EarthOptics, Pattern Ag, Arable, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, Vitales - This Week in AgTech

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to Agtech Digest, your weekly update on the latest in agricultural technology and innovation. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we have some exciting updates to share with you. We’ll be diving into major mergers, groundbreaking collaborations, and impressive product launches that are set to transform the agtech landscape. Stay tuned as we explore how EarthOptics and Pattern Ag are redefining soil digitization, learn about Arable and Google’s initiative for water-smart agriculture in Nebraska, and get insights into Ginkgo Bioworks and Vitales' mission to accelerate sustainable agriculture

Anna: 00:52

Earlier this week, EarthOptics and Pattern Ag announced their merger, creating a new leader in soil digitization that will operate under the EarthOptics name. This merger unites Pattern Ag’s advanced lab-based soil analysis with EarthOptics' cutting-edge field-based sensing technologies. Together, they promise to provide farmers with detailed and actionable insights into their soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. One of the key highlights of this merger is the development of high-resolution soil data. EarthOptics will now offer a digital twin of soil properties, including essential data on pests, nutrients, and moisture content. This depth of information is expected to significantly enhance precision agronomy, multiplying decision-making capabilities by over one hundred times. From a scalability perspective, the merger aims to rapidly expand operations to drive both profitability and sustainability for farmers. EarthOptics' CEO, Lars Dyrud, envisions delivering unprecedented value to farmers by providing precise soil insights that were previously unattainable. Rob Hranac, CEO of Pattern Ag, highlights that the merger revolutionizes the scope and resolution of soil data, positioning the combined company as a transformative force in the agricultural sector.

Anna: 02:15

Arable and Google have teamed up to address one of agriculture's most pressing issues: water scarcity. This collaboration is set to benefit farmers in southwest Nebraska, who will soon have access to Arable's advanced crop intelligence solution, thanks to funding and support from Google. The partnership's primary goal is to refine irrigation practices and sustainably manage water resources, aiming to replenish more water than is consumed by 2030. By focusing on sustainable water management, the project also seeks to combat the accelerating groundwater depletion caused by climate change, which threatens global food production. In practical terms, the collaboration's initial deployment will cover 25,000 acres in the Twin Platte Natural Resources District. Farmers will use Arable’s technology to synthesize data on weather, crop conditions, and soil health. These data-driven decisions are translated into actionable insights, accessible via mobile and web apps, helping farmers optimize water use. The success of this technology is already evidenced by Paulman Farms in Nebraska, which experienced a 22% reduction in irrigation across 27 fields in 2023 by utilizing Arable’s system—a significant leap in water conservation. Suzie Shin from Google emphasized their commitment by saying, "Our goal is to replenish more water than we consume by 2030, ensuring water security in the communities where we operate." Arable CEO Jim Ethington added, "This partnership equips growers with the tools to produce more with less, securing both their bottom line and the planet’s future." This collaboration between Arable and Google represents a meaningful step towards water-smart agriculture, aligning technology and sustainability to ensure a better future for farming communities.

Anna: 04:09

Ginkgo Bioworks has entered into a partnership with Vitales to develop biocontrol products specifically targeting soybean diseases in Brazil. This collaboration seeks to swiftly bring these products to the burgeoning bio inputs market, which has been experiencing a rapid annual growth rate of 35% over the past five seasons. The alliance aims to address critical agricultural challenges by combating diseases such as Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome and target spot. Ginkgo Bioworks is leveraging its extensive collection of validated strains to create biocontrol solutions that are tailor-made for Brazilian agriculture. These formulations include both seed treatments and foliar applications, designed to meet the specific needs of farmers in the region. The focus on sustainability is a cornerstone of this partnership, as biocontrol products currently make up 4.2% of Brazil’s crop protection market. By expanding the availability of these biocontrol solutions, Ginkgo and Vitales aim to meet the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices while also providing effective disease management tools for soybean growers. Leaders from both companies have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this partnership. Magalie Guilhabert of Ginkgo Bioworks noted the perfect synergy between Ginkgo’s biocontrol expertise and Vitales’ deep understanding of Brazilian agriculture. Similarly, Fernando Eduardo Alves de Sousa from Vitales emphasized the acceleration in developing sustainable solutions that will benefit not only Brazilian growers but also the environment. In summary, this collaboration between Ginkgo Bioworks and Vitales represents a significant step forward in addressing the global need for sustainable agriculture through innovative biocontrol products.

