Author: Dave Alexander

A Michigan State University researcher has received a $394,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a solar power-based irrigation technology that improves energy- and water-use efficiency.

Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, leads the three-year project.

Dong is an expert in accessible irrigation technology development, having already created and field tested the Low-Cost Monitoring System (LOCOMOS). LOCOMOS significantly lowers the initial cost of in-field irrigation sensors and is usable with a smartphone app.

The sensors collect data on soil moisture, leaf wetness and other environmental conditions, which is then analyzed by software that sends growers precise irrigation recommendations.

For the new project, Dong and Woongkul (Matt) Lee, an assistant professor at Purdue University who was previously at MSU, are designing a solar-powered microinverter. The small device is connected to a solar panel and allows electricity to be used for tasks such as soft-starting induction motors for irrigation or sent back to the grid for energy credits.

The microinverters will be connected with irrigation sensors via the Internet of Things — a system that promotes the exchange of data throughout a network — to increase efficiency of grid-connected irrigation.

The first objective involves scaling up a working solar-powered microinverter prototype that has already been manufactured and tested in the lab. The system will be installed for a year-long test at MSU research farms.

For the second objective, in the project’s second and third years, on-farm research will be conducted at partner farms in Michigan and Indiana. Some fields will be fitted with solar-powered microinverters, while others will serve as controls without the technology.

For the third objective, a decision support tool that considers in-field conditions, crop type, irrigation pump size and more will be created. Feedback from users will be continually collected, helping researchers optimize the system’s performance.

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SOURCE: MSU AgBioResearch

By James Mintert and Michael Langemeier, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded its lowest readings since March 2016 in September. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell 12 points to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94. The Index of Current Conditions also fell 7 points to 76, which nearly matched levels seen in April 2020, during the height of COVID-19 concerns for farmers. This month’s survey was conducted from September 9-13, 2024.

September’s survey revealed that farmers are increasingly worried about commodity prices, input costs, agricultural trade prospects and the potential impact of the upcoming election on their farm operations. When asked to identify their top concerns for the coming year, low commodity prices and high input costs were nearly tied, with 34% of farmers citing input prices and 33% pointing to lower output prices as their primary concerns. Interest rates trailed behind as a top concern, chosen by 17% of respondents. Producers’ apprehensions about commodity prices matched up with their lack of confidence in the future of U.S. agricultural exports; only 26% of respondents expect ag exports to rise over the next five years, the most pessimistic response to this question since it was first introduced in 2019. Additionally, 78% of producers expressed concern that government policy changes following the fall 2024 elections could impact their farms.

The continued drop in the barometer reflects deepening concerns among farmers regarding expectations for farm income in 2024 and 2025. It’s notable that producer sentiment dropped back to levels last seen in 2016 when the U.S. farm economy was in the early stages of an economic downturn. In addition to commodity prices and input costs weighing heavily on their operations, producers are also facing considerable uncertainty about what lies ahead for their farms with the possibility of government policy changes following the upcoming 2024 elections.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $1.7 billion for purchase of locally and regionally produced foods and domestically produced foods for emergency food assistance.

Local Food Support

USDA is providing $1.2 billion for local food purchases that food banks, schools, and child care facilities will integrate into their meals for the coming year. This funding builds on previously provided local food support and creates new marketing opportunities for small- and mid-sized producers and food businesses. Past funding has provided much needed assistance to schools and food banks as they grapple with acquiring enough food to meet the needs of their recipients. Continued investment in local purchasing allows producers to expand, invest in infrastructure, and solidify new connections that support resilient regional food systems while providing healthy products to food recipients.

Of the funding, $500 million will be made available for states, territories, and Tribal nations to purchase local foods for emergency food providers and underserved communities, while another $500 million will allow school meal programs to make local food purchases. For the first time, USDA will also provide $200 million in funds specifically for child care facilities, which face similar challenges purchasing food as schools.

Support for Emergency Food Providers

USDA is providing $500 million to purchase domestic commodities for emergency food providers like food banks and food pantries. This latest round of funding, in addition to the nearly $2 billion previously provided in 2022 and 2023, will allow states to order American-grown commodities from USDA for emergency food providers. These investments and several other USDA actions to support emergency food providers will help ensure no one in America goes without the nutrition they need.  Past domestic commodity support has enhanced food deliveries to emergency providers fighting food and nutrition insecurity while supporting American agriculture, and these funds continue that investment.

All three broad-based measures of farmer sentiment improved in July as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 8 points to 113, the Index of Current Conditions increased by 10 points to 100, and the Index of Future Expectations at 119 was 7 points higher than a month earlier.

Farmer sentiment improved in July despite declines in corn and soybean prices from mid-June to mid-July. For example, Eastern Corn Belt cash corn and soybean prices fell 11% and 5%, respectively, over that time frame. Responses to the individual questions used to compute the indices indicate that the sentiment improvement was attributable to fewer respondents reporting worsened conditions compared to a year ago along with a decline in those expecting negative future outcomes. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from July 15-19, 2024.

The July survey showed that high input costs remained the biggest concern as it was cited as a top concern by 34% of farmers in the survey. Additionally, the risk of lower crop and livestock prices continues to worry producers, with 29% citing it as a top concern, up from 25% in June. Reflecting the signals from the Federal Reserve that interest rates have peaked, only 17% of respondents pointed to rising interest rates as a top concern, down from 23% last month.

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The University of Idaho Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics is improving organic and sustainable crop production using artificial intelligence, bolstered by a $120,000 grant.

The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grant will support the testing, deployment and improvement of artificially intelligent systems currently being tested across the U.S. to access microclimate and environmental information and improve sustainable organic crop production techniques.

The team has established two systems across the country, including at the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center and at Laurel Grove Wine Farm in Winchester, Virginia. The Sandpoint test system helps orchard operators track environmental conditions — including temperature, light, wind speed and air moisture — to make better decisions for the care of the unique heirloom fruit varieties growing on the 66-acre organic and sustainable agriculture production education and outreach center.

The Sandpoint system also helps the team test and improve software and hardware components used in a larger system located on the 120-acre vineyard at Laurel Grove. The AI-augmented system gives vintners actionable microclimate and environmental information such as humidity, temperature, soil moisture and acidity data to help inform growing business practices, reduce power consumption and defray operating costs.

To mark its anniversary, JH Biotech, Inc. has announced the launch of the International Prevention Agriculture Institute (IPAI). This nonprofit organization aims to raise global awareness of land degradation, advocate for sustainable agricultural development, and ensure long-term food security by fostering a healthier ecosystem.

According to the United Nations, 24 billion tons of fertile soil is lost annually due to unsustainable agricultural practices. Through the IPAI, JH Biotech, Inc. aims to educate farmers, growers, and the entire agricultural community about innovative prevention strategies and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Dr. John Hsu, president and founder of JH Biotech, Inc. and the IPAI, stated, “Prevention is the key to agricultural sustainability. We are committed to prevention agriculture to ensure clean and safe food without compromising the environment.”

“Prevention before correction” is the cornerstone of the IPAI philosophy. Through extensive research, field trials, and partnerships with universities and other companies, the IPAI delivers best practices, including programs for Integrated Crop Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Integrated Health Management.

To learn more about the International Prevention Agriculture Institute visit preventionagriculture.com.