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Investment in agrifoodtech has shrunk dramatically since its peak in 2021. Global agrifoodtech investment in 2024 reached $16 billion, down a whopping -71.5%. However, in the U.S., agrifoodtech startups increased funding by +14% to $6.6 billion, which some see as a signal that investment in the sector is stabilizing. Similar to many other industries, an …

Farm Robotics, Mechanization & Equipment Drive Increase in Agritech Funding Read More »

Brazil corn growers have finished up second-crop, aka “safrinha” planting, while producers in Argentina are ramping up harvest. Below are a few more details…Brazil’s safrinha corn crop, which is planted directly following their soybean harvest, is one of the country’s most important exports. Typically planted in January-March, the safrinha crop, which means “little harvest” in …

Deeper Look at South American Corn Crops Read More »

“AgriNerds” might have a funny name but the startup is serious about preventing wild birds from spreading the deadly avian influenza virus. Using a range of different technologies, AgriNerds has created a tool to predict the movements and concentration of waterfowl in close proximity to commercial poultry. AgriNerds was co-founded by University of Delaware wildlife …

“AgriNerds” Predicts Waterfowl Movement to Help Farmers Manage Bird Flu Read More »

Every two years, the United States Championship Cheese Contest is held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The “Dairy State” has hosted the biennial competition since 1981, where entries are evaluated by judges from across the nation. While Wisconsin cheesemakers had an impressive showing this year, taking home 54 “Best of Class” awards, the most prestigious honor of U.S. …

If You Are Looking for Some Great Cheese… US Cheese Champion Crowned! Read More »

Today, we officially celebrate “National Ag Day.” In addition, this is also “National Ag Week.” The celebration this year runs March 18-22. The theme for National Ag Day 2025 is “Agriculture: Together We Grow.” Both celebrations are about recognizing – and celebrating – the contributions of farmers and agriculture in our everyday lives. It was back …

Thinking More About “National Ag Day” Read More »

New Zealand startup “BioLumic” is ready to bring its light-treated seeds to market. The company earlier this month launched its first commercial “Trait Activation System” (aka xTrait), at Gro Alliance’s seed production facility in Cuba City, Wisconsin. The BioLumic xTrait platform uses UV light to regulate genetic expression. That’s right, they just use light – …

“BioLumic” Launches World’s First Commercial Light-Activated Seed Trait Read More »

Recently appointed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tighten food safety rules. The move could eliminate a key provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food additives are safe, which could have far reaching implications for the entire U.S. food …

Health Department Seeks Major Changes to Food Safety Rules Read More »

The rules around E15 continue to be more complicated than seems necessary. Some Midwestern states are permitted to sell the 15% ethanol blended fuel year-round thanks to special waivers, while others pull E15 from pumps during the summer. Farm state leaders and industry stakeholders that have long sought to allow year-round E15 nationwide are once …

Ethanol Stakeholders Make Another Push for Year-Round, Nationwide E15 Read More »

A piece of Texas agricultural history is on the market as heirs to the “Big Valley Pecan Farm” decide to write a new chapter. The 2,650 acre property, listed for $25 million, has been growing pecans for some 70 years, a venture started by Obadiah Leonard as a side-project to his main department store business, …

Pecan Farm in Texas Hill Country Hits the Market Read More »

At the Winter Policy Conference for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, members passed an action item supporting the United Nations’ resolution declaring 2026 (next year) as the ” International Year of the Woman Farmer.” NASDA says the action “acknowledges the vital contributions of women farmers and supports programs that enhance access to …

NASDA Champions 2026 as “International Year of the Woman Farmer” Read More »