USDA announced a historic $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Selected RCPP projects will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand voluntary, locally led conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a new web-based tool on the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for companies that develop microbial biotechnology products. The tool provides a starting point for researchers and developers, especially those new to biotechnology product development, to navigate the regulatory requirements for genetically modified microorganisms.
Four start-up companies offering agricultural innovations have advanced to compete for a top prize of $100,000 in the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture through the contest.
EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics, has announced the integration of John Deere data into its EOSDA Crop Monitoring platform. This new feature simplifies the process of managing fields and field operations data, allowing platform users to automatically synchronize information such as field boundaries, fertilizer application, seeding, spraying, and harvesting directly from their John Deere Operations Center.
U.S. sales of Ag tractors decreased 19.2 percent in September 2024 compared to the year before, according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Sales of combines also fell during the month, dropping 40.7 percent compared to 2023.
With a new website resource from GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds), a public network of weed scientists are working to help farmers stem this epidemic by diversifying their weed management strategies with non-chemical weed control tactics, a strategy known as integrated weed management (IWM).
Doriane announces the launch of Bloomeo Biosolutions , a cutting-edge platform optimizes bioproduct performance. The software enhances data management, and reporting, using AI and statistical meta-analysis to identify factors affecting the effectiveness of biocontrol, biostimulant products and biofertilizers. Resulting from collaborative research across France and Europe, it aims to reduce agro-chemical use and empower sustainable agriculture.
Millborn Seeds, Inc., a family-owned seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for more than 37 years, continues their tradition of upholding the legacy of specialty seed businesses with the acquisition of Kaste Seed near Fertile, Minnesota.
Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc. proudly continues its support of the National FFA Organization through a three-year investment of $850,000. Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the annual contribution of $282,500 is strategically allocated to enhance the FFA’s broad programs. These funds are directed towards competitive event support for members, comprehensive professional development for advisors, and a notable scholarship of $10,000 for National FFA Officers at their service year’s end. The initiative also includes support for alumni chapters, strengthening the foundation for ongoing agricultural engagement and learning.
“All systems are ‘GO’ for our meeting in Fort Myers,” says Dave Mielnicki, Newmark Valuation and Advisory, Clarkson, Mich., chair of the 2024 Annual Conference for the American Society of Agricultural Consultants. “We’re happy to report our hotel received no damage from the recent hurricanes that ripped through the area. This means our program is on track for November 3 – 5.” The conference hotel, Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast, has recognized that members would have taken a wait-and-see approach to registering during that final week leading up to the October 12 deadline, so they have extended the room block, ASAC discount, food and beverage count deadlines to October 21. As a result, ASAC is able to extend the early registration fee to October 21 as well.
Marion Ag Service has added Dan Dumler to its executive team as Director of Sales and Distribution. Dumler brings 30 years of experience across agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets. Dumler will lead Marion Ag’s sales growth objectives with the help of his extensive network of relationships throughout distribution channels. In addition to driving the growth of aligned brands and technologies, including PurKote, Entrust Nutrition, and Pro-Pell-It!, he will explore synergistic distribution relationships that include seed on behalf of Marion Ag’s marketing consortium with Columbia Seeds.
A Michigan State University researcher has received a $394,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a solar power-based irrigation technology that improves energy- and water-use efficiency. Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, leads the three-year project.
At FIRA USA 2024, the Reservoir announced the first-ever on-farm robotics incubators, Reservoir Farms, set to open in the Central and Salinas Valleys in early 2025. This pioneering initiative significantly shifts how agricultural technology innovates through real-world testing environments, world-class resources, and critical industry partnerships.
