Nova Scotia Firm Partners with PrecisionHawk

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Data, drone, UAV

Unknown-2AerHyve Aerial Technologies specializes in analyzing data from UAVs for use in precision ag.  This Nova Scotia based company has recently announced a partnership with world leaders in UAV remote sensing and GIS data processing-PrecisionHawk.

precision-hawkBy working together AerHyve customers will have access to PrecisionHawk’s hardware and software and AerHyve will gain exposer in an emerging market.

“We value AerHyve for their regional presence and expertise in the development of algorithms for UAV data analysis,” said Christopher Dean, PrecisionHawk CEO. “This partnership will allow us to expand and customize our services while equipping AerHyve clients to make more informed business decisions.”

“The partnership with PrecisionHawk will empower AerHyve with an end to end system for incorporating aerial data into an agricultural workflow; from innovative UAV hardware to a library of data analysis tools,” said John Frost, President, AerHyve Aerial Technologies.

AerHyve can provide agricultural operations with actionable data on the status of their crops that otherwise would be difficult, if not impossible, to access. By processing aerial data with Machine Learning technology AerHyve is able to offer agricultural producers information to make more targeted, resource allocation decisions. AerHyve’s initial focus has been on the wild blueberry industry, Nova Scotia’s largest fruit crop. However, their technology can be applied to other types of crop analysis.

UF Breeds Wine Grapes with Precision

Kelly MarshallGenetics, Grapes, Plant Science, Research, University

University of FloridaA University of Florida researcher, Dennis Gray, is using what he terms “precision breeding” to develop disease-resistant grapes.  Powdery mildew and black rot are torment of grape growers, but Gray has successfully bred three varieties that resist these diseases.  Thompson Seedless, Seyval Blanc and Syrah are three out of only 35 varieties of grapes that are grown on 66 percent of the world grape acreage.

“The importance of improving grape varieties cannot be overstated,” Gray explains. “A majority of these are centuries old and maintained primarily through a stringently managed system of vegetative propagation. However, these varieties lack other very important traits, particularly durable disease and pest resistance, that are demanded by today’s intensive agricultural conditions.”

Growers currently depend heavily on pesticides and fungicides, especially in areas of high humidity like northern CA, FL or norther Italy.  With the general public’s interest in decreasing chemicals Gray says that “precision breeding” is the answer.

Now Gray hopes to develop a grape that is resistant to Pierce’s Disease, which needs “unsustainable mass spraying of pesticides” to stop the insect that carries it. Federal and state governments, mainly in California, have spent more than $50 million in the last 15 years to fight it with little to no success.

Gray also wants to move away from what he calls the scientifically inaccurate and illogical term “genetic modification” to the more accurate “precision breeding,” and inform the public that it is less disruptive than conventional breeding and will finally allow the 35 ancient cultivars grown in most of the world to be genetically improved.

For more information about grapes, click here.

WinField Answer Plot Provides Farmer Data

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Corn, Data, Soybeans

WinField logoFarmers can add another tool in the toolbox.  The 2014 Answer Plot Program by WinField provides reliable data to help growers decide if and when treatments are appropriate for their fields.  Last year, for example, the data shows that fungicide applications increased yield and helped late-season plant health for most CROPLAN corn and soybeans.

In 2014, corn fungicide trials spanned 28 locations with 91 percent of the sites showing an average yield response of 5.2 bushels per acre. Results also showed that even when disease was not present, some genetic types responded favorably to fungicide.

Soybeans face their own challenges, especially when planted in the same field two or more years in a row.  Varieties that have built-in tolerance may not be completely immune to loss under heavy disease pressure, explains Kevin Eye, the vice president of agronomy and product development at WinField.

For example, in soybean trials, 82 percent of Answer Plot® Program locations had a positive yield response by adding fungicide. One trial comparison between two corn hybrids with different genetic backgrounds showed a 5-bushel-per-acre yield variation in response to fungicide. “Knowing how each hybrid will respond to treatment can help farmers decide when they will receive the greatest return potential on their fungicide spray investment,” Eye states.

