Agtech startup “TerraBlaster” has developed a system that utilizes lasers to perform one of farmers’ least favorite tasks – soil sampling. The core technology uses “Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy” (LIBS), a method originally developed for NASA’s Mars missions to “blast” soil with laser pulses. By breaking molecules into ions and detecting their spectral “fingerprints,” the system …

“TerraBlaster” Laser Technology Tests Soil Nutrients in Real-Time Read More »

As summer takes hold, the atmosphere is revealing its hand, and once again, the Lezak Recurring Cycle is proving that weather is not random chaos, but a well-organized pattern we can decipher. Today, we’ll walk you through how the evolving summer pattern fits into the larger cycling pattern and what it means for your region …

Next Chapter of the LRC: Summer’s Pattern Is Unfolding Read More »

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has released its first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report, which assesses disease trends and the use of vaccines and antibiotics in animals. Not surprisingly, the report highlights the devastating impacts of avian influenza and the increasing number of outbreaks among mammals. High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), …

First Report on Global Animal Health Highlights Spread of Disease Impacting Food Security, Trade Read More »

John Deere recently acquired Minnesota-based “Sentera,” an aerial imaging company specializing in precision agriculture. Deere plans to integrate Sentera’s technology into its existing digital platform, the John Deere Operations Center. Sentera’s field-scouting platform allows farmers to gather high-resolution, multispectral images with its drone-mounted cameras. The data is then processed with Sentera’s “FieldAgent,” which uses AI …

John Deere Adds Aerial-Imaging Company “Sentera” to its Growing Digital Family Read More »

Six ancestral systems across the globe have been added to the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The new systems include everything from pearl mussel farming in China to the utilization of volcanic fields in Spain. The additions bring the total number of systems awarded the GIAHS designation, maintained by the Food and …

Six New “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems” Designated by FAO Read More »

Lawmakers in the Senate recently introduced a bill called the “Food Security and Farm Protection Act,” which sponsors say will protect family farms and reduce burdensome regulations that they argue increase costs and market consolidation. The bill particularly targets laws like California’s “Proposition 12,” which sets animal welfare standards. Not surprisingly, strong opposition to the …

What You Need to Know About the “Food Security and Farm Protection Act” Read More »

Over the past 30 days, much of the central U.S. has benefited from well-timed, meaningful rainfall. Key agricultural zones have seen moisture return just when needed most. But not every region is on the winning side of this cycle as pockets of persistent dryness remain, particularly across parts of Missouri, where the pattern has also been consistent, …

Summer Rainfall Forecast Read More »

Rice is by far the most widely consumed staple food in Japan. Somewhere along the way, however, the country has fallen into a steep supply deficit and prices for the important staple have doubled since last summer. The government has released emergency reserves but hardly any of the supplies have actually landed on grocery store …

How Did Japan Run Out of Rice? Read More »

AgFunderNews recently ran an interesting article about plant-based meats titled “Plant-based meat by numbers: Grim reading for the US retail market, brighter spots in foodservice and globally.” Below are some highlights…US retail sales of plant-based meat fell -7.5% to $1.13 billion in the year to April 20, 2025, with unit sales down -10%.  Sales of frozen …

Are Plant-Based Meats Dead??? Read More »

The United States and Mexico have a complex tomato trade relationship. Supplies from our southern market are vital to meet U.S. demand. However, since the 1990s, Mexico tomato imports have climbed some +400%, an increase that U.S. growers says amounts to “dumping.” Now, the U.S. is pulling out of a decades old trade agreement and …

Long Running U.S.-Mexico Tomato Trade Dispute Erupts…Again Read More »