Precision Ag News 8/26

Carrie Muehling

  • Fast Ag Solutions, a leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of application equipment, has entered into an agreement with PTx which allows growers to order Precision Planting SymphonyNozzle and SymphonyVision products factory installed on Fast Sprayers, starting with orders in January of 2026.
  • MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, announced it has won the 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Award for Overall Smart Irrigation Solution. The honor recognizes MyLand’s groundbreaking innovation that transforms traditional irrigation into a powerful tool for soil health restoration and farm resilience.
  • PowerPollen, the leader in breakthrough pollination technology for increased agricultural productivity and profitability, announced the launch of its next-generation fully autonomous AI-enabled precision pollen application system — a breakthrough designed to transform large-scale seed and grain crop pollination. Unveiled during a field demonstration with investors, customers, government officials and growers, the new machines build on the company’s patented pollination technology stack to deliver commercial-scale collection, preservation and application at lower cost, higher efficacy, and reduced input requirements.
  • Intelinair, the maker of AGMRI and a leader in ag data analytics and precision agriculture technology, announced it has been named the 2025 “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” by AgTech Breakthrough. The honor is part of the 5th Annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program, which recognizes the most innovative companies, technologies, and products transforming global agriculture and food technology. This marks the second consecutive year Intelinair has received this award.
  • Bushel, a software company focused on agriculture, announced it has been selected as “Farm Management Solution of the Year” in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today.
  • Koch Agronomic Services announces their liquid foliar product, OPTRIENT™ MoCo-Ni, is now available to growers for use in a variety of row and specialty crops across the U.S. Previously only available for fruit and nut trees, OPTRIENT MoCo-Ni improves nitrogen utilization, mitigates stress and optimizes crop performance by delivering a targeted application of molybdenum, cobalt and nickel.
  • John Deere announced the start of a strategic collaboration with the Reservoir, a California-based agricultural technology on-farm incubator platform that brings together grower networks and deep tech R&D studios to accelerate innovation in high-value crop (HVC) agriculture.
  • Registration is open for the 2025 Great Plains Water Conference held in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 18 and 19. For more information about the conference, speakers, and registration, visit go.unl.edu/waterconference.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced the Top Ten agritech startups selected for its inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge, a global competition recognizing scalable, science-based innovations advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The semi-finalists were selected from nearly 400 submissions spanning 65 countries across all hemispheres.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    2025 Farm Progress Show Day 1

    Chuck Zimmerman

    2025 Farm Progress ShowI always like to find a morning farm scene as the sun starts to rise at the Farm Progress Show. On the way to the show I saw this and had to stop and snap a photo. It’s a gorgeous morning and looks like we’re going to have great weather. When I left Springfield, IL this morning it was 49 degrees. What a nice change from the hot temps.

    I’ll be conducting interviews, taking photos and recording some stage audio. That will all be posted to our virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire.

