The Latest

  • Weeds get zapped by Carbon Robotics' LaserWeeder technology on a farm.
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    Courtesy of Carbon Robotics
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    Agtech Seedlings: Nvidia invests in weed-killing robots | Startup lands $26M for cattle methane vaccine

    Also in this week’s farm technology news: Federal agencies collaborate on an overhaul of biotech regulation, and Syngenta's Adepidyn fungicide is on track to surpass a $1 billion sales milestone.

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    Courtesy of Daisy Brand
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    Daisy Brand to build $626M Iowa dairy plant

    The 750,000-square facility in Boone, Iowa, will initially employ more than 100 workers.

  • A CDC sign on the agency's exterior building
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    Jessica McGowan/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    CDC recommends face masks to protect farmworkers from bird flu

    The agency is asking states to make personal protection equipment available as more information comes to light about the transmission of the virus. 

  • A boy is seen from behind as he looks at M&M candy dispensers.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    M&M’s owner Mars commits $47M to slash dairy emissions

    The confectionery giant is testing seaweed feed supplements and plans to open three "net zero" farms as it looks to halve its carbon footprint by 2030.

  • A Swisslog Ventura crane in a warehouse
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    Courtesy of Swisslog
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    Walmart taps Swisslog to automate 3 milk facilities

    The technology is part of the retailer’s larger goal to build a resilient and transparent supply chain while bolstering its capacity to meet demand.

  • an aerial view of a tractor on a farm
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    Bim via Getty Images
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    EPA proposes ban of acephate-based pesticides used on fruits and vegetables

    One agriculture consultant said the loss "from our insecticide toolbox would be like sending a soldier off to battle without his rifle."

  • Food And Drug Administration Headquarters In Maryland
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    Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
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    FDA wins turf battle over regulation of gene-edited meat

    The agency will spearhead the review process to bring GMO animals to market in consultation with USDA. 

  • People working at a chicken factory.
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    andresr via Getty Images
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    California poultry processors will pay over $5M to resolve overtime, child labor allegations

    The Department of Labor called it “one of the largest wage violation settlements ever reached" for domestic poultry workers.

  • The back of a woman is seen as she looks at the meat section at a grocery store
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Tyson Foods posts mixed earnings as chicken shows momentum

    Executives issued a cautious outlook for the rest of the fiscal year due to higher commodity costs and demand uncertainty.

  • corn plants are seen sprouting from the ground
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    US to raise Morocco phosphate fertilizer tariffs again

    Farm groups are worried the move will drive up costs as they see lower returns for their crops. 

  • European Union flags are pictured outside the European Commission building.
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    Carl Court via Getty Images
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    EU delays sustainability reporting requirements for food

    Industries including agriculture will have more time to focus on the implementation of broader disclosure rules before they start observing sector-specific standards.

  • A farmworker empties cherries into a tray.
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    Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
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    Too much of a sweet thing: Cherry growers struggle after oversupply decimates prices

    Warmer weather is shortening harvests and putting more farmers in direct competition with each other, pushing the industry to come up with innovative solutions to extend the growing season.

  • A farm worker in a wide-brimmed hat bends down in a field as sprinklers in the background eject water.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Produce farms will need to test water for contamination in long-awaited food safety rule

    The update aims to better address potential pathogen contamination before fruits and vegetables are harvested.

  • A fuel plant is seen
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    Courtesy of LanzaJet
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    Farmers blast cover crop requirements for sustainable jet fuel tax credits

    Corn and soybean growers say the rules will limit access to the lucrative SAF market as some climate-smart production practices are too expensive or not feasible for farms to implement.

  • A farmer stands on a pile of hay, looking at a herd of cattle grazing on a field
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Climate, anti-hunger groups react to farm bill proposals: ‘We are running out of time’

    Stakeholders are pushing for swift action on a bipartisan agreement after congressional leaders released conflicting frameworks for climate and food assistance funding. 

  • Young dairy calves stand on a pasture
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Q&A

    ‘We’re basically flying blind’: An epidemiologist’s take on the US response to bird flu

    Katelyn Jetelina, a public health expert and CDC advisor, explains why an outbreak in dairy cows is likely bigger than previously thought and what farm workers should be doing to protect themselves.

  • Sun shines over green pasture at a cattle farm.
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    Ian Waldie via Getty Images
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    Agtech Seedlings: Indigo Ag splits carbon credit, crop protection businesses in restructuring

    Also in this week’s farm technology news: Software investor Arcadea Group wants to create "field to wholesale" traceability with its recent acquisition, and PowerPollen generates investor buzz.

  • A person operates a tractor that is harvesting cotton on a farm.
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    Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Better Cotton audits farms it previously certified following deforestation investigation

    Environmental watchdog Earthsight accused the nonprofit of falsely certifying cotton produced on deforested land for major fashion brands including Zara and H&M.

  • A red tractor is seen harvesting soybeans on a field
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    ADM profits tumble 24% as global grain supplies balloon

    The agriculture giant is focusing on key priorities to weather a down cycle as the Justice Department looks into its accounting practices.

  • Sen. Debbie Stabenow is seen speaking to media
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    Dueling Senate farm bill plan reveals divisions on climate, SNAP

    A partisan split is threatening progress on the $1.5 trillion spending package as Republicans push for committee action before the end of the month.

  • Rep. Glenn Thompson is seen speaking in front of a dais with a group of people behind
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    House Republicans release farm bill framework

    The plan meets some Democrat demands around climate and food assistance, though disagreements over crop insurance could lead to a partisan impasse.

  • A herbicide sprayer is seen on a soybean field
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    simazoran via Getty Images
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    Syngenta sales fall 20% in Q1 as farmers delay pesticide purchases

    The seed and agrochemical maker recently scrapped plans to go public in China due to adverse market conditions.

  • Cafeteria worker helping elementary students select food in lunch line
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    Stock Photo via Getty Images
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    USDA issues final rule on updated school meal nutrition standards

    Under the new regulations, cafeterias will have to limit added sugars and reduce sodium in breakfast and lunch menus by fall 2027.

  • Ground beef patties move on a conveyor belt.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    US tests ground beef from grocery stores amid bird flu concerns

    Expanded testing comes as Colombia imposes beef trade restrictions over the outbreak in dairy cows.

  • Farm equipment is seen on a field
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    Courtesy of CNH Industrial
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    CNH gets in on farm space race with Intelsat collaboration

    The partnership, which aims to provide satellite internet connectivity in remote areas, comes after Deere announced a similar deal with SpaceX's Starlink network.