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MyLand and Texas A&M AgriLife Advance Soil Health Research with Program Expansion
New phase drives Texas-focused research on microalgae’s impact on nutrient density, water efficiency, citrus greening, and sustainable farming practices
Phoenix, Arizona – October 21, 2025 – MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, today announced an expansion of its collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, designed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable soil practices across Texas and beyond.
The new phase of research will evaluate the effects and benefits of microalgae in a range of agriculture and natural resources production systems specific to Texas.
This milestone builds on the success of the collaboration, which began in 2023. Over the past two years, MyLand and AgriLife Research have expanded soil research and data collection across 12,000 acres in Texas, representing multiple soil types, crops, and regions. Building on this momentum, the program’s microalgae expansion will add 10,000 more acres, deepen collaborative research, and explore new applications of MyLand’s microalgae-based Soil as a Service™ to drive agricultural success and sustainability. This expansion underscores the growing value of public-private collaboration in advancing economically resilient agriculture.
“Every acre of Texas farmland carries the potential to feed families and sustain communities for generations,” said Dane Hague, Co-Founder and CEO of MyLand. “Together, we’re creating data-driven, scalable solutions that restore soil health, improve the quality of the food grown on-farm, and strengthen farming communities.”
New frontiers in research
The expanded research program includes multiple studies aligned with real-world grower needs and long-term sustainability goals:
1. Nutrient density of food: Evaluating the impact of microalgae on improving nutrient density across a range of crops.
2. Water use efficiency: Investigating how microalgae enhance resilience under reduced water availability, particularly on cotton — one of Texas’ most critical crops.
3. Soil salinity: Exploring the mitigation of damage caused by saline water, expanding water access in challenging environments.
4. Citrus greening: Evaluating microalgae for improving tree health in citrus groves impacted by this devastating disease.
5. Golf and turf: Studying microalgae’s impact on reduced water and inputs while maintaining turf quality for sports fields and golf courses.
“Our collaboration with MyLand brings research out of the lab and into farmers’ fields, where results truly matter” said Dr. G. Cliff Lamb, Director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “It’s partnerships like this that show how soil health isn’t just about crops – it’s about people, communities, and the future of Texas agriculture.”
With continued collaboration, MyLand and AgriLife Research are cultivating a future where healthy soils mean healthier farms, stronger food systems, and more resilient ecosystems.
About MyLand
MyLand is a soil health company. MyLand’s innovative and patented technology and unique Soil as a Service™ approach allows farmers to easily and rapidly implement regenerative agriculture practices and improve their soil health by harnessing the land’s own native ecosystem, because No Two Farms Are Alike™. MyLand partners with farmers to infuse life into their soil, helping to return farms to their most fertile state, achieving greater productivity and enhanced profitability. By improving soil health, MyLand is helping to tackle two of the world’s biggest challenges: food security and climate disruption. For additional information on how MyLand is transforming soil health globally, visit www.MyLand.ag.
About Texas A&M AgriLife Research
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research pioneers knowledge about agriculture and the life sciences to nourish health, strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and support economies. A part of The Texas A&M University System, AgriLife Research work toward a vision of healthy lives, livelihoods, and environments, improved through abundant, affordable, and high-quality food and agricultural products in Texas and around the world. agriliferesearch.tamu.edu.
Media Contact:
Nicole Small
Director, Marketing & Communications
Press Release: Nutrien’s ‘Farmers 2050 Contest’ Offers $1,000 Prize for FFA Chapters
LOVELAND, CO (October 20, 2025) – Nutrien Ag Solutions is inviting FFA chapters nationwide to test their farm management skills in a new digital challenge designed to connect students with the realities of modern agriculture through the Farmers 2050 Contest.
The three National FFA Organization chapters with the highest scores on Farmers 2050, formerly known as Journey 2050, during the National FFA Global Event Contest will receive the following donations to their chapters:
- First Place: $1,000 donated to their FFA Chapter
- Second Place: $500 donated to their FFA Chapter
- Third Place: $250 donated to their FFA Chapter
The Global Event gameplay will run from 10:00 am on Monday, October 20, 2025, through 08:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025 EST. Each chapter can register up to 50 players to compete as a team. Full contest rules and requirements can be found on the contest’s homepage.
“Farmers 2050 is as close as you can get to the realities of owning and operating a farm in a gaming format. It’s a great educational resource for students interested in pursuing a career in the agriculture industry because it simulates the decision-making process that farmers are faced with each day,” said Spencer Harris, Senior Vice President of Global Retail Operations, and member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors Board. “We’re looking forward to seeing a bit of friendly competition between FFA chapters during convention to see who lands on the leaderboard.”
During the National FFA Convention, Nutrien Ag Solutions can be found at booth #630. Alongside the Farmers 2050 Global Event Contest, the team will also be offering the following experiences for FFA students and advisors:
- A giveaway where three lucky students will win co-branded National FFA and Nutrien Ag Solutions sneakers.
