Joe Waddell, Farm Credit's Director of Innovation

Agriculture professionals, like consumers, can become entrenched in their specific areas of expertise. This sharp focus can often narrow perspectives, and limit potential collaboration with people who may challenge what or how we think, causing a significant barrier to agricultural innovation within our industry. Agriculture professionals, like consumers, can become entrenched in their specific areas of expertise. This sharp focus can often narrow perspectives, and limit potential collaboration with people who may challenge what or how we think, causing a significant barrier to agricultural innovation within our industry.

The Age of Agricultural Innovation is Among Us

It’s important that we all take a step back from our day-to-day, view the broad agricultural ecosystem in front of us and explore positions from other perspectives. We should encourage broader sharing of knowledge across segments and look for opportunities for collaboration to drive sustainability across the ag value chain. As I reflect on some conferences I attended this past year, I’ve noticed an exciting trend towards breaking down silos within the industry. Understanding the nuances of each segment requires a comprehensive grasp of its history and current state, and the focus is beginning to shift from pure competition to collaboration, recognizing that in a world faced with a growing population and finite resources, all sectors must contribute to the greater good of the industry. 

The Need to Elevate the Farmer’s Voice

There is progress, but an essential aspect that seems to still be lacking is the recognition of the need to amplify the farmer’s voice in industry discussions. The key players across the complex value chain - including but not limited to farmers, input suppliers, capital suppliers, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, processors, retailers, and end users - need to work together to better understand each other. There is often a disconnect between professional dialogue about the future of agriculture innovation and the realities farmers face daily to meet current demands. Bridging this gap is crucial for meaningful progress. 

For example, too often farmers are being presented with a $10 dollar solution to a $1 dollar problem. This makes new tech adoption and operational changes very difficult to accomplish. Without a proven track record of success, it’s difficult for a farmer to justify taking the risk of adoption due to being economically unviable. If there isn’t a true grasp on the market potential for that new technology, it has no long-term economic viability and will have minimal adoption in the field.

Below, I’ve recapped two of my top ag innovation experiences from this past year, highlighting the main takeaways and what to keep an eye on.

1. FIRA USA 2023: Innovation in Agriculture Robotics

This year’s FIRA USA (International Forum for Agricultural Robotics) conference showcased advancements in agriculture robotics, with a focus on larger amounts of labor required for specialty crops like lettuce, carrots, berries, and other orchard products. Innovations ranged from precision laser weeders to autonomous mechanical weeding systems. A few to highlight: 

GUSS: Technology – GUSS (gussag.com)

GUSS, an autonomous orchard sprayer, is not new to the marketplace, but is beginning to cement its position. Sales began in 2019 and as of September 2023, there were upwards of 235 units in the field. GUSS has a unique partnership with John Deere to sell and service their units. They use a patented autonomous technology to be able to operate with precision under tree canopies where traditional solutions have some blind spots. GUSS also has a Select Spray option, which only applies chemicals in appropriate volume when it senses the trees present, reducing overall chemical usage while more accurately applying product.

Swarm Farm: SwarmFarm Robotics | Robotic Agriculture

Swarm Farm, an Australian company, presented a midsize autonomous platform designed around a farmer-first approach, creating a platform that can be serviced by the farmer and add value through supporting a variety of off the shelf implements. Their platforms have already covered more than two million acres in Australia since their inception in 2015 and they have plans to expand into the US market to demonstrate the potential of the scalable farmer-centric technology. The platform was designed and built on farm with the intention of addressing a labor shortage, while allowing 24/7 farming when conditions are right. Swarm Farm’s approach is not “bigger is always better” - instead, they prefer the duplication approach. With autonomous ability, crops can be sprayed and fields can be farmed when conditions are right, no matter the time of day. 

Verdant Robotics: Verdant Robotics

Verdant Robotics is taking spot spraying to the next level with its Bullseye Technology. This technology enables millimeter level precision that can handle high density bedded crops, such as carrots, while offering up to a 96% reduction in chemical usage. The same system can also be used to precisely place nutrients on plants. Verdant’s approach is supplying an implement that can fit in the current system, such as a human-driven tractor, with the additional ability to be carried by an autonomous platform.

2. Transform Food & Agriculture USA

A significant challenge discussed at this year’s Transform Food was the difficulty in defining regenerative agriculture. Major CPG companies and other industry stakeholders were using the terms “regenerative ag” and “sustainability” without offering up context to what it means for their respective companies, but consistent definitions matter as we seek alignment across the industry.

Along those lines, collaboration emerged as a central theme with several companies investing in partnerships with integrated farms and cost sharing initiatives. One topic missing from the discussion about sustainability was food waste. While it was brought up, there weren’t any serious conversations around the topic and its impact on the ag ecosystem’s efficiency.

The Path Forward for Ag Innovation

The future of innovation in agriculture hinges on the continued breakdown of barriers across the value chain both in terms of industry silos and conceptual understanding. By elevating the farmer’s voice, defining and aligning on key narratives, and fostering collaboration over competition, the industry can address the challenge of feeding a growing population while mitigating the impact on the finite resources and ecosystem. Working together, we can continue to drive the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural industry.

Farm Credit awarded a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers through the Farmers on the Rise Award Program on December 7, 2023. Jarrod and Becky Burall of Frederick County, MD are one of ten recipients.

Jarrod and Becky operate Burall Farms. They began farming in 2017 and grow beef, corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and straw on 1,000 acres. They were named among their county's Top 20 Young Ag Professionals in 2022 and have demonstrated a commitment to integrated practices, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Their revolving steer herd currently consists of approximately 200 head at various stages of maturity. Jarrod works full-time on the farm, managing daily operations. Becky oversees steer production and care while also managing the marketing of all beef through private and commercial sales.

