Technology

OrBot, developed in Idaho, could help orchardists with fruit harvest

A university professor in Nampa, Idaho, with the help of his engineering students, is developing a fruit harvesting robot prototype for Idaho orchardists. Duke Bulanon, an engineering professor at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), received a... more »

Western Growers selects 13 companies for first Harvest Automation cohort

Western Growers has selected 13 innovators for the inaugural cohort of its Global Harvest Automation Initiative, a groundbreaking project that aims to automate 50% of specialty crop harvest within 10 years by accelerating the commercialization... more »

Specialty crops: An industry of potential backed by equipment manufacturers

Most of us eat some type of specialty crop every single day. Whether you’re eating your fruits and vegetables, or even using certain seasonings to help complete that perfect dish, you’re using specialty crops. Despite... more »

Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission grant awards for cherry set

In 2021, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission approved $1,396,455 to help fund 27 new projects in the areas of cherry, apple and technology. In cherry research, the commission approved $191,630 to help fund seven... more »

John Deere redefines its 5M Series Tractors for MY22

For model year 2022, John Deere has redefined its lineup of 5M Series Tractors by adding new technology and transmission options, and more top-end horsepower by welcoming a new 125-horsepower tractor to the lineup. These... more »

Tune in to ‘Ag Tech Expo – the Future of Farming’ May 10-11

Experts from the University of Florida and agribusiness will conduct an ag tech update on May 10-11. The public is invited to tune in to a two-day virtual meeting about the future of farming. To bring... more »

$300M price tag as Valmont Industries acquires Prospera Technologies

Valmont Industries Inc., a provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure and irrigation equipment and services for agriculture, announced May 5 it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prospera Technologies Inc., a... more »

Drones now help thieves to survey rural properties

Thieves are now reportedly using drones to scout farms and ranches, looking for their next big score. "We were having a series of crimes occur, including some quads that were taken from a very remote... more »