- Back by popular demand – customized airbrush t-shirts.
- Nutrien Agronomy Drone Feature with brief educational presentations that will be held at:
- 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 30.
- 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31.
This year also marks a special milestone for Harris, who will be receiving an Honorary American Degree during the convention on Friday morning.
“FFA has been a huge part of my life and has helped shape me in so many ways. I’m incredibly grateful to the National FFA Organization for this honor and to be trusted with the responsibility of representing my teammates at Nutrien Ag Solutions on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors Board,” said Harris.
Nutrien Ag Solutions has been a proud supporter of FFA for over 45 years. Last year, the team solidified their continued support of FFA with a commitment of a 3-year investment of $850,000. The funds are used for competitive event support for members, comprehensive professional development for advisors, and a notable scholarship of $10,000 for National FFA Officers at their service year’s end. The investment also includes Nutrien Alumni Scholarships, in which alumni chapters can apply for a $5,000 grant to help with programming for their chapter. This commitment also includes support for alumni chapters, strengthening the foundation for ongoing agricultural engagement and learning.
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About Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc.
Nutrien Ag Solutions® is the retail division of Nutrien Ltd., a leading global provider of crop inputs and services. They provide full-acre solutions through a global retail network of trusted crop consultants at more than 1,900 locations. Nutrien Ag Solutions strives to help growers achieve the highest yields with a wide selection of products, including their proprietary brands: Loveland Products®, Inc., Proven® Seed, and Dyna-Gro® Seed. For more information visit nutrienagsolutions.com.
Media Relations Contacts
Katelyn Maass, 641-340-0350, katelyn.maass@nutrien.com
Michaela Spangler, 970-613-3743, michaela.spangler@nutrien.com
DPR’s New Pesticide Review Process Could Reshape Product Availability
California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is preparing to launch a new pesticide prioritization process that could determine which crop protection products remain available to growers in the years ahead. According to Western Plant Health Association President and CEO Renee Pinel, this process is beginning to move quickly, and growers and consultants should be paying attention.
“The process is now really starting to ramp up,” Pinel said during an interview at the 2025 Crop Consultant Conference in Visalia. “DPR is outlining with committee members what the goals will be, who can participate and how the committees will function. Their goal is to have these committees standing up either this fall or very early next year.”
Once the committees begin meeting, they’ll start identifying pesticides that may be considered for additional evaluations. That could lead to additional restrictions or, in some cases, product removal.
Two-Year Timeline to Major Decisions
While still in the early stages, the new prioritization framework could have significant implications for agriculture by the middle of the decade. Realistically, she said committees should start to meet at the beginning of 2026.
“By late next year, you could be looking at recommendations, maybe by summer, but more likely by fall or winter, for DPR to start reevaluating certain products,” she said. “That means we could see real impacts on product availability as soon as 2027.”
Pinel noted the committees will focus on identifying products where alternatives exist or where new options are being developed. That review process will inform DPR’s decisions on whether to restrict, modify or discontinue certain uses.
Why Grower and Consultant Voices Matter
Pinel urges grower and consultant participation as a crucial component to ensure the process remains grounded in science and real-world experience.
“Product availability is going to impact farmers directly,” she said. “If groups or individuals who don’t fully understand these products are the only ones at the table, then farmers, PCAs and CCAs need to be able to represent themselves.”
Growers and consultants, she added, have firsthand knowledge of what products work in the field and what realistic alternatives exist, knowledge that’s essential to balanced decision-making.
“Nobody knows better than a PCA, CCA or a farmer about the importance of a product, the alternatives that are out there and the impact restrictions will have,” she said. “Sometimes alternatives are being considered based on philosophical beliefs about what they can do rather than actual field-level realities.”
Who Can Participate
Agricultural professionals can become directly involved in the process by serving on DPR’s new advisory committees, according to Pinel. Growers, consultants and retailers can be nominated, either by others or by themselves, to represent agricultural perspectives.
“Registrants won’t be considered because DPR views that as a conflict of interest,” Pinel explained. “That means I can’t participate, but a grower or a pest control adviser certainly can.”
Pinel encouraged those with field expertise to stay alert for opportunities to serve or provide input once the committees are announced.
As the process unfolds over the next two years, growers and consultants will play an essential role in ensuring decisions about pesticide use remain practical, science-driven and representative of the realities in California fields and orchards. While DPR intends for the process to be science-based, Pinel cautioned that not all participating groups may share that approach.
“We need to be aware that there are groups looking at this through political or emotional lenses,” she said. “That’s why it’s so important for agriculture to be at the table, because if we’re not, it’s hard to push back against emotion. We need to let the science speak for itself.”