The Buralls currently sell most of their steers through a commercial processor and sell about 20 steers privately in bulk, as halves and quarters. Beef marketing is where they see the greatest potential for growth. They are planning to build an on-farm market, which would enable them to sell small bundles and individual retail cuts of beef direct-to-consumers. After thorough analysis, they've determined that such a shift has the potential to increase their net profits by 44.3%.

You can meet all of the 2023 award winners here, and learn more about their farming experience on our blog!

Farm Credit awarded a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers through the Farmers on the Rise Award Program on December 7, 2023. Megan Bogle of Chester County, PA is one of ten recipients.

Megan began farming in 2018. She owns and operates True North Farmstead, which is a small-scale family run sheep farm and dairy, raising East Friesian/Lacaune sheep. Megan produces artisan farmstead sheep’s cheese, pasture raised spring lamb meat, wool products, and seasonal batches of hot sauce. She sells direct to consumers at the Growing Roots Farmers’ Markets in Chester County and has seen a strong demand for her artisan cheeses continue to grow—and plans to expand her cheesemaking as a result.

Megan is planning to add a laboratory to the farm, so that each batch of milk processed for cheesemaking can be tested. Her operation is currently exempt from the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) for antibiotic testing, but in order to expand, she will need to bring in milk from neighboring farms to supplement current operations, which will require the addition of a testing lab on site. Acquiring the lab will allow for growth and year-round market and cheesemaking activity.

You can meet all of the 2023 award winners here, and learn more about their farming experience on our blog!

Farm Credit awarded a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers through the Farmers on the Rise Award Program on December 7, 2023. Bradley and Kacie Bachman of Lebanon County, PA are one of ten recipients.

Bradley and Kacie Bachman jointly operate Bachman Equine LLC, an equine recovery facility in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Their operation, founded in 2018, offers specialized medical care and attention for horses requiring a quiet environment to rest, heal, and rejuvenate. They collaborate with owners and veterinarians to provide much-needed lay-up services for racehorses and brood mares to decompress and recuperate from physically demanding lifestyles. Kacie holds a veterinary technician license and draws upon experience gained while working in equine vet practices to care for her boarders. 

They are planning to upgrade their bank barn by installing automatic, heated waterers, which would provide a consistent supply of fresh, temperature regulated water as well as reduce the workload of filling tubs with hoses and breaking ice during winter months. Additionally, Kacie and Bradley would like to purchase two large hay feeders for their horses to use during turnout. The feeders simulate natural grazing habits through a slow-feed process that also greatly reduces hay waste. 

You can meet all of the 2023 award winners here, and learn more about their farming experience on our blog!

Farm Credit awarded a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers through the Farmers on the Rise Award Program on December 7, 2023. Ian Antons of Frederick County, VA is one of ten recipients.

Ian began farming in 2019, and owns 15 acres where he produces American heirloom hops for local breweries using no-till farming practices. Ian oversees all aspects of the farm's management, from cultivation to business development. His experiences as a combat veteran and a professional firefighter have contributed to a work ethic and resolve that have proven to be useful in agriculture. Through extensive research and networking, as well as trial and error, Ian has learned the intricacies of hop cultivation, how to manage soil health, prevent pest and disease issues, and select varietals.

His short-term goals are to increase hop cone yield through farming technique optimization, nutrient management, and enhanced plant health. He also aims to expand his partnerships with nearby breweries with a goal of serving a broader regional market and to offer consumer education through workshops and tours. Long term, Ian plans to expand the farm's footprint and venture into value-added products such as on-site hop palletization, which would reduce reliance on other regional farms. He is seeking funds to purchase a hop harvesting machine, which would allow him to move away from manually harvesting his crop, thereby greatly increasing efficiency and optimizing labor resources.

You can meet all of the 2023 award winners here, and learn more about their farming experience on our blog!

Farm Credit recently announced the ten recipients of their 2023 Farmers on the Rise program, awarding a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers in their territory. The following agriculturalists received this year’s honor: 

• Ian Antons, Winchester VA

• Bradley and Kacie Bachman, Jonestown, PA

• Megan Bogle, Downingtown, PA 

• Jarrod and Becky Burall, Mt. Airy, MD

• Tyler and Katie Fraser, New Bethlehem, PA

• Jennifer and Richard Hartlieb Jr., Robesonia, PA

• Julie Henninger, Gardners, PA

• Duy Pham, Princess Anne, MD

• Henry Spies V, Preston, MD

• Eric and Elizabeth Ziegler, Lebanon, PA

“We were pleased to receive over 74 applications this year, from agricultural producers located across our 100 county footprint,” says Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit. “The applicants’ backgrounds, farms, products, and plans for growth were highly diverse, however, three themes were consistent throughout: a desire to serve their local communities, a passion for farming, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.”  He went on to say, “All of this year’s applicants were truly impressive. We are honored to support this year’s Farmers on the Rise recipients as they look to grow their businesses and expand their local impact.”

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was on hand to address the program’s finalists, congratulate this year’s honorees, and to provide perspective on the future of agriculture.  “Beginning farmer programs feed the continued vitality of our farming communities,” he said. “Through programs like Farmers on the Rise, Horizon Farm Credit is sending a strong signal – we believe in the future of agriculture, and we believe investing in our farmers will cultivate a robust and dynamic agricultural sector that is empowered to thrive.

The contest was open to applicants with at least three but no more than 10 years of farming experience. To learn more about the program, visit farmersontherise.com.