The Van Trump Report

Month: September 2025

Japan Unveils World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Driverless Tractor

Kubota Corporation has unveiled what it calls the world’s first hydrogen-powered self-driving tractor, a major step forward in addressing both Japan’s acute farm labor shortages and the push toward decarbonization in agriculture. The company presented the prototype at an expo in Osaka in 2025, marking a milestone in the intersection of clean energy and automation. …

Japan Unveils World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Driverless Tractor Read More »

Big Changes Coming for Food Ingredient “GRAS” Rule

The US Food and Drug Administration recently revealed some big changes coming in 2026. Among them is a significant shift in the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) substances guidelines. The changes would require companies to notify FDA and provide safety data before they are permitted to introduce a new food ingredient into the food supply. …

Big Changes Coming for Food Ingredient “GRAS” Rule Read More »

“Terrana Biosciences” Unveils Plans for RNA-Based Crop Protection

After four years in stealth mode, “Terran Biosciences” has emerged with a plan to use its RNA-based technology platform to develop a host of potential applications for protecting and enhancing crops. The company says 15 product candidates are already in development and it has already demonstrated proof-of-concept in corn, soybeans, and tomatoes. Rather than altering …

“Terrana Biosciences” Unveils Plans for RNA-Based Crop Protection Read More »

China’s Race to the Top Includes Cheaper Tractors and Faster Innovation in the Next Era of Agtech

China’s latest push to accelerate agricultural machinery development signals a transformative moment in global agriculture, with implications for farmers, equipment dealers, and agtech companies worldwide. The world’s largest agricultural producer, China, recently unveiled a strategic plan to radically shorten research and development cycles for farm equipment, aiming to modernize its machinery industry and extend its …

China’s Race to the Top Includes Cheaper Tractors and Faster Innovation in the Next Era of Agtech Read More »

National Farm Safety and Health Week: “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident”

It’s the third week of September, which means it is once again time for the annual “National Farm Safety and Health Week” in the U.S. For many rural areas, harvest season is the busiest time of year, and also one of the most dangerous. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the agriculture …

National Farm Safety and Health Week: “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident” Read More »

Climbing Fertilizer Prices Have Added to Farmer Budget Strains

US farmers are once again facing rising fertilizer prices after a brief period of stabilization following disruptions tied to the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While prices for fertilizers remain below the record highs set in 2022, the elevated costs are nonetheless taking a bite out of already stretched farm budgets. The biggest price …

Climbing Fertilizer Prices Have Added to Farmer Budget Strains Read More »

Argentine Farmers Expected to Shift More Acres Into Corn

Argentine Farmers Expected to Shift More Acres Into CornArgentina’s farmers are continuing their shift away from soybeans and into corn, putting the country on track for a record harvest in 2025/26. The Rosario Grain Exchange is forecasting corn acres will increase +16.8%, versus a decline of -7% for soybeans. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange differs …

Argentine Farmers Expected to Shift More Acres Into Corn Read More »

VERY INTERESTING READ… Is the Kraft Heinz Breakup the End of Mass-Produced Food?

I was recently sent an article written by Rita McGrath, a C-Suite Strategist and Best-selling author, regarding the Kraft Heinz breakup. The article made me stop and think, so I wanted to share some of her thoughts. You can read her article in full HERE.   Kraft-Heinz was a mega-merger of iconic brands, supported by …

VERY INTERESTING READ… Is the Kraft Heinz Breakup the End of Mass-Produced Food? Read More »

Is Russia’s Grain Industry Heading Toward a Self-Made Disaster?

Experts say Russia’s farmers face bigger, more systemic problems than recent bad weather and may be at a tipping point after three years of relentless inflation, plummeting crop prices, government interference, and limited access to quality seeds and chemicals. Russian insiders say there is much more to the story, with several factors culminating in what …

Is Russia’s Grain Industry Heading Toward a Self-Made Disaster? Read More »