- Bayer announced the launch of Testing4Ag, a new program which allows research scientists from around the world to submit novel chemistries to Bayer for testing in hopes of identifying potential new modes of action to control fungal diseases, insect pests, or weeds. Testing4Ag, a part of Bayer’s Open4Ag partnership development and innovation approach, seeks to develop the newest generation of crop protection products that safely and sustainably address the changing needs of producers.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $225 million in available funding for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture.
- Insignum AgTech and Verility Inc., two companies founded by Purdue University alumni, have received $100,000 each from the Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund.
- Reversing decades of practice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking meaningful action to further the Agency’s compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when evaluating and registering new pesticide active ingredients (AIs). Effective Jan. 11, 2022, before EPA registers any new conventional AI, the Agency will evaluate the potential effects of the AI on federally threatened or endangered species, and their designated critical habitats, and initiate ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, as appropriate.
- David Hula, the world record holder for corn yield, has done it again, posting a tremendous yield of more than 600 bushels/acre in the 2021 NCGA National Corn Yield Contest. Hula used five BRANDT products on this year’s 602 bushel/acre crop.
- At the company’s annual Winter Conference, Precision Planting, LLC, revealed projects focused on improving the operation and data collection of sprayers. As a dominant player in planting technologies, this announcement marks the company’s first move into sprayer technology.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a 60-day comment period requesting public comments on the sixth proposed rule in an ongoing series of revisions to the pesticide crop grouping regulations. The comment period for the proposed rule will be open in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0766 at www.regulations.gov.
- Heliae® Agriculture announced the award of 80 acres worth of PhycoTerra® soil microbial food to Joe Sperfslage, a no-till grower from Coggin, Iowa. The prize was announced at the 30th Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, where PhycoTerra® was a title sponsor.
- America’s Cultivation Corridor announced its new slate of board officers for the 2022-23 leadership term. Cory Reed, President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, John Deere, will serve as chair of the board of directors. Kevin Rasmussen, Owner of Owl Lake Production Company and board member of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, will serve as vice-chair; and Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University, will serve as secretary.
