Key Takeaways
- John Deere acquires GUSS Automation to expand its autonomy portfolio.
- Solinftec enhances Solix AG Robotics with new features for 24/7 operations.
- Hylio CEO Arthur Erickson outlines the company’s growth from startup to drone leader.
- Partnerships from Ecobloom–Aranet and Nature Fresh–Revol Greens highlight advancements in CEA.
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AgTech & Precision Agriculture Highlights
The Reservoir Opens Innovation Hub in Salinas
The Reservoir launched its first AgTech hub in Salinas, California, providing startups with grower networks, test grounds, and pilot opportunities. A strategic partnership with John Deere grants access to advanced equipment and technologies. At its launch, over 200 stakeholders attended, with organizers calling the hub an “Olympic Village of AgTech.”
CLAAS and Razor Tracking Partner on Fleet Management
CLAAS joined forces with Razor Tracking to integrate GPS, fuel, weather, and equipment history data into joint fleet management solutions. The collaboration enables growers to optimize logistics and reduce costs by streamlining operations across both Razor Tracking and CLAAS connect platforms.
John Deere Acquires GUSS Automation
John Deere completed the acquisition of GUSS Automation, strengthening its portfolio in high-value crops with autonomous sprayers. GUSS systems reduce labor needs and material waste while covering over 2.6 million acres globally. More than 250 units are already deployed, contributing 500,000 autonomous hours.
Solinftec Expands Solix AG Robotics for 2025
Solinftec announced new deployments of its Solix AG Robotics in four U.S. states, adding Discovery Mode, obstacle detection, and Starlink-enabled connectivity. A solar-powered Refill Station supports 24/7 operations, while field data can reduce herbicide use by up to 95%.
Interview: Arthur Erickson on Hylio’s Drone Journey
Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, shared insights on the company’s evolution from a dorm-room project to a U.S. leader in agricultural drones. Initially serving farmers in Central America, Hylio has grown significantly since FAA regulatory clarity in 2019. Erickson highlighted that farmers retain full ownership of their operational data, a model he considers vital for trust. Looking ahead, he envisions AI-driven drone analytics as a central force in agriculture by 2030.
Plant Science & Agribusiness
- BDC Capital launched a $200M Industrial Innovation Venture Fund II to back Canadian startups in robotics, AI, and industrial software.
- Amazon and Arable introduced a Mississippi water replenishment project projected to save 150M gallons annually, part of Amazon’s water-positive strategy by 2030.
- Biotalys received updated EPA guidance on its EVOCA™ biocontrol product, with approval expected in late 2025.
- Moa Technology partnered with Gowan Company to develop new herbicide innovations, with trials underway in Australia and the UK.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
- Ecobloom and Aranet integrated environmental sensors into Ecobloom’s EcoSense platform, offering growers enhanced AI-powered decision-making tools.
- Nature Fresh Farms and Revol Greens teamed up to scale packaged salads, combining greenhouse expertise with broader distribution capabilities.
- INNOFarms.AI and Veggitech signed an MoU to advance SmartFarm projects in the UAE and GCC using hydroponics and digital technologies.
- LI-COR launched new HOBO® Data Loggers for temperature, humidity, and solar radiation monitoring, aimed at precision indoor farming.
- Ceres Greenhouse Solutions completed an aquaponic greenhouse project in Wisconsin to support food programs for Native American communities.
Other Industry Updates
- Heifer International concluded investments that helped CVMC expand to six facilities and GRFC shift to direct-to-consumer models.
- LeafWorks unveiled DNA-based ingredient testing for mushroom blends, enhancing compliance and quality assurance.
- Origin Agritech began operations at a fully automated seed facility in Xinjiang.
- POET acquired a Tennessee bioethanol facility, boosting its production by 120 million gallons annually.
Upcoming AgTech Events
- Commercial UAV Expo | Sept. 2–4, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
- Taiwan Smart Agriweek | Sept. 3–5, 2025 | Taiwan
- Global Vertical Farming Show | Sept. 10–11, 2025 | Dubai, UAE
- SPACE | Sept. 16–18, 2025 | France
- AgraME | Oct. 6–7, 2025 | Dubai, UAE
- Vertical Farming World Congress | Oct. 7–9, 2025 | Amsterdam
