Spirits were high for representatives from The Climate Corporation, a division of Monsanto, at this year’s Ag Media Summit following an exciting announcement earlier this year: Their digital agriculture platform has officially been used to map over 75 million acres of United States farmland. “We’re seeing widespread adoption of these digital tools,” representative Chelsea Shepherd said during an interview at … Read More
Students Gather for Future of Crop Science Institute
Des Moines, Iowa, recently played host to 62 student delegates meeting for the inaugural Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Crop Science Institute. This news release from the group says this one of four AFA Leader Institutes, which connect passionate, talented college students from 25 universities from 21 different states to various sectors of the agriculture industry. “Career exploration is an … Read More
Monsanto Opens Wheat Technology Center
A new center is promising to bring together people and processes to drive innovation in wheat breeding. This news release from Monsanto says the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Filer, Idaho, for the grand opening of Monsanto’s Wheat Technology Center, which will serve as the company’s core U.S. wheat breeding R&D facility. “The Wheat Technology Center gathers some of … Read More
Federal Judge Strikes Down Maui Anti-GMO Law
A federal judge has struck down a Hawaii county’s ordinance against genetically engineered crops. This article from Civil Beat said the decision by Judge Susan Mollway found the ordinance “invalid and unenforceable” because it is preempted by state and federal law. Mollway emphasized that the ruling is not a statement on whether genetically modified organisms are beneficial or detrimental. “The … Read More
Potential Monsanto/Syngenta Merger Creates Controversy
As Monsanto is seeking to acquire Syngenta, company leaders say the deal would lead to better products and innovative solutions for farmers. Monsanto is currently seeking constructive engagement with Syngenta in regards to the potential deal. Monsanto President and COO Brett Begemann says the acquisition would help better meet the world’s agriculture demand. “We’re seeing a lot of opportunity driven … Read More
Monsanto Herbicides for Soybean, Cotton Approved
Governmental approval of some Monsanto herbicides will give cotton and soybean growers some important new tools for weed management. This news release from the company says the new, first-of-its-kind option in 2016 comes in the form of Warrant Ultra Herbicide, a premix of acetochlor and fomesafen approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month. Warrant® Herbicide – with … Read More
Syngenta Rejects Monsanto Bid
The board of directors for Syngenta last week rejected a bid to by the company from Monsanto. The proposal for $481 per share with approximately 45 percent in cash was considered by the Syngenta board to be undervalued. “Syngenta is the world leader in Crop Protection, the number three in Seeds and the first company to introduce integrated solutions for … Read More
Global Cancer Group Findings on Glyphosate Disputed
A new evaluation by the International Agency for Research classifying glyphosate as being “probably carcinogenic to humans” departs from the general scientific consensus, according to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “This contradicts a strong and long standing consensus supported by a vast array of data and real world experience, and comes from an organization that rarely addresses potential pesticide … Read More
Climate Corp Free Offer for Farmers
To get more farmers to try its premium web and mobile service, Climate ProTM, Monsanto’s The Climate Corporation will offer it free for farmers’ first fields and the opportunity to use the service across their entire operation after their purchase of 500 acres. “We’re excited about the value Climate Pro can provide farmers, with advanced nitrogen and field health insights … Read More
Monsanto Offers New Cotton Varieties for 2015 Season
While at the 2015 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, our own Chuck Zimmerman had a chance to chat with Monsanto’s Keylon Gholston, Cotton Product Manager with Monsanto, who provided insight into new cotton technologies and products that will be beneficial to growers. Keylon was excited to further explore the 2015 varieties that Monsanto released in December; “We really want to … Read More