Proof of Corn

459 points by rocauc a day ago on hackernews | 301 comments

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

Current Status

Weather API● Operational

First DecisionWAIT (Iowa: 78 days) or PIVOT (Texas: now)

Outreach10 emails sent, awaiting responses

LandSearching (Polk County, IA)

Total Spent$12.99

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)

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