In the realms of agriculture and venture capital, Carl Casale is a prominent figure whose four decades of experience have established him as a respected thought leader. His career is distinguished by leadership roles in globally influential companies, offering him a unique perspective on the transformative forces shaping global agricultural systems. As a fourth-generation farmer, Carl Casale has not only thrived in corporate boardrooms but also possesses an intrinsic understanding of which emerging ag tech companies can support sustainable food production while adding tangible value to farmers.
Carl Casale currently serves as a Senior Agricultural Partner in the field of venture capital. His expertise, cultivated over decades, allows him to drive innovation, execution, and opportunity within the agricultural and food industries. He plays a pivotal role at Ospraie Ag Science, the venture arm of Ospraie Management, where he collaborates with his partners to identify, execute, and guide venture-backed ag tech companies. Under his leadership, Ospraie Ag Science has invested in nineteen companies that empower farmers to achieve more with fewer resources. In addition to this role, he holds the position of Board Chairman for Ospraie Ag Science portfolio companies Agragene and Agrospheres. Recently, he also joined the board of Agricola Cerro Prieto (ACP), a leading grower, shipper, and packer of asparagus, avocados, and blueberries in Peru.
Carl Casale's career is a testament to his leadership and strategic thinking. His most notable role was as CEO and President of CHS, Inc., the largest farmer-owned agribusiness in the United States. During his seven-year tenure, CHS, Inc. experienced significant growth, with revenues reaching $40 billion. Casale's strategic management delivered $3 billion in returns to its owners and $9 billion in capital expenditures, nearly doubling the company's balance sheet size from $8.7 billion in 2010 to $17.3 billion by the end of fiscal 2016. His prudent fiscal management and enhancement of management systems were instrumental as CHS navigated the economic challenges of the last decade. Notably, he managed to reduce working capital by $400 million, which facilitated a $2.8 billion investment in CF Nitrogen. This investment resulted in an 80-year production agreement and created a significant new profit source for cooperative owners.Before his role at CHS, Inc., Carl Casale served as the Chief Financial Officer at Monsanto Company. His career at Monsanto began as a sales representative, and he steadily rose through the ranks to become the CFO. In this role, he led a comprehensive restructuring of the business, aligning the cost structure with all phases of the agricultural cycle. This restructuring led to significant reductions in operating expenses, saving the company hundreds of millions of dollars.
Carl Casale's philanthropic commitment is rooted in his belief in the transformative power of education. Having personally benefited from the experience of obtaining a college degree, he and his wife, Kim, established the One At a Time Foundation. This foundation supports students in need, helping them achieve their goal of obtaining a college degree. This charitable endeavor reflects Carl Casale's deep commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Beyond his professional achievements, Carl Casale and his wife, Kim, own and operate a 200-acre blueberry farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This connection to farming is a testament to his enduring commitment to agriculture and reflects his hands-on involvement in the field. The couple resides in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, where Carl balances his agricultural pursuits with his personal life.
Carl Casale's journey is marked by leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to agriculture. His impressive career history, charitable endeavors, and personal interests collectively paint a picture of a dynamic individual who continues to inspire and shape the future of agriculture and venture capital. As a visionary leader in these industries, Carl Casale stands as an example of excellence and commitment, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the agricultural and venture capital landscapes.