Through photosynthesis, it can be said that the whole world runs on sugar! See how organic matter is the glue that holds soil together through the demonstration of a Slake Test.
A Great Light Carrying On
Rob Trice, 1967 – 2026, at TomKat Ranch
We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved friend, collaborator, neighbor, and adoring husband of our Ranch Director, Wendy Millet, Rob Trice, passed away on February 19, 2026, after a brief illness while traveling for work in Europe.
Rob had a gift that the world seems to need now more than ever: he could meaningfully connect people, ideas, and sectors that do not usually find one another easily. He was an inspiring presence, a joyful collaborator, a generous storyteller, and a tireless ambassador for food and agriculture in the technology and finance sectors as well as everywhere he went. We had the privilege of experiencing that gift up close, and it indelibly shaped our work.
As the driving force behind Better Food Ventures, The Mixing Bowl, COSSAF and his very own “Tricicles”, a fruity ice pop, as well as being self-appointed ‘Social Director’ or ‘Parking Director’ at TomKat Ranch (reflecting his wonderful sense of humor), he built bridges between farmers, technologists, investors, and institutions, always pushing for practical progress and real-world impact. He backed more than 25 companies, helped shape the early identity of agrifoodtech, and was widely known around the globe as a generous “super-connector” whose introductions and probing questions led to new and lasting collaborations.
Most importantly, Rob carried a deep warmth that made people feel truly seen and welcomed. He could effortlessly befriend cowboys or CEOs, shoot the breeze with community elders, or play with kids at the farmers market. He loved big ideas, but he loved people even more, and he had a priceless gift for enlarging and uplifting every conversation and community he joined.
We will miss Rob dearly and strive to bring his spirit of connection and innovation into all we do.
Plans for a celebration of Rob’s life will be announced in due course.
For those inclined to do so, please consider a donation to BITE: Building Impact Through Eaters [wearebite.org], Fresh Approach [www.freshapproach.org], or the San Mateo Resource Conservation District [sanmateorcd.org] that helped Rob seed pollinator-friendly flowers across their property, Willow View Ranch.
Thank you, Rob, for everything.
