Patrick Crowley

Florida sued over lab meat ban, winter wheat planting is underway, and USDA to allow H5N1 vaccine trials for dairy cows. Farmer confidence is falling, Impossible and Motif end legal dispute, and a new app matches strangers for a meal. Common questions I get from ag stakeholders: What #agtech should I be looking for? Do I need agtech? Where do I go to find the right agtech? What should it cost? It’s difficult to navigate the dynamic agtech landscape. We could use a trusted advisor in agtech. The agtech entrepreneurs that become trusted advisors will unlock enormous value. I’ll explain how in this week’s newsletter. #agtechfriday #agriculture #advisor #trust #startups #innovation #trustedtech #agtwitter #agtechadvisor https://lnkd.in/gBgcGDEy

7

This article outlines the uncertain future of California asparagus and its farmers, shedding light on the critical issues undermining the future of food production. Asparagus farming in California faces unprecedented challenges, serving as a cautionary tale for the state's agriculture. Since its peak in 2000, when it covered 37,000 acres, the asparagus fields have decreased to fewer than 3,000 acres. Factors such as labor costs, global competition, and regulatory changes are pushing farmers to the brink. Link to the article: https://lat.ms/3wAHlEf #Agriculture #FoodProduction #CaliforniaAgriculture

15

3 Comments

"At my family farm in the Central Valley, we’re in the process of installing an anaerobic digester in collaboration with BRIGHTMARK, the future operator of our Chowchilla Circularity Center. These systems essentially use sealed, oxygen-free tanks that “digest” cow manure and other organic waste with the help of naturally occurring bacteria, breaking the waste down into biomethane, water and fertilizer. Instead of letting the biomethane escape into the atmosphere, as it otherwise would, digesters clean and compress it into renewable natural gas (RNG) so that it can be used as transportation fuel or as a source of energy to heat and power local homes." Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas #Coalition #RenewableGas #RenewableNaturalGas #RNG #Leadership #Education #Advocacy #Development #Sustainability #LEADS Read more at: https://lnkd.in/g9GipNR6

82

It is great connecting with fellow industry professionals at the NW Hort Expo in Yakima! 🍎 Pacific Biocontrol presented a helpful overview of the distinctions between Codling Moth and Oriental Fruit Moth. A video summary by Peter McGhee, Pacific Biocontrol president and entomologist, below. Erica Moretti’s, USDA entomologist, presentation on biocontrol best practices was also a highlight. Biocontrol, along with pheromones, play a crucial role in integrated pest management for orchards. #NWHortExpo #PacificBiocontrol #CodlingMoth #OrientalFruitMoth #Biocontrol #IPM #PestManagement #Entomology

18

Industrial agriculture's impact on water quality is devastating, as detailed in the latest episode of Waterkeeper Alliance’s Equity in Every Drop podcast. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), like those for swine and poultry, cause significant problems for waterways and the communities that rely on them.  I've personally seen (and smelled) the massive pollution from swine factory farms in North Carolina. Some key topics in the podcast include the pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus leading to algae blooms, the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the inadequacies in CAFO waste management and regulation. It's critical we advocate for stricter regulations and support sustainable farming to protect our water. Learn more by listening to host Thomas Hynes' discussion with experts Dr. Michael A. Mallin, , a research professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Cape Fear Riverkeeper, Kemp Burdette. Listen, share, and join us below. #purefarmspurewaters, #advocacy, #cleanwater, #water, #wateraction, #climateaction, #environment, #environmentalprotection, #environmentaljustice, #SDG6

22

1 Comment

"Most corn and soybean fields in the U.S. are planted with herbicide-resistant crop varieties. However, the evolution of superweeds that have developed resistance to common herbicides is jeopardizing current weed management strategies. Agricultural robotics for mechanical weeding is an emerging technology that could potentially provide a solution. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at the types of farmers and fields more likely to adopt weeding robots and at what stage of resistance development. The research is published in the journal Agricultural Economics. #robots #agriculture

