Ben Pullen is the new director of the Institute for Agriculture at Buena Vista University. Named to the role in late 2024, Pullen brings experience in youth development, education and community engagement, according to a news release. BVU’s Institute for Agriculture aims to foster innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector while providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Before joining BVU, Pullen served as senior field manager for Iowa State
agriculture
July 18, 2024
Rantizo receives FAA approval for advanced drone operations
Iowa City-based Rantizo, a provider of agricultural spray drone services, has received approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration for advanced drone operations. The approvals include allowing Rantizo service hub operators to swarm up to three drones over 55 pounds and fly at night without a visual observer. Flying without a visual observer and multiple drones at once can significantly boost productivity, allowing operators to cover more acres with greater flexibility. Night
July 11, 2024
Cultivation Corridor conducting survey on perceptions of Iowa’s food, ag sector
America’s Cultivation Corridor, in collaboration with partners, is conducting a survey to gain a deeper understanding of current local, national and global perceptions regarding Iowa’s food and agriculture sector. The survey covers multiple aspects of the industry, including innovation, business opportunity, workforce and quality of life. Responses will remain confidential and be used solely for research purposes. The survey is estimated to take about 10 minutes. Responses are requested by
May 23, 2024
Central Campus opens new barn for ag students
Des Moines Independent Community School District recently unveiled a newly constructed barn for agriculture and horticulture students at Central Campus to gain experience in what it’s like to work in the agriculture industry. The new barn will be open for all students in the metro area who choose the Central Campus Ag program. According to a news release, the Matt and Shanda Carstens Family Foundation, in coordination with Landus and
March 28, 2024
New study on agricultural biologicals launching this spring
Three companies in the agricultural biologicals sector, Pivot Bio, Meristem and Syngenta, have signed on to sponsor a comprehensive, farmer-centric market research effort around row-crop farmers’ increased use of agricultural biologicals. The study is being launched by Stratovation Group, a Midwest-based research, marketing and communications firm focused on the agricultural sector, according to a press release. This initiative is a follow-up to baseline research conducted in 2022 focused on farmer sentiment regarding
September 28, 2023
New ISU feed mill and grain science complex now open
Iowa State University held a grand opening on Sept. 8 for the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, located on 10 acres of university farmland. The grain storage and feed milling complex can produce up to 30,000 tonnes of feed and store more than 200,000 bushels of grain, according to a news release. The 47,000-square-foot complex includes a warehouse and an educational building with an analytical laboratory, pilot plant,
July 13, 2023
Cultivation Corridor launches Israeli Cultivo cohort
Seven companies from Israel are participating in a new cohort of Cultivo Virtual Academy hosted by America’s Cultivation Corridor, which launched on July 6. The program provides participants with mentorship, interaction with Iowa’s agricultural leaders, and an online curriculum focused on U.S. market entry, regulatory and financing systems, and customer perspectives. The sessions will be facilitated by Iowa business and university leaders. The seven participating companies are: Agrematch, a data-science product
April 13, 2023
Growers Edge announces strategic relationship with German company
Johnston-based fintech Growers Edge announced last week a strategic relationship with Munich Re in Germany, a provider of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk management. According to a news release, the relationship between the two companies will bring together Growers Edge’s data and analytics and Munich Re’s experience in reinsurance to help increase efficiency and reduce risk for ag partners to offer Growers Edge’s warranty-backed crop plans to their farmer
March 16, 2023
Naig awards 28 Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced March 7 that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 28 Choose Iowa cost-share grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses and nonprofits totaling $463,000. The Choose Iowa grants were created in 2022 to increase or diversify agricultural product offerings, expand markets and shorten the supply chain, according to a news release. The grants will support various projects, including cider production from
March 9, 2023
Farmers develop new tool in three-day ‘design sprint’ event
More than 30 farmers, crop advisers, scientists and other agricultural stakeholders came together last week for a three-day design sprint event to design a new decision-support tool that supports nitrogen fertilizer rate decisions. According to a news release, a design sprint is a proven methodology for answering complex questions rapidly through designing, prototyping and testing ideas with users. The event was organized by the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council and
