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When plant breeders want to give something a specific trait, they typically look to other plants that already perform the desired function. Successful breeding kept wheat stem rust – one of the most destructive grain diseases on the planet – at bay for years but new strains of the fungus are increasingly breaking through. But …

Obscure Grass Containing “Blockbuster” Disease Resistance Could Help Save Wheat Crops Read More »

Oakland, California-based Pyka is one step closer to gaining U.S. regulatory approval for its fully autonomous crop spraying aircraft known as “Pelican.” Pyka has already been flying the fixed-wing aircraft in Latin America, with the Pelican completing the first-ever autonomous aerial application of banana crops in Costa Rica last year. The Pelican crop spraying aircraft …

Pyka’s Autonomous “Pelican” Crop Spraying Aircraft Moves Closer to U.S. Approval Read More »

In agriculture, optimizing crop yield is one thing. Doing so at scale is something else. But, as the global population continues to grow, communities are looking for new ways to expand food production and more people are showing interest in vertical farming. But the big question is can and how will it be done at …

If You Want to Learn More About “Vertical Farming” Attend This Webinar Read More »

Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee maintaining “critical levels” at the largest reservoirs in the United States — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — will require large reductions in water deliveries. “A warmer, drier West is what we are seeing today,” she said at a hearing. …

Federal Official Warns of “Day of Reckoning” as Colorado River Water Supply Cuts Read More »

The long-rumored deal for one of America’s most historic ranches is “officially” official – the legendary 6666 Ranch in West Texas has been sold. The more than 266,000-acre property first established in 1870 is now owned by a group led by Hollywood writer Taylor Sheridan, who is probably best known for the hit television series …

It’s Official… Legendary “6666 Ranch” has New Hollywood Owners Read More »

Bats don’t get the same “buzz” as bees when it comes to nature’s pollinators, but they play a bigger role in agriculture than many might realize. And not only do they pollinate crops, they eat copious amounts of crop-killing insects. The population of this critical species is at risk though, with a deadly fungus known …

What We Need to Know About Silent “Bat-Killing” Fungus Read More »

“Per Plant Intelligence” is about having an understanding of every plant in the field. Where they are at in the growing cycle, what inputs they need, and how to best optimize their yield.  “Per Plant Action” is the ability to take action at that same level of detail across an entire farm.  A NEW ag …

Small Farming Robots That are Making a Big Difference! Read More »

Big meat and food conglomerates are gobbling up producers of meat alternatives according to the latest industry reports. Meat companies such as JBS and Cargill have invested heavily in plant-based proteins and laboratory-grown meats in recent years and bought out several smaller companies. Other companies investing heavily in the space also include Kellog’s, Conagra, Tyson …

Big Meat Companies Gobbling Up Alternative Meat Companies Read More »

A majority of the world’s almonds supplies come from California, a state that happens to be experiencing a historic drought. As shrinking water supplies threaten to push already razor-thin margins into negative territory, growers are increasingly questioning the economic sanity of sinking more money into the water-thirsty crop. Almond prices have plummeted to around $1.75 …

Interesting… A Double-Edge Sword as Almond Farmers Juggle Drought and Plunging Prices Read More »

Today, virtually all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10% ethanol (E10) thanks to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that came into effect in 2005. Between 2005 and 2010, ethanol sales more than tripled before leveling off as a result of increased vehicle fuel efficiency and the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles. With these …

USDA Report Examines Barriers to Higher Ethanol Blends in U.S. Read More »