5

I'm giving a talk at this online seminar on regenerative agriculture in a couple weeks. I'll be talking about regenerative agriculture in the desert southwest, specifically focusing on challenges with IPM, Salt, and reduced water availiblity. Looks like a good speaker schedule lining up. The Regenerative Legacy Summit 🌱 Facing challenges in modern farming or ranching? You're not alone. It’s time to turn these challenges into opportunities at The Regenerative Legacy Summit, on August 13-14, 2024. What’s in Store for You? - 🌾 Adapting to Environmental Changes: Tactics to thrive amidst evolving environmental conditions. - 💰 Boosting Profitability Sustainably: Learn how to maximize profits without reliance on subsidies. - 📚 Expert-Led Learning: Insights from 20+ industry leaders over two transformative days. - 👥 Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow farmers, ranchers, and pioneers in regenerative agriculture. - 📈 Practical, Actionable Advice: Equip yourself with knowledge that's directly applicable to your business. Why Attend? This is more than just a conference. It's a community coming together to forge a future where farming and ranching are not only profitable but sustainable, creating a thriving legacy for generations to come. Ready to reshape your agricultural business? Join us and secure your future in farming and ranching. Register Now and be a part of this game-changing event!  Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/gjESd97q

25

1 Comment

Power companies are incentivizing cultivators to move to more efficient technologies, to reduce the impact on the power grids and make use of private and government funding. These are powerful tools and can reduce or eliminate several barriers to entry for new cultivators. Facilitators can be very helpful in navigating the waters of paperwork with some power companies being much easier to work with than others. Here's looking at you PG&E! Whether or not you decide to work with a partner it is important to know the difference between rebates and incentives. Rebates are paid after the retrofit or new construction hardware is installed. These are the most common programs (Xcel Energy in multiple states for example). Incentives on the other hand require pre-approval and if there is a signed purchase agreement, there can be no funding allocated or paid. Null and Void. (Ameren for example in IL and MO). Many lighting and hardware (HVAC, Controls, Dehumidification) companies offer in-house help to facilitate these processes. 3rd party options are also a good option for those not familiar with the math and could potentially benefit from registered "Trade Allies" that have pre-agreed terms and relationships in place with power providers. Also, it's important to note that most providers of lighting hardware have a current listing on the DLC-approved QPL (Qualified Products List). The metrics listed here will be used to calculate the incentive or rebate if the program is based on a kWh (kilowatt per hour) reduction in a retrofit situation. Have a question? Drop it below! #GandyGrows #growlight #horticulture #rebates #incentives #lights #cultivation

6

The 6 problems you get from asking consumers about regen ag As regen ag continues to gain momentum as a leading model for sustainable agriculture, a European study shows that consumers are curious to learn more. But the survey also serves to illustrate that the food system cannot be easily fixed. It faces complex and interconnected challenges that require fundamental, systemic changes.

24

I’m very #proud that ucrop.it ucrop.it USA has been invited by the USDA 🇺🇸, to #consult on policy improvements. Along with other 250 relevant entities and organizations from the #agriculture #climate #sustainability #space Many thanks 🙏 to our #team to pull it off All topics related to the way #sustainable #agriculture and #regenerative #practices should be considered, #GHG measured and accounted, #MRV solutions addressed for robust #scrutiny amongts other relevant topics in the much needed #agriculture #transition. #Verified #Sustainable #Agriculture is going mainstream and at ucrop.it we are ready to provide #MRV #CropStory #traceability and #data #integrity from #Farm #to #Market. In the comment below, you can access our document submitted and you can search for other relevant ones from #great companies and organizations like Landus National Sorghum Producers The Nature Conservancy (TNC) CNH Cargill Corteva Agriscience John Deere Gevo, Inc. Regrow Ag BASF Agricultural Solutions Pivot Bio Bayer | Crop Science Valero ISCC - International Sustainability and Carbon Certification VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds Neste POET LanzaJet just to mention a few of them.

