<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Ukko Agro, a Canadian startup that provides plug-and-play predictive analytics for crop diseases, growth stages, and irrigation monitoring, has received CAD 875,000 (~ USD 687,500) from the Government of Canada&rsquo;s &lsquo;AgriInnovate Program&rsquo;.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The AgriInnovate Program is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership project that has set aside CAD 3 billion (USD 2.35 billion) in funding to strengthen Canada&rsquo;s agriculture sector over a five-year period (2018-2023).&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The funds will be used to develop the new version of &ldquo;ForeSight&rdquo;, an analytics platform for monitoring and controlling crop diseases and pest attacks by providing spraying recommendations seven days in advance.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
    <b>Analyst QuickTake:</b>
     Ukko Agro previously announced in 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/7444">
      December 2021
    </a>
     that it is planning to commercially launch the new version of its ForeSight platform in early 2022, targeting enterprise clients, including fertilizer and pesticide companies. It also raised CAD 5.1 million (USD 3.9 million) in seed funding that month to expand its customer base and accommodate more crop types.
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/feds-invest-in-precision-agriculture-technology-to-enhance-competition-and-efficiency-514.aspx">
      Farms.com
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---41956.htm">
      Ag
    </a>
    <a href="https://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/feds-invest-in-precision-agriculture-technology-to-enhance-competition-and-efficiency-514.aspx">
      News
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Smart Farming

Ukko Agro receives CAD 0.9 million in funding from Government of Canada

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 
 <p>Almanac, an agricultural technology company, has purchased the assets and intellectual property of Gro Intelligence. Gro Intelligence uses an AI-based platform that leverages satellite imagery to offer insights into the effects of weather and climate on crops. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.</p>
 <p>The platform of Gro Intelligence compiles both public and proprietary data from a range of sources like satellite images, data from the government, trade organizations, and weather reports. These combined data provide valuable insights on climate, food production, and crop yields.</p>
 <p>With the acquisition of Gro Intelligence, Almanac intends to enhance its AI capabilities and also expand its operation into new areas in the food and agriculture value chain. Some of these areas include agricultural insurance, lending, trading, and procurement of Consumer Packaged Goods. The integration of Gro Intelligence's AI-fueled platform is anticipated to bolster Almanac's ability to offer actionable insights throughout the worldwide agricultural sector.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In October 2024, Almanac partnered with WiseConn to combine WiseConn's DropControl system with Almanac's AI-powered farm data analytics and Digital Field Services.</p>

Almanac acquires Gro Intelligence's IP assets for undisclosed sum

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>

 <p>A joint venture between AGCO and Trimble, PTx Trimble, has introduced WM-FieldForm, a cutting-edge water management tool aimed at land forming, grading, leveling, and terracing projects. The system incorporates a GFX-1260 display and NAV-900 guidance controller to assist farmers in regulating field water movement.</p>
 
 <p>The corporation states that the system comprises the WM-Survey II app for performing topographic surveys, WM-Form design software for creating drainage designs, and the innovative Multiplane technology for determining slopes. The technology includes soil-balancing algorithms, RTK measurements, and designs for field surface drainage. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with existing agricultural equipment through a retrofit-first strategy.</p>
 
 <p>This system enables farmers to shape and maintain fields autonomously, reduce disturbances to the topsoil, and adopt more sustainable farming methods. The company vouches that farmers may anticipate enhanced yield performance and economic savings in the initial year due to more efficient water usage in regions with excessive moisture or arid climates.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/33322"> September 2024 </a> , PTx Trimble introduced OutRun, an autonomous retrofit grain cart solution it claims is cost-effective, easy to install, and compatible with mixed fleets. The latest water management system adds to the company’s expanding portfolio of smart ag solutions.</p>