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    Farm Progress Show

    Animal Ag News 8/22

    Carrie Muehling

  • The 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is less than six months away and has surpassed 629,000 square feet of exhibit space and secured more than 1,130 exhibitors. It is the largest trade show floor ever in IPPE’s history, and there is more to come.
  • The White House announced a United States-European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. The administration stated the Framework Agreement aims to resolve trade imbalances and maximize the U.S. and EU’s combined economic power in an ongoing process to improve market access and increase the U.S./EU trade and investment relationship. National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, thanked the administration for including U.S. pork.
  • The dairy checkoff is doubling down on one of the most critical windows of human development – the “First 1,000 Days” – with a multichannel strategy that positions dairy as essential for optimal brain growth and cognitive development from conception through a child’s second birthday. The initiative includes promotion across third-party media outlets and the checkoff’s consumer-facing USDairy.com site.
  • The meat science discipline has advanced by leaps and bounds under Dr. Gary Smith’s guidance. From food safety to quality beef production, it could be argued that his research findings helped save the beef industry in some of its most challenging times. College students were educated, inspired and trained to be top-notch leaders. The “Dean of Meat Scientists,” a renowned researcher and educator, has never shied away from getting in the trenches and putting in the work. For the indelible mark he left on meat science and the beef community, Smith earned the 2025 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Industry Achievement Award, presented at CAB’s Feeding Quality Forum in Rochester, Minn., on August 24.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins at the Texas State Capitol alongside Governor Greg Abbott and stakeholders from across the country announced the largest initiative yet in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS). This announcement builds upon USDA’s five-pronged plan issued in June to combat the northward spread of NWS from Mexico into the United States.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced continued support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) aggressive plan to combat the spread of New World screwworm by ramping up construction of a sterile fly distribution facility alongside a production facility at Moore Air Base in south Texas.
  • The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) will host a timely and critical New World Screwworm symposium September 24-25, 2025 to address the growing threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) to U.S. animal populations. USAHA is pleased to collaborate with The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) to provide a solutions-based effort to help inform stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation should it reach the U.S.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is set to begin data collection efforts for the quarterly Hogs and Pigs Survey. The survey will collect market hog and breeding stock inventories, farrowing intentions, and information on the latest pig crop. Producers should receive the survey questionnaire in late August and can respond via the Internet, by mail, or by fax. Producers who don’t respond in one of those ways will have the opportunity to complete the survey via telephone or personal interview. NASS will publish survey results in the quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on Sept. 25, 2025. These and all NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is seeking nominations for its FARM Farmer Advisory Council, uplifting farmer voices and helping shape the future of the FARM Program. FARM will accept nominations until Sept. 15; new members will be notified by Oct. 15.
  • Halter, the world’s leading virtual fencing and guidance system for cattle, has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its charitable arm, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands (APL), to expand joint rancher and public access to BLM-managed public lands. As the largest land manager in the U.S., BLM’s collaboration with Halter marks a major milestone in bringing virtual fencing to working ranches, advancing land stewardship and grazing efficiency. The partnership includes $2.7 million in funding to support ranchers using Halter on BLM-managed land.
  • Arkion Life Sciences announced the promotion of two executives in its EgCel® IgY Technology business unit. Shawn W. Jones, PhD, has been promoted to Director of Innovation & Manufacturing, EgCel IgY Technology and Michelle Tollefson has been promoted to Director of Commercialization, EgCel IgY Technology.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    MyLand Wins 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Award

    Chuck Zimmerman

    MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, today announced it has won the 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Award for Overall Smart Irrigation Solution. The honor recognizes MyLand’s groundbreaking innovation that transforms traditional irrigation into a powerful tool for soil health restoration and farm resilience.

    MyLand redefines the role of irrigation in modern agriculture from a simple utility to a dynamic regenerative system that fosters healthier soils and more resilient farms.This award underscores the significance of integrating biology-first solutions with existing agricultural practices, providing measurable on-farm benefits without burdening the farmer.

    With thousands of nominations submitted from around the globe, MyLand stood out for its unique approach to improving soil health. The company’s patented in-field Systems connect directly to a farm’s existing irrigation infrastructure and introduce live, native microalgae into the water stream. As growers irrigate, microalgae are delivered directly to the soil. Growers see benefits across the board, including enhanced water use efficiency, higher yields, better quality produce, and increased resilience to stress.

    MyLand Wins 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Award“This is more than a technological innovation. It’s a shift in how we approach farm infrastructure and soil health,” said Dane Hague, MyLand Co-Founder and CEO. “Healthy soil is foundational to a farm’s success. By empowering growers to easily and rapidly improve soil health, MyLand is reshaping what’s possible in agriculture.”

    Solving Water Scarcity and Soil Health Challenges

    MyLand’s Soil as a Service™ model addresses urgent challenges faced by growers in water-scarce regions, particularly in the Southwestern United States where over-irrigation is often necessary to combat soil salinity. By restoring natural biological processes in the soil, MyLand enables farmers to optimize irrigation efficiency while enhancing long-term resilience.

    “MyLand is transforming irrigation into a regenerative tool,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, AgTech Breakthrough. “MyLand’s biology-first, irrigation-powered solution delivers measurable on- farm benefits. With the MyLand System, irrigation is made smarter by turning it into a delivery system for living biology and long-term resilience, amplifying a farm’s live, native microalgae to create healthier soil. Congratulations on being our pick for ‘Overall Smart Irrigation Solution of the Year!’”

    Importantly, the MyLand System requires no change in grower practices. The unit is fully installed, managed, and maintained by MyLand, operating in the background without adding complexity to a farmer’s daily operations. Its ability to retrofit into existing irrigation infrastructure makes it a scalable and easy-to-adopt solution for farms of all sizes.