122

14 Comments

Biological crop protection companies have great potential to benefit from the industry, but before they can, key challenges must be overcome. This AgFunder article dives into what mistakes companies need to avoid to maximize their potential. For one thing, there’s a continued need to educate growers on what biologicals are, why they exist, and how to use them. Additionally, companies tend to communicate about their technology rather than the tangible value they can bring to growers. At Micropep, although our initial focus was on technology, very early on we took into accounts the reality of growers and the economic imperatives. That's why we built our AI/ML-powered discovery platform Krisalix™ not solely around the discovery of peptide molecules with new modes of actions, but also around the prediction of their use rate, stability and production costs to be able to provide real economic and environmental value to growers. Do any of the pitfalls mentioned in this article resonate? Let us know! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eaA65MF7 #CropProtection #AgTech

17

2 Comments

This is something worth applying serious thought in the agricultural real estate space. A good organic matter soil could repay the land cost rather quickly. Building organic matter is directly proportional to farm productivity and profitability and it could take up to several years to build organic matter levels in depleted soils. It could actually be a very good tool to make informed decisions when purchasing agricultural lands.

4

1 Comment

AAAS: "Observing soil bacterial ecosystems." It's a common misconception that subsoil plant growth is limited solely to the activity of roots. "In reality, there is a complex ecosystem that is influenced by a range of microorganisms known as the rhizosphere." Zhang et al.used a combination of quantitative phase imaging with three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy—which enables a depth of field of more than 100 micrometers or 1/10 of a millimeter, much tinier than a human hair. This reduces 'the number of captures needed to form a composite of superimposed images of the roots and bacteria and thereby limiting photobleaching.' Furthermore, "the sensitivity of the technique enables observation of microbial growth, competition, and gene expression in the early stages of colony development." So, colonies of associated microorganisms, not just roots. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. (2024) 10.1073/pnas.2403122121. You gotta admit that being able to create a three-dimentional imagine like this looks pretty cool.

1

Definitions about how food is grown and arguments about the benefits are still missing the point. Forget the labels, it's all about the quality of food that comes out. Does it create symbiosis and make humans and planet healthy or not? To understand food quality goes beyond definitions.

2

It is the balance between emissions and productivity that is key. Researchers also note that the greatest greenhouse gas reductions—more than half—could be realized by changes to grazing and pasture management. To achieve this impact expanded MRV is vital so producers can actively manage the emissions derived from grazing systems. For adoption to be feasible the focus needs to include methane intensity rather than just methane emissions per day. This is vital to ensure that food production, producer livelihoods, and food security are not compromised when implementing climate friendly solutions.

5

2 Comments

Finally they are increasing consumption of vegetables.

3

Transitioning to organic production can be a daunting task, so that’s why we’re here to help! An Organic System Plan (OSP) is a foundational component for USDA Organic Certification that describes how your farming, handling, and/or processing practices meet organic standards. This virtual workshop will give detailed instruction on creating an OSP from experts Kathleen Merrigan and Inge Vogelmann, who have extensive experience in organic agriculture and policy. This will be part one of a two-part workshop series on the OSP. This info session is open to the public - learn more and RSVP with the link: https://buff.ly/4bLuXAd -- This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Arizona TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). #TOPP #AZTOPP #transitiontoorganic #organicfarming #usdagov #usdaorganic #usdaorganictransition #certifiedorganic #ccof #ccoforganic #usdatopp

9

FVA Insights: UNL Research to Impact Producers? Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are leveraging genetic modification to enhance plants' resilience to drought stress without compromising quality or yield. While the research has primarily focused on tobacco plants due to their ease of cultivation and rapid growth, the findings will pave the way for further studies on more complex crop species. The study revealed that these modified plants use up to 30% less water while maintaining their biomass, showcasing their potential for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Kasia Glowacka, an assistant professor of biochemistry involved in this research, emphasized her commitment to projects that are closely tied to agriculture that will ultimately benefit Nebraska’s producers. FVA applauds Nebraska's leadership in agricultural innovation. #aginnovation #sustainableagriculture #sustainablefarming

2

American Farmland Trust has put together incredibly detailed soil health case studies. The BIG point? The average annual change in net income from farmers adopting regenerative practices was +$143/acre, and when we trim the low/high of 20% for an olympic average we get $87/ac....wildly positive. An average ROI of 167%! This is compelling evidence to help accelerate the creation of new insurance products and guarantee programs and to help nudge institutional capital markets into the space.

172

45 Comments