Many other variables, as well as other crops, are also tested and available for review.  37 corn trials tested effects of starter fertilizer as a hedge against environmental stress and tissue samples help growers identify beneficial timing to add nutrients.

FarmLink Partners with MKC

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, FarmLink, yields

MKC_LogoA new agreement between MKC and FarmLink will offer MKC customers access to a yield benchmarking tool.  True Harvest by FarmLink allows farmers to view opportunities to improve their yields and profitability.  The 2014 benchmark identified $372 million in additional revenue opportunity for growers in the state of Kansas.

“Benchmarking is a critical new tool in our toolbox to share with our customers,” said Dave Spears, senior vice president and CMO for MKC. “TrueHarvest by FarmLink offers independent, objective and actionable data that allows our field marketers and precision ag specialists to help producers optimize the yield and return on investment on every acre. We look forward to offering this new tool to our customers.”

FarmLink_logo“We are excited to partner with MKC to offer TrueHarvest to their farmer customers across Kansas,” said Jeff Dema, president of Grower Services for FarmLink. “Now more than ever, farmers are hunting for profitability on every acre. With TrueHarvest benchmarking, MKC advisors and farmers can pinpoint where there is opportunity for yield improvement to help make investment decisions and evaluate input effectiveness.”

Producers interested in using TrueHarvest to measure their land’s performance and make decisions for future growing seasons should contact their MKC field marketer or nearest MKC location. 

Texas A and M Hosts “Year of Soils” Event

Kelly MarshallEvents, Soil, University

imagesTexas A&M University is hosting the Global Soil Security Symposium on their campus this week.  The event is scheduled as part of the United Nations Food and the Agriculture Organization’s Global Soil Partnership as they declare 2015 the International Year of Soils.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the importance of soil science in our current global challenges of human health, food and water security, and the role of soil in biodiversity under a changing climate,” says Dr. Cristine Morgan, Texas A&M crop sciences professor and a co-chair for the event.

“It’s critical that we recognize soil on the same policy plane as food, water and energy. Securing soil is imperative to our human development on this planet. We estimate that soil supports our planet to the tune of some $11 trillion annually,” adds co-organizer Dr. Alex McBratney, University of Sydney professor of soil science.

“This Symposium will be a global forum of new and optimistic ideas concerning soil and its place in sustainable development. It represents an exciting and demanding new era for soil science, which I believe we shall respond to quickly, positively and successfully.”

More information about the meeting outline and directions and parking information are available here.

RNMF Offers Scholarships to Ag Students

Kelly MarshallEducation, Scholarship

rnmflogo_transparentThe Responsible Nutrient Management Foundation is pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolled in ag-related programs for the 2015-2016 school year.  Scholarships are available in the amount of $2,500 for ag students at post-secondary institutions in the US.

This scholarship opportunity is the result of a cooperative commitment between Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, AgXcel, Ag PhD, Capello USA, Hagie Manufacturing, Midwest Labs, No-Till Farmer Magazine, PNC Bank, RFD-TV, and TapLogic; and intended to further the education of students who demonstrate the ability to clearly articulate the importance of responsible nutrient management not only for the future of the agricultural industry, but also for our culture as a whole.

Equipping the leaders of tomorrow with an understanding of the delicate balance between high-production agriculture and environmental stewardship will be critical as agriculture strives to more efficient and sustainable to produce food and fiber to feed and clothe the world. The Responsible Nutrient Management Foundation is committed to the future of agriculture and the youth who represent its leadership, and believe this scholarship will help bring accomplished students closer to their goal of a career in agriculture.

An informational video is available at: rnmf.org/scholarship.

June 20, 2015 is the deadline for submitting applications.

National Ag Leaders Elected to AFT Board

John DavisAg Group, Conservation

AFTThe American Farmland Trust (AFT) has elected a pair of nationally recognized leaders of agriculture to its board. This news release from the group says Jim Moseley and Greg Watson will join the board this fall.

John Hardin, vice chair of the AFT board said, “Jim Moseley and Greg Watson bring a wealth of agriculture and conservation experience, expertise and leadership to our board. I welcome these distinguished public servants to American Farmland Trust. We look forward to their guidance and input as we undertake critically important projects to preserve farmland, protect critical natural resources, like soil and water, and ensure a future on the land for the men and women who steward our farmland and grow our food and fiber.”

