Agtech Seedlings: BrightFarms owner wants to scale indoor farming with new concept

Also in this week's farm technology news: Bayer and Trinity partner to advance regenerative agriculture monitoring, and two precision farm startups secure fresh funding.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 29, 2024

Can agtech survive a funding drought?

As investment stalls, experts are mixed on whether the traditional venture capital model can work in agriculture.

By Nathan Owens • March 28, 2024

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Top 5 stories from Agriculture Dive

Declining farm income and other production challenges have pushed farmers to rethink their operations and adopt new technology in a bid to diversify potential revenue streams. 

By Agriculture Dive staff

Hylio scores federal approval for crop spraying drones in large-scale farms

An exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration allows the Texas-based startup to pilot up to three drones carrying a payload over 55 pounds without a visual observer.

By Nathan Owens • March 26, 2024

Agtech promises to reduce farm emissions. But is the market ready?

New innovations hold promise for businesses looking to meet sustainability goals. But farmers will need to get on board first.

By Nathan Owens • March 25, 2024

Agtech Seedlings: Amazon’s AWS partners on AI-powered crop management tool

Also in this week's farm technology news: Origin develops high-yield corn through gene-editing, and Bayer continues research into biofungicides.

By Nathan Owens • March 22, 2024

China’s threat to US agriculture goes beyond farmland, lawmakers say

With Congress looking to take on the world's largest commodity buyer, some warn of the potential impacts on trade relations.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 21, 2024

Corteva launches innovation hub for agtech startups

Catalyst aims to expand the seed company’s research pipeline and identify transformative new technologies for growers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 21, 2024

DOE estimates US can nearly double energy derived from waste

A new report identifies major opportunities to capture biofuels from anaerobic digesters and agricultural residue. 

By Jacob Wallace • March 20, 2024

Kansas State teams with Australia agtech accelerator on farm innovation

The partnership is designed to foster research and development between the two countries on a range of technologies, including pollination robots.

By Nathan Owens • March 19, 2024

Vanguard Renewables to build more dairy digesters in ‘aggressive growth’ strategy

The anaerobic digestion company is plotting expansion "like an amoeba” thanks to the financial backing of BlackRock and its pipeline of more than 60 projects.

By Jacob Wallace • March 18, 2024

Agtech Seedlings: Bayer tests generative AI in farming

Also in this week's agriculture technology news: Farmers Business Network's lending unit finances over $1 billion in loans, and Source.ag launches an autonomous tool for irrigation control.

By Agriculture Dive staff • March 15, 2024

Deere to lay off 150 workers at Iowa plant

The cuts come as the farm equipment manufacturer expects up to a 15% decline in sales this fiscal year.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 14, 2024

Haskap berries: The next cold-hardy superfood?

Breeders hope farmers will scale production of the antioxidant-rich fruits, which can thrive in harsh climates.

By Leah Borts-Kuperman • March 8, 2024

Agtech Seedlings: Lucent Bio brings its climate-smart fertilizer to the US

Also in this week's farm technology news: Corteva and AgPlenus announce 'milestone' in the fight against herbicide resistance, while Tyson looks to invest in supply chain startups.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 8, 2024

Laser weeding robots and smart sensors: How Braga Fresh uses AI on the farm

While the adoption of autonomous tech remains sluggish, the family-owned produce company shows how innovation can help increase productivity and address sustainability.

By S.L. Fuller • March 7, 2024

To farm or fabricate? 3D printing’s role in the food industry

As food production startups begin commercializing 3D-printed seafood, some experts question the viability of the technology in the broader market.

By Megan Ruggles • March 6, 2024

As courts target dicamba, what’s next for the controversial weedkiller?

Disgruntled farmers are asking for refunds as legal uncertainty rekindles debate over the damage the herbicide can wreak on surrounding crops. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 4, 2024

FMC names head of transformation as it expects up to $215M in restructuring charges

The crop protection giant’s “Project Focus” plan aims to drive operational efficiencies and cost savings in response to market challenges.

By Nathan Owens • March 4, 2024

Chipotle invests another $50M into agtech and restaurant innovation

The chain is doubling its commitment to the Cultivate Next venture fund, which in part aims to fund technologies accelerating regenerative agriculture.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 29, 2024

Deere rolls out new tractors, combines in one of largest product launches to date

New equipment unveiled at a Texas trade show include automation features meant to boost farm productivity and sustainability.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 29, 2024

Vertical strawberry grower Oishii clinches $134M amid indoor farming woes

An intentional choice to grow artisanal fruit rather than leafy greens has allowed the firm to avoid the financial difficulties facing others in controlled-environment agriculture, according to the company’s CEO.

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 28, 2024

USDA launches program to power more farms with wind

A joint initiative with the Department of Energy aims to support the adoption of underutilized renewable technologies and identify new revenue streams for producers.

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 27, 2024

Agtech helped transform Europe’s potato industry. Here’s how.

If we want to unlock sustainability in agriculture, farmers have to be on board.

By Charles Miller • Feb. 23, 2024

Farmers Business Network taps former BASF exec as new CEO

Diego Casanello will lead the agtech and e-commerce platform, which has become a one-stop shop for farmers. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 23, 2024

Pivot Bio pays out more than $6M to farmers who improve fertilizer sustainability

More food and beverage companies are joining the biotech firm's program that rewards growers who move away from conventional crop protection products.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 22, 2024