​​PTx Trimble launches WM-FieldForm water management system

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 
 <p>Orbia Netafim, a precision agriculture firm, has broadened its alliance with Bayer to create combined digital farming solutions. The collaboration brings forth HortiView, Bayer's innovative platform for gathering data, which will incorporate Orbia Netafim's irrigation insights and the GrowSphere irrigation system. The comprehensive solution aims to provide fruit and vegetable growers with customized suggestions for improving crop production and efficient use of resources.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The collaboration builds on the companies' previous joint initiatives, including the Better Life Farming initiative, crop protection solutions for US almond growers, and EU Farm2Fork projects. The companies plan to explore further digital connectivity across agricultural value chains.</p>

Orbia Netafim and Bayer partner to develop digital solutions for fruit and vegetable growers

<div>
 
 <p>Hylio, an American company specializing in autonomous crop-treatment drones, has recently introduced a new agricultural drone named HYL-150 ARES. This drone is compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and is crafted in Texas using parts sourced both locally and abroad. It's designed specifically for demanding agricultural processes.</p>
 <p>Foremost among its numerous features, the HYL-150 ARES is reported by Hylio to have the ability to spray an up to 40 feet wide area, carry 110 pounds of liquid payload, and cover a span of 50 acres per hour for liquid applications. The drone also offers both autonomous and manual flight options. In addition, it comprises the AgroSol Ground Control Software. This is used for mapping out treatment plans and also includes a Windows tablet and a RC controller for seamless drone operation.</p>
 
</div>

​​Hylio launches HYL-150 ARES agricultural drone

<div>

 <p>FarmQA, a digital agronomy solutions provider, has purchased Farm Dog, an agricultural data platform and subsidiary of Deveron Corporation. The cost of acquisition is undisclosed.</p>
 <p>Farm Dog is a platform offering precision tools and data technology in the agriculture sector. It gives agricultural professionals actionable insights that cover all stages of the crop production process.</p>
 <p>With this acquisition, FarmQA intends to boost its position in the AgTech market, increase supply chain transparency, and reinforce food security. The company states that it has overseen over 30 million acres since late 2021. It aims to use Farm Dog's assets to further refine agronomic insights throughout the agricultural value chain.</p>
 
</div>

​​FarmQA acquires Farm Dog from Deveron Corporation for undisclosed sum

<div>
 
 <p>Rock River Laboratory, an agricultural laboratory network, has formed a partnership with Si-Ware Systems, a universal material analysis solution platform. Together, they have launched CropScout, an autonomous crop monitoring solution designed specifically for greenhouses.</p>
 <p>According to the partners, CropScout integrates an autonomous drone that captures high-resolution images of crops, an AI-driven image processing technology from Rock River Laboratory for detecting signs of crop stress, and a NeoSpectra NIR device from Si-Ware for diagnosing plant health. The combination of these systems offers real-time crop health monitoring and the ability for early interventions, with no need for substantial infrastructure investments.</p>
 
</div>

Rock River Laboratory partners with Si-Ware Systems to launch CropScout greenhouse monitoring solution

<div>
<p>AI-driven agricultural implements developer, Stout, has unveiled its smart rate fertilizer system. This precision fertilization solution targets commercial farmers and can be integrated with Stout's smart cultivator. The price for this product varies from USD 300,000 for an 88-inch-wide cultivator to USD 520,000 for a 178-inch-wide equivalent.</p>
<p>The smart rate fertilizer system uses plant recognition cameras to identify individual plants and provide them with customized nutrient applications. Fertilizer quantities are adjusted according to the plant size. The system also uses the very same cameras for hoeing activities.</p>
<p>Stout asserts that this system can cut down fertilizer material usage by up to 30%, while maintaining field uniformity. The company also believes that this technology can potentially reduce fertilizer expenses, which account for over 50% of the total costs in agricultural production, and simultaneously boost crop yields.</p>
</div>

Stout launches smart rate fertilizer system for commercial farmers

<div>
 
 <p>AGCO, a worldwide leader in the agricultural machinery and precision agricultural technology sectors, has finalized the sale of its Grain &amp; Protein business to America Industrial Partners (AIP) for a cash deal of approximately USD 700 million.</p>
 <p>The firm discloses that the profit will be applied towards debt repayment, technology investment and growth ventures. The company will also increase its concentration on its farming machinery and precision farming technology products, and reimburse capital to its contributors. This is in accordance with AGCO's capital distribution precedences.</p>
 <p>Morgan Stanley &amp; Co. LLC and Rabo Securities US, Inc. acted as economic advisors, while Simpson Thacher &amp; Bartlett LLP served as AGCO's legal advisor for this business deal.</p>
 