An Indiana native, Jim Moseley served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from 2001 to 2005, where he oversaw the Department’s diverse daily operations. Following 9/11, he led the team looking at the security needs of the food and agriculture system. And, following his departure from USDA, he helped the U.S. Department of Defense rebuild the agricultural system in Afghanistan. He served as USDA Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment from 1990 to 1992. Currently, Moseley co-chairs Agree, a food and agricultural policy development initiative. With more than 40 years experience as a farmer, he owns a farm focusing on diversifying agricultural production and conservation.

Greg Watson served as the 19th Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under Governor Deval Patrick and also served as Commissioner from 1990 to 1993 under Governors Dukakis and Weld. He currently serves as the Director of Policy and Systems Design at the Schumacher Center for New Economics in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Watson is a leader in issues of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, new monetary systems, and more. He serves on the boards of Ocean Arks International, Bioneers, and Remineralize The Earth.

Their terms on the board begin at AFT’s October 2015 board meeting.

Agribotix Gets Grant for Ag Drone Data Work

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, drone, UAV

AgribotixA pioneer company in drone data collection and analysis has won a $250,000 award from Colorado’s Advanced Industry Program.  Agribotix provides farmers with a cloud-based software platform for decoding data collected by drones to provide results intended to improve yields and reduce costs.  

The grant comes from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, with the purpose of advancing innovative and viable technologies coming out of the state. Agrobotix will be using the grant to grow their customer base and further implement its products, meeting the rapidly growing demand for agriculture drones on the world market.

“The grant will substantially hasten our plans to develop our market,” said Tom McKinnon, Agribotix founder and CTO. “Significantly, it also signals validation of our technology and business model by industry experts. We have the right stuff to lead the pack in global markets and contribute to Colorado’s economy.”

“This grant will accelerate our plans by almost a year,” added company
CEO Paul Hoff. “We’ve gathered data analysis requirements from farmers around the world. Part of the grant will be used to better understand our customers’ needs and drive development of products that solve important agricultural problems.”

Estimates suggest the drone market could surpass $1 billion annually in the near future and the state of Colorado is positioning itself to be a leader in ag drones and services on a global scale.

Corn Planting Almost Done, Long Summer Ahead

John DavisAg Group, Agribusiness, Corn, NCGA, Planting, USDA

NCGA-Logo-3Corn planting is almost done, well ahead of schedule, but there’s a long summer ahead for farmers. This news release from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says planting progress advanced 10 more points since the previous week to a total of 85 percent planted, but NCGA offered cautious optimism with the report.

“Despite some areas where persistent rains have kept farmers out of the field, overall planting progress in 2015 certainly exceeds expectations,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. “The ever-increasing ability of farmers to take advantage of shrinking planting windows clearly demonstrates the importance of modern technology and testifies to the determined nature of these men and women. Right now, the crop seems more mature and closer to full planting than it did in 2014, but this does not guarantee another record crop by any means. A long summer still lies ahead and, as in many years, the fate of the crop will largely be decided by propitiously timed rains in the middle of the summer.”

Progress exceeded that seen in 2014 at this time by 14 points. Wisconsin surpassed the five-year average by the largest margin, 32 points, to reach 85 percent completion. Colorado fell the furthest behind the five-year average, 17 points, with only 59 percent of corn acres planted by May 17.

You can read the full U.S. Department of Agriculture report here.

New Nutrient Management Certification Offered

John DavisAg Group, agronomy, Nutrient Management

ASAA new nutrient management certification has been offered. The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) program announced the new specialty certification in 4R Nutrient Management Planning (NMP).

Environmental and resource management concerns require farmers have access to advanced knowledge in improved water quality and environmental stewardship. The ICCA Program 4R Nutrient Management Planning (4R NMP) Specialty Certification meets this demand.

The 4R NMP Specialty Certification is currently available in six states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin – with plans to expand in the near future. Certified crop advisers (CCAs) are eligible to apply for this certification.

Proficiency areas tested include nutrient management planning; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; secondary macronutrients and micronutrients; and manure management.