Industry News

Should Your Farm Sign a Carbon Contract?

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

"To date, farmer uptake of these programs has been very slow, in spite of the promise to pay farmers for participation. I believe a lot of the reluctance stems from the uncertainty about these programs," says Todd Janzen in his latest ag tech blog.

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.

‘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."

Jenna Kudrna Named 2026 Lessiter Ag Media Scholar

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

Jenna Kudrna, Milton, Wis., was named the 2026 recipient of the Frank Lessiter Ag Media Scholarship.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

2026 State of the Farm Report Examines Early AI Use and Broader Digital Trends in Agriculture

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

For the first time in the report’s history, farmers under the age of 50 represent nearly 38.4% of the respondent pool. This younger demographic is bringing a new level of technological maturity to the farm, with a strong focus on efficiency and mobile-first operations.

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 8, 2026

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This Week's Lineup:

Monarch Tractor’s Future in Doubt
The Next Leap in Predictive AI & Autonomy
Purdue Studies Precision Ag Impacts on 570 Farms in 21-Year Period
Precision Ag Observations from the Field
Driving a Tractor 35 MPH & Saving $25,000

Purdue Measures Precision Payoffs on 570 Farms in 21 Years

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Less efficient farms gain the most from precision agriculture technology. Farms in the lower end of the efficiency distribution saw meaningful gains from several technology combinations.

2026 Dealership Minds Summit Speaker Program Released

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Focused on the theme of “Maximizing Operational ROI,” the 2026 Summit provides dealers with everything they need to know to magnify their best practices and drive operational excellence in an uncertain market.

Nordson Acquires CapstanAG, Expanding Precision Ag Division in North America

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Combining CapstanAG technology with its existing ARAG product portfolio, Nordson Precision Agriculture will offer more solutions to customers worldwide.

Davidson Prize Awarded to Grain Weevil, Outrun Tillage

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

ASABE and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announced the winners of the 2026 Davidson Prize.

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 1, 2026

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This Week's Lineup:

What Dealers Are Getting Wrong About Precision Adoption
AGCO Ventures Manager Shares Key Precision Trends
Helping Farmers Get Their Electronics Field-Ready for Planting
AGCO Shares Farmer Feedback on New Sprayer Tech

Industry News

Should Your Farm Sign a Carbon Contract?

Top 10 Precision Farming Stories in April 2026

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

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

Kubota Invests in Agtonomy

Less (Technology) is More for Independent Tractor Manufacturer

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

Jenna Kudrna Named 2026 Lessiter Ag Media Scholar

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

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

Creating Seeding Rate Prescriptions with AI for #Plant26

Vi by visorPRO Launches AI-Powered Story Writing Assistant

Key Precision Takeaways from Auburn Cotton Planting Studies

Georgia Hosting Inaugural Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference

Kinze Product Innovation Day Set for June 2026

Caterpillar Acquires Monarch Tractor

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

Brilliant Harvest Names Jennifer Luce Senior Marketing Manager

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

Martin-Till Acquired by Yetter Manufacturing

USDA Launching ‘Proving Ground’ for Ag Technology

Monarch Tractor Releases Statement Following Reports of Shutting Down

2026 State of the Farm Report Examines Early AI Use and Broader Digital Trends in Agriculture

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 8, 2026

Purdue Measures Precision Payoffs on 570 Farms in 21 Years

2026 Dealership Minds Summit Speaker Program Released

Nordson Acquires CapstanAG, Expanding Precision Ag Division in North America

Davidson Prize Awarded to Grain Weevil, Outrun Tillage

Top 10 Precision Farming Stories in March 2026

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: April 1, 2026