    “This award is a strong validation of the work we’re doing alongside growers every day,” said Hague. “As a pathway to healthier soil and greater grower ROI, irrigation can offer much more than water delivery. We are honored to be recognized for creating solutions that growers can easily adopt, scale, and sustain.” Winners of other AgTech Breakthrough categories include ADM, Bayer Crop Science, Bloomfield Robotics, Moleaer, and Pivot Bio, placing MyLand among the top innovators shaping the future of food and agriculture.

    To learn more about MyLand and its award-winning approach to regenerative agriculture, visit www.myland.ag.

    Agribusiness, Irrigation, Soil

    Intelinair Named “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year”

    Chuck Zimmerman

    IntelinairIntelinair, the maker of AGMRI and a leader in ag data analytics and precision agriculture technology, today announced it has been named the 2025 “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” by AgTech Breakthrough. The honor is part of the 5th Annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program, which recognizes the most innovative companies, technologies, and products transforming global agriculture and food technology. This marks the second consecutive year Intelinair has received this award.

    Driving Innovation in Precision Agriculture

    Intelinair’s flagship platform, AGMRI, is a crop analytics solution designed to help farmers and ag retailers make data-driven decisions throughout the growing season. Processing more than 500 terabytes of agricultural data annually, AGMRI integrates aerial imagery, AI-powered analytics, weather data, machine performance metrics, and field-level agronomic information to deliver actionable insights for yield optimization and sustainable farming practices.

    Key AGMRI capabilities include:

    Personalized dashboards and interactive field maps

    AI-powered scouting tools and field scanning capabilities

    Real-time alerts for early detection of crop threats

    Postseason yield analysis to inform next season’s strategies

    By continuously improving AI models each season, AGMRI identifies crop emergence
    challenges, weed pressure, nutrient deficiencies, and disease outbreaks, while also showing how agronomic and operational decisions—such as planting date or hybrid selection—impact final yields.

    Industry Recognition

    “This award reflects the value AGMRI brings to on-farm decision-making,” said Tim Hassinger, CEO of Intelinair. “Our platform goes beyond detecting issues to show how practices like planting dates, hybrid choice, and input timing impact yields—helping growers and ag retailers refine strategies and consistently improve results.”

    “AGMRI eliminates the guesswork, supporting confident decision-making across every crop stage. The agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving, with timing, precision, and adaptability being critical. Even with enormous amounts of aerial imagery and field data, growers struggle with understanding yield-reducing threats, whether in season or post-season,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, AgTech Breakthrough. “Intelinair’s platform bridges the gap between data and action, helping growers and trusted advisors protect yield potential and drive results.”

    Learn more at intelinair.com or visit its social media channels.

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, data, Precision Agriculture

    PowerPollen Unveils Autonomous Ground Fleet

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Pollination technology leader PowerPollen has launched a breakthrough fully-autonomous, AI-enabled precision pollen application system designed to transform large-scale seed and grain crop pollination.

    Unveiled during a field demonstration with investors, customers, government officials and growers, the new machines are built to deliver commercial-scale collection, preservation and application at lower cost, higher efficacy, and reduced input requirements. The compact design improves maneuverability and transporting to other commercial acres while the battery-powered core of the system supports long operation times with minimal soil compaction and canopy damage.

    The unmanned ground vehicles use machine vision in combination with precision spraying to optimize pollen distribution, delivering up to double yield improvement with less than half the pollen required compared to traditional hand or mechanical methodologies. Operating as autonomous units that travel row-by-row in coordinated fleets, the machines can be deployed and monitored by a single field operator, dramatically reducing seasonal labor needs while minimizing equipment footprint.

    “We designed this autonomous pollen application system to work in literally any environment, from smallholder farms in India to massive commercial operations in Brazil,” said Jason Cope, PowerPollen Chief Intellectual Property Officer. “By combining scalable technology with compact, efficient form factors, we’re enabling growers everywhere to access the benefits of precision pollination and data-driven crop improvement.”

    Learn more about how PowerPollen’s on-demand pollination technology works at www.powerpollen.com.

