The agricultural industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, and this week’s content highlights some of the most innovative developments. At the recent Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) showcased their latest precision technology. Precision Farming Dealer editors had the opportunity to speak with Leo Bose, harvesting segment lead for Case IH, about their new combine technology. The conversation provided insights into how these advancements aim to enhance efficiency and productivity in farming operations.
One of the standout innovations at the show was InnerPlant’s CropVoice platform. This technology is powered by a network of soybean plots engineered to signal when they are under attack from fungus, allowing agronomists to receive stress signals directly from the plants. Sean Yokomizo of InnerPlant shared that this platform achieved a significant milestone this growing season by detecting an active fungal infection in real-time for the first time in agricultural history. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize crop monitoring and management.
In addition to the technological showcases, a new study quantifying the benefits of precision agriculture was released. The 2025 Benefits of Precision Agriculture study updates and expands upon the 2020 study, focusing on the broader impacts of precision ag beyond economic gains for farmers. The study also highlights the potential of emerging targeted spray technologies, offering a consolidated look at their benefits.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture is another hot topic. Jennifer Marston of Ag Funder News interviewed Farmers Business Network (FBN) CEO Diego Casanello, who discussed the company’s plans for AI following a recent $50 million capital raise. Casanello emphasized the importance of AI in bringing order to the unstructured and dispersed data in agriculture, enabling more natural and effective data delivery.
However, not all farmers are convinced about the benefits of automation. In his LinkedIn blog, Tim Wilson, an irrigation manager in California’s central valley, shared his reasons for not using automated control on his fields. His perspective highlights the ongoing debate within the agricultural community about the adoption of new technologies and their practical implications.
These diverse perspectives and innovations underscore the dynamic nature of the agricultural industry. As technology continues to advance, farmers and agronomists must weigh the benefits and challenges of these new tools to make informed decisions about their operations.