Proof of Corn

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.

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

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              CLAUDE CODE (Brain)                │
│  • Aggregates sensor data + weather forecasts   │
│  • Makes planting, irrigation, harvest decisions│
│  • Coordinates human operators                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        │
       ┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
       ▼                ▼                ▼
   DATA INPUTS     ORCHESTRATION      OUTPUTS
   • IoT sensors   • Custom farmer    • Decision log
   • Weather API   • Seed supplier    • Commands
   • Satellite     • Equipment        • Actual corn

Timeline