    AgWired Precision, Corn, pollinators, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Industry Ag News 8/20

    Carrie Muehling

  • One of the most important independent measurements of American crop production is happening this week amid several challenges making it harder than ever to predict yield, one of the crucial statistics driving the agricultural economy in the Corn Belt. The 33rd annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour, which runs from Aug. 18 to 21, will send scouts out to fields in seven states to measure corn and soybean potential. It is the most thorough and most followed inspection of yield potential during a critical time in the growing season. Crop industry stakeholders watch results closely for insights around projected grain supplies and the effects on commodity markets. Observations and results of the tour will be shared nightly at in-person events throughout the week and streamed online at AgWeb.com and Farm Journal TV.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation and Nebraska Farm Bureau presented Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
  • AgCareers is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the annual Feed Your Future Scholarship, awarding $1,000 to a U.S. post-secondary student passionate about a future in agriculture or food-related careers.
  • The American Soybean Association is pleased to announce that Madelyn Derks has joined the association’s Washington, D.C., office as Director of Government Affairs. She will oversee ASA’s regulatory portfolio, including crop protection tools, agricultural biotechnology, environmental regulations, and other key issues.
  • Syngenta North America Headquarters hosted a group of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers from Guilford County Schools (N.C.) for an intensive four-day professional development externship program, designed to strengthen connections between education and industry. The comprehensive program immerses educators in various aspects of agriculture through hands-on experiences across multiple departments, including but not limited to Human Resources, Digital Agriculture, Research & Development, Information Technology, and Technical Services. Participants explored chemistry labs, demonstration labs, and the packaging lab. The program also featured a tour of the Grow More™ site that is run in partnership with North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
  • Kubota Tractor Corporation has named Moroch as its new preferred agency partner for marketing across more than 1,000 dealerships nationwide. In addition to leading local dealership marketing and regional marketing, Moroch will also take on the national digital agency of record for media planning and buying responsibilities. The appointment, effective January 1, 2026, marks a strategic shift to unify and streamline marketing and advertising efforts, leveraging Moroch’s deep expertise in localized campaigns to strengthen Kubota’s market impact at every level.
  • The Corn Refiners Association is pleased to announce changes to its government relations team that will strengthen the organization’s ability to offer leading issues management in agriculture and food policy for the corn refining industry. Danielle Beck, a knowledgeable leader in agriculture policy with more than 15 years of experience in delivering comprehensive results, will join the CRA team as the organization’s Vice President of Government Relations. Additionally, Kent Roberson has been promoted to Senior Director of Government Relations.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the awardees for the 2025 NCGA Scholarship Programs. A committee of grower leaders selected twelve exceptional students to receive scholarships for this upcoming fall semester. NCGA is proud to continue supporting these vital programs in partnership with BASF Corporation.
  • Farm Credit System institutions made 150,156 loans to young, beginning, and small U.S. producers in 2024, delivering on their ongoing mission to support rural communities and agriculture, according to a new Farm Credit Administration (FCA) report. These results underscore Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural producers through strategic lending and support initiatives.
  • At the 2025 Missouri State Fair, agricultural leaders, FFA and 4-H members, elected officials, and partners celebrated the conclusion of the Drive to Feed Kids by announcing that this year’s effort raised over 720,000 meals for Missouri families. With food insecurity affecting one in five Missouri children, the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids brings together agriculture and community partners to change that reality. Since its launch nine years ago, the initiative has provided more than 13.7 million meals to children and families across the state.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 8/18