</div>

AGCO sells Grain and Protein business to AIP for ~USD 700 million

<div>
 
 <p>Israel-based company, GrowDirector, has obtained $1 million in seed money from angel investors for the development and deployment of AI Agronomist, an agricultural management tool planned for launch by the end of 2024. The tool leverages advanced image recognition and machine learning to deliver instantaneous plant health assessments. The system enables growers to photograph plants and immediately identify problems such as pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, with bespoke treatment suggestions also provided, inclusive of organic and sustainable solutions.</p>
 <p>The tool is purported to aid commercial growers in overcoming key obstacles such as labor scarcity, elevated input costs, and the requirement for sustainable methods. It's also expected to streamline operations, enhance yield, and minimise loss.</p>
  
</div>

GrowDirector raises USD 1 million for AI Agronomist launch

<div>
 
 <p>Nasdaq-listed AI drone solutions company, ZenaTech, is set to acquire ZooOffice Inc., which encompasses software companies Jadian and DeskFlex. The acquisition price remains undisclosed. Jadian creates software solutions that tackle compliance, audits, inspections, licenses, permits, and risk management for municipal and county governments. DeskFlex, on the other hand, develops AI room booking software that aids organizations in optimizing office space allocation.</p>
 <p>The acquisition intends to elevate ZenaTech's ZenaDrone AI drone solutions by merging it with compliance and inspection software from Jadian. This merge is primarily targeted towards the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the scheduling and mapping software from DeskFlex will be incorporated within property management sector solutions.</p>
 
</div>

All Updates

Ukko Agro receives CAD 0.9 million in funding from Government of Canada

Almanac acquires Gro Intelligence's IP assets for undisclosed sum

PTx Trimble launches WM-FieldForm water management system

Orbia Netafim and Bayer partner to develop digital solutions for fruit and vegetable growers

Hylio launches HYL-150 ARES agricultural drone

FarmQA acquires Farm Dog from Deveron Corporation for undisclosed sum

Rock River Laboratory partners with Si-Ware Systems to launch CropScout greenhouse monitoring solution

Stout launches smart rate fertilizer system for commercial farmers

AGCO sells Grain and Protein business to AIP for ~USD 700 million

GrowDirector raises USD 1 million for AI Agronomist launch

ZenaTech acquires ZooOffice Inc. with subsidiaries Jadian and DeskFlex for undisclosed sum

Smart Farming

Ukko Agro receives CAD 0.9 million in funding from Government of Canada

Contact us

All Updates

Ukko Agro receives CAD 0.9 million in funding from Government of Canada

Almanac acquires Gro Intelligence's IP assets for undisclosed sum

​​PTx Trimble launches WM-FieldForm water management system

Orbia Netafim and Bayer partner to develop digital solutions for fruit and vegetable growers

​​Hylio launches HYL-150 ARES agricultural drone

​​FarmQA acquires Farm Dog from Deveron Corporation for undisclosed sum

Rock River Laboratory partners with Si-Ware Systems to launch CropScout greenhouse monitoring solution

Stout launches smart rate fertilizer system for commercial farmers

AGCO sells Grain and Protein business to AIP for ~USD 700 million

GrowDirector raises USD 1 million for AI Agronomist launch

ZenaTech acquires ZooOffice Inc. with subsidiaries Jadian and DeskFlex for undisclosed sum

Smart Farming

Ukko Agro receives CAD 0.9 million in funding from Government of Canada

Contact us

PTx Trimble launches WM-FieldForm water management system

Hylio launches HYL-150 ARES agricultural drone

FarmQA acquires Farm Dog from Deveron Corporation for undisclosed sum