Anna: 06:02

This week, we also saw exciting product launches in the agtech sector. AGCO Corporation’s Fendt 600 Vario Series Tractor is now available in North America, offering a versatile, high-performance machine capable of easily tackling a wide range of tasks. This new tractor series is designed with efficiency and adaptability in mind, making it a valuable asset for modern farms looking to optimize productivity and manage a variety of agricultural operations seamlessly. In addition, Bayer has introduced the upgraded version of its plug-and-play device, FieldView Drive 2.0. This enhancement brings increased data connectivity and monitoring capabilities across different types of farm equipment. The FieldView Drive 2.0 aims to offer farmers more precise management of crucial agricultural activities like planting and harvesting, ultimately improving farm performance through smarter digital farming solutions. Lastly, Lumo has expanded its irrigation solutions with the launch of a new 4-inch smart valve. This product is specifically designed to manage larger vineyard blocks more effectively. With the ability to enhance control over irrigation processes, winegrowers can benefit from reduced costs and improved water efficiency. This smart valve underscores the growing trend towards technology-driven solutions that promote sustainability in agriculture.

Anna: 07:30

In other news, here are some quick updates on notable happenings in the agricultural technology space. First, Haelixa has partnered with regenagri to advance regenerative agriculture using cutting-edge traceability technology. This partnership aims to enhance the implementation and verification of regenerative farming practices. Next, the USDA has given the green light to Bioceres Crop Solutions' HB4 wheat technology, paving the way for its production in the United States. This approval marks a significant step toward more resilient and sustainable wheat farming. Biodyne USA's product, ENVIRONOC 401, has earned the Certified Biostimulant label from The Fertilizer Institute, recognizing its effectiveness in promoting plant growth and soil health. Additionally Pheronym has received a second U.S. patent for its innovative biocontrol solution targeting plant-parasitic nematodes. This new patent underscores Pheronym's ongoing commitment to providing sustainable alternatives for pest management. Finally, Genvor Inc. has won Bayer’s Golden Ticket Award, granting them a year-long access to lab space and resources at Bayer’s innovation hub. This opportunity will support Genvor in accelerating their agricultural research and development. Those are the key headlines making waves in the agtech industry this week.

Anna: 08:54

Let’s take a look at some exciting upcoming AgTech events, conferences, and summits where innovators and enthusiasts will converge to explore the latest advancements in the industry. Kicking things off, the Commercial UAV Expo will be held from September 3rd to 5th in Las Vegas, showcasing cutting-edge drone technology and its applications in agriculture. On September 5th and 6th, join the AgriBITs Summit 2024 in Utrecht to dive into transformative digital solutions for farming. Next, the 5th Global Vertical Farming Show in Dubai on September 9th and 10th will gather leaders to discuss sustainable practices in vertical farming. From September 11th to 13th, Taiwan Smart Agriweek in Taipei will focus on the latest smart agriculture innovations. The 5th Urban Agri World Summit in Durban, running from September 18th to 20th, will explore advancements in urban farming. Finally, don’t miss the Chemical Industry Regulations Conference and Women in Agribusiness, both taking place from September 24th to 26th, with the former delving into regulatory updates and the latter highlighting the pivotal role of women in the agribusiness sector

Anna: 10:05

That wraps up this week’s edition of Agtech Digest. From the groundbreaking merger of EarthOptics and Pattern Ag to Arable and Google’s game-changing water conservation project, and Ginkgo Bioworks and Vitales’ innovative biocontrol solutions, we’ve seen a whirlwind of exciting advancements transforming the agricultural landscape. With new tech like the Fendt 600 Vario Series Tractor and Bayer’s FieldView Drive 2.0, the future of farming is looking more dynamic than ever. Thank you for tuning in and being a vital part of our agtech community. I’m Anna, signing off. Until next time, keep your curiosity alive, embrace the innovations, and let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture, Stay inspired and see you in the next episode!