    Carrie Muehling

  • The rapid advancement of data-driven technologies in agriculture offers immense potential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic resilience. However, this increasing reliance on data also brings ethical, legal, and stewardship challenges that must be addressed to ensure responsible use and equitable benefits for all stakeholders. These trends, along with encouragement from its member leadership, were the impetus for AgGateway to review and refresh its White Paper on Data Ethics and Stewardship. Following two years of work, the document is now available for review by any interested data stakeholder. In this webinar, you’ll learn more about key aspects of the white paper from industry experts who contributed their time, talent, and expertise to the document. Join on Thursday, August 28 at 9:00 a.m. Central.
  • AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announced the appointment of Brian Sorbe as President of PTx, effective August 25, 2025. With nearly three decades of experience in precision agriculture, global sales and product development, Sorbe brings a wealth of expertise to this pivotal role.
  • AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, proudly announces the launch of the RedEdge-P™ Green, a groundbreaking multispectral camera designed to revolutionize precision agriculture from planting to harvest.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced Derek Barchenger, Senior Scientist and head of the Global Pepper Breeding Program at the World Vegetable Center, has been named the 2025 Recipient of the Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, Endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation.
  • World Ag Expo offers a look into the latest in innovation and education through the return of the Top-10 New Products competition and seminar sessions. Exhibitors and industry experts can now apply to put their mark on the 2026 show. The Top-10 New Products Competition information and application can be found at bit.ly/WAE26TOP-10. Applicants must be exhibitors at the 2026 World Ag Expo and products released anywhere in the world between February 9, 2025 and February 10, 2026 are eligible. The application deadline is October 31, 2025 and winners will be announced in December.
  • Without key pesticides corn growers could see a significant reduction in production and ability to continue conservation tillage and cover cropping practices, which are critical for reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and enhancing soil health, according to one of the nation’s top farmer advocates. The comment, made by Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., comes as the Make America Healthy Again Commission prepares to release policy recommendations to address childhood chronic disease this month.
  • AgLaunch has officially opened applications for the 2026 AgLaunch365 Accelerator, a bold, multi-stage challenge designed to catapult the next generation of agtech startups—not in a lab or a pitch room, but in the field, shoulder-to- shoulder with farmers. Applications are due by September 15, 2025.
  • Ceradis B.V., a global developer and marketer of environmentally friendly plant nutrition and crop protection solutions, today announced the appointment of two senior executives to lead operations in the Americas and Oceania, and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions.
  • Meristem Crop Performance is taking a bold step forward in its mission to serve growers worldwide with the appointment of Guillermo Bort as Vice President of International Business Development. With decades of leadership across multiple continents, Bort brings deep global expertise and a passion for serving those who steward the land.
  • Solinftec, a global leader in artificial intelligence and sustainable agricultural practices, announces its latest technological advancements in autonomous field operations at Farm Progress 2025. The company also celebrates a significant expansion into key U.S. agricultural regions, reinforcing its mission to bring sustainable, data-driven automation to farmers across the country. After establishing strong operations in Illinois and Indiana, Solinftec is now expanding its footprint to Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin and Texas for the 2025 season. This growth reflects increasing demand for Solinftec’s innovative, autonomous solutions among forward-thinking growers.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    DWFI Executive Director to Stay Through 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Peter McCornick will extend his tenure as executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska through the end of this year to ensure a smooth transition with the incoming executive director.

    McCornick was originally scheduled to step down in August 2025 but will remain in his leadership position until the end of 2025. McCornick has led the institute since August 2016, significantly expanding its research footprint, fostering global collaborations, and strengthening smallholder agriculture initiatives, including securing a $3.5 million Gates Foundation grant. His leadership has cemented DWFI’s position as a global thought leader in sustainable water management for agriculture.

    The search committee is currently reviewing applications for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the next executive director of the institute. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to spearhead a globally impactful institute dedicated to ensuring water and food security for all. The application period will remain open until the position is filled and those interested are encouraged to apply.

    Water, Water for Food

    Ag Outlook Forum Coming up in Kansas City

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Prominent national leaders in food and agriculture, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, are invited to speak at the 11th Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, coming up September 24-25.

    The lineup of speakers for this year’s event will focus on ag innovation, tax planning, the farm economy and animal health challenges.

    Seth Meyer, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
    John Newton, Terrain Ag
    Alex Sayago, Vice President, Ag & Turf Sales & Marketing, Deere
    Harrison Pittman, National Agricultural Law Center
    Roger McEowen, Washburn University School of Law
    Paul Neiffer, Farm CPA Report
    Steve Boren, Vice President, Livestock, Boehringer Ingelheim

    “This is a great time to explore the rural economic impacts of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that was recently signed into law, the prospects for a scaled down farm bill and the continued economic pressures on many farmers and ranchers,” said Agri-Pulse Founder & CEO Sara Wyant. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and network with other leaders.”

    The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Communications will host the Forum at the Marriott Downtown Kansas City in Kansas City, MO. For more Ag Outlook Forum information and registration, click here. Early registration discounts expire August 22.

    Agri-Pulse, Events