News

Autonomous Weeding Robots Lead 2025 Precision Ag Funding

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In 2025, autonomous weeding and field robotics companies drew more capital than any other sub-segment.

U.S. House Passes Farm Bill 2.0, Pesticide 'Liability Shield' Removed

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The version approved Thursday removed controversial language that would have prohibited states and courts from, “penalizing or holding liable entities for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the EPA administrator.”

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 29, 2026

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This Week's Lineup:

AI Insights Reducing Manual Scouting for Midwest Retailers
Solinftec Closing the Loop on Autonomous Spraying
Case IH Dealer Educates Customers With Data Management Webinar
AGCO Dealer Boosts Tech Efficiency by 5% in 8 Weeks with AI
How Autosteer Systems are Becoming Smarter & More Connected

Kubota Invests in Agtonomy

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Kubota has invested in Agtonomy, a U.S.-based startup engaged in developing platforms and automation systems for precision automated agricultural operations.

Less (Technology) is More for Independent Tractor Manufacturer

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While many are looking for more ways to incorporate technology in their farm equipment, Alberta-based startup Ursa Ag is intentionally doing the opposite.

Everyone Agrees Autonomous Systems Have a Place in Agriculture. So Why Aren't They Finding One?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

"Right now, when a startup approaches a dealer group about representing its autonomous platform, the agronomic case is usually compelling and the economics question is usually left to the customer to work out. That's the wrong order," says Graham Gleed, principal advisor at abcg.

‘Most Innovative Folks You’ll Find’ Gathering at 2026 Strip-Till Conference

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“The networking is one of the things I love most about the Strip-Till Conference,” says Zack Smith, who strip-tills in Lake Mills, Iowa. “The farmers attending this conference are some of the most innovative folks you’re going to find."

[Technology Corner] #Plant26: Johnson Tractor Precision Farming Specialist Saves the Day

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Planting season is here, and with it comes “busy season” for precision specialists. In today’s Technology Corner segment, we pay a visit to Patrick Johnson, who was planting into a strip-tilled field for the first time in Clinton, Wis.

What You Need to Know About the FAA's New DETER Program for Drones

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

For farmers who use drones for crop scouting, imagery, or spraying, this program marks an important shift in how drone rule violations are handled — and why staying compliant matters more than ever. Adam Gittins explains what the DETER program is, why it was created, and how it applies to ag drone operators.

[Podcast] Precision Specialists Take New Tech for a Real-World Spin

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express, we shadow PrairieLand Partners precision specialists Jonathan Born and Bryan Berggren in the field.

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 22, 2026

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This Week's Lineup:

Precision Ag Helping Farmers ‘Control Their Costs’
Ag Engineer Keeping an Eye on Caterpillar-Monarch Deal
Are These John Deere’s Biggest Planter Updates Yet?
Giving Your OEM a Taste of Life at the Dealership
What Your Customers Need to Know about New Drones Program

Monarch Tractor’s Collapse Exposes Dealer Risks and a Channel in Crisis

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As Monarch’s business faltered in late 2025, the fallout has rippled across the dealer channel, exposing a systemic weakness in how new manufacturers enter and exit the market.

Creating Seeding Rate Prescriptions with AI for #Plant26

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Using artificial intelligence in our daily lives may feel like it comes from a science fiction novel, but with precision agriculture, AI is another tool to help farmers manage their operations.

Vi by visorPRO Launches AI-Powered Story Writing Assistant

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Story Writing Assistant enables service teams to capture notes via voice-to-text, typed input, or screenshots, and instantly transforms them into complete service stories with clear complaint, cause and correction.

Key Precision Takeaways from Auburn Cotton Planting Studies

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

These studies included evaluations of different planter types (seed meters), seeding configurations, seeding rates, and high-speed planting technology.

Georgia Hosting Inaugural Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Technology on display will include AI-driven sprayers and weeders, harvesting aid robotics, drones for weed detection and wildlife mitigation, and more.

Kinze Product Innovation Day Set for June 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The invitation-only event is designed to provide farmers with deeper access to Kinze equipment, expertise, and people. The event will replace Kinze Manufacturing’s exhibit at the annual National Farm Machinery Show.

Telling the Story of a Dealership, One Video at a Time

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As marketing manager for Bane-Welker, a Case IH dealership with 13 locations across Indiana and Ohio, Lindsay Yeager juggles dozens of responsibilities, including everything from event planning and promotions to blog writing and impromptu interview requests from reporters.

Caterpillar Acquires Monarch Tractor

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:19 -0400

In a statement earlier this month, Monarch said its “core technology, including our software-defined vehicle platform, perception stack, and electrification systems, has been acquired by a large global equipment manufacturer. It means the technology will continue to move forward.”

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 15, 2026

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This Week's Lineup:

‘Earn Trust, Then Chase Home Runs’ When Selling Precision Ag
New Autonomous Planter Put to the Test in Corn Population Trial
Growers Share Benefits of John Deere ExactShot Technology
Dealers & Farmers Hit the Field for #Plant26
The Biggest Benefits & Challenges of Drones on Darren Hefty’s Farm

Brilliant Harvest Names Jennifer Luce Senior Marketing Manager

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Brilliant Harvest announced the appointment of Jennifer Luce as Senior Marketing Manager.

Foster Promoted to Publisher of Sales at No-Till Farmer Brands

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Longtime account manager Darren Foster has been named Publisher of Sales for No-Till Farmer, the original flagship brand of Lessiter Media Inc., Brookfield, Wis.

Martin-Till Acquired by Yetter Manufacturing

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The combination brings together two companies focused on practical innovation that helps farmers improve planting performance and profitability.

USDA Launching ‘Proving Ground’ for Ag Technology

jdobberstein@lesspub.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech will, according to the agency, “thoroughly test and validate both existing and emerging tools under real-world production conditions,” to provide farmers and ranchers with “trusted, practical insights” they can rely on to make product decisions.

[Video] Ballweg Implement Precision Team Prepares for #Plant26

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Sheila Jaeckel from Wisconsin John Deere dealer Ballweg Implement's precision ag department prepares customers by cleaning up data and setting up information in operation centers.

Can Drones Keep Young People in Agriculture?

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The technology is considered a more affordable way for younger farmers to get into the business without a lot of debt.

[Technology Corner] AGCO Ventures Manager Optimistic About Autonomy, Drones & More

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

We had the chance to catch up with Alex Russomagno, senior manager, AGCO Ventures, after her presentation at the FEMA Supply Summit and Showcase in San Antonio, Texas, a few weeks ago.

[Podcast] Talking Shop with 3 Precision Specialists from Different Regions & Brands

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express, we sit down with 3 precision specialists for a panel discussion about their daily routines, challenges and goals.

Monarch Tractor Releases Statement Following Reports of Shutting Down

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Monarch Tractor released a statement after several reports of the electric autonomous tractor company shutting down.

AI in Agriculture Conference Explores the Future of Farming

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The NC State-hosted conference brought together more than 460 academics, students, researchers and industry leaders from across the country to explore how AI is reshaping the future of agriculture.