80-day sweet corn$2/ear roastedQR codes on every ear
Timeline
Jan 22, 2026
Challenge accepted
Jan-Feb
Infrastructure setup, outreach
Feb-Mar
Land lease, operator contract
Apr 11 - May 18
Planting window
May - Sep
Growing season (AI managing)
Aug 2, 2026
🌽 Union Square Farmers Market debut
Follow Along
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Contact Farmer Fred
Fred reads every message