Farmers take the Driver’s Seat at FIRA USA 2025: Hands-On Autonomous Ag Robotics
WOODLAND, Calif. (AgPR) Oct. 7, 2025 – FIRA USA 2025 puts farmers at the center of agtech innovation. From October 21–23 in Woodland, California, growers get free admission and access to the brand-new VIP Grower Tour, featuring tailored visits, one-on-one meetings with robotics manufacturers, and a curated agenda addressing real farm challenges — from automating harvests and precision weed control to data-driven decision-making. The event also showcases Grower Pitches, where farmers share their experiences with cutting-edge technologies, and includes networking breakfasts and hands-on demos. The highlight: John Deere’s Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor — first unveiled at CES 2025 — will make its exclusive debut at an agricultural event during FIRA USA.
A Vision Resolutely Focused on the Needs of Farmers
At the heart of FIRA USA 2025 is a clear mission: to accelerate the adoption of agricultural technologies in North America, ensuring they precisely meet the expectations of producers.
“Ag robotics is booming, but every farm is different,” says Gwendoline Legrand, co-director of FIRA USA. “That’s why FIRA now focuses on direct matchmaking between growers and tech providers, ensuring automation delivers real value in the field and drives business on the spot.”
Exclusive VIP Program Designed for Growers
This year, FIRA USA 2025 launches the VIP Grower Tour, a free and exclusive program designed to welcome farmers with tailored guided tours, one-on-one meetings with ag robotics manufacturers, and a curated agenda to bring the right solutions to their specific needs.
All VIP Growers are invited to the exclusive John Deere’s Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor demo on Wednesday, October 22 (8-9 am): first revealed at CES 2025, the autonomous tractor will be demoing for the first time at an ag event at FIRA USA.
They are also kindly invited to the exclusive VIP Breakfast, sponsored by the California Farm Bureau, on Thursday, October 23 (9-10 am), for peer-to-peer networking and open discussion with robotics experts.
“If I’m a grower leaving this event today, I’m going home with a pocket full of business cards and a pocket full of ideas,” says Josh Roberts, VP Global Ag Development, Taylor Farms.
To secure your personalized VIP Growers Experience, please apply at this link, or contact gwendoline@world-fira.com.
Hands-On Field Demonstrations
A highlight of FIRA USA 2025 is the series of live field demos, where attendees can see ag robotics and automation technologies in real-world farm conditions. The official program is available online, allowing growers to plan their visit and select demos and sessions most relevant to their operations.
Producers Share Innovations and Challenges at FIRA USA
“I’ve attended FIRA the past 2 years and found an invaluable way to stay informed on the latest robotics and automation innovations for California agriculture”, Tim Nuss from Nuss Farm. “Seeing product demonstrations firsthand is a great way to envision real world applications on our farm. We’ve connected with several companies at FIRA as a result and currently evaluating how we adopt their technologies on the farm. The event is a good mix of tangible field ready tech as well as early stage developments. I highly recommend the event and am excited to attend again in 2025!”
Building on the momentum of 2024, which saw farmer participation increase by 53%, FIRA USA 2025 will give the floor directly to growers through a series of Growers Pitches. These sessions will highlight the cutting-edge tools already being implemented on farms and open discussions about ongoing technological needs.
Among the key topics:
- Automating the Harvest: Cutting-Edge Technologies Revolutionizing America’s Farming (October 21)
- Weed Management Showdown: Lasers, Precision Spraying, or Mechanical Solutions? (October 22)
- From Vineyard to Value – Feedback on Farming Automation (October 22)
- Data-Driven Farming: Transforming Grower Decision-Making (October 23)
Free registration for growers at FIRA USA: https://fira-usa.com
About FIRA USA
FIRA USA is the leading North American event dedicated to robotics and automation in agriculture. It brings together farmers, manufacturers, researchers, and investors to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies in the face of modern agricultural challenges.
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Media Contact:
Gwendoline Legrand
gwendoline@world-fira.com
+33 688 87 17 11
2025 Crop Consultant Conference is Next Week: Earn CEUs and Explore the Latest in Ag
The 2025 Crop Consultant Conference returns next week, September 24-25 at the Visalia Convention Center, bringing together California’s leading PCAs, CCAs, researchers and industry professionals for two days of learning, networking and innovation in the heart of Central Valley agriculture.
Hosted by Progressive Crop Consultant and Western Region Certified Crop Advisers, the Crop Consultant Conference is California’s premier event for crop consultants committed to advancing sustainable, profitable farming. Attendees can look forward to a packed agenda that includes expert-led sessions, CEU opportunities, novel research and practical field-ready strategies designed to meet today’s challenges head-on.
Comprehensive, Flexible CEU Opportunities
One of the conference’s greatest strengths is its dual-format CEU education program. Attendees can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for CA DPR, CCA, FREP, NDA and AZDA through both in-person and online sessions, providing the flexibility busy ag professionals need.
Beginning April 1, 2025, a new expert-led online session launched on the first of each month, covering topics like tree nut economics, advanced irrigation management and more. In-person sessions during the conference will offer extensive CE credit opportunities, with online access to additional courses extended through Dec. 31, 2025.
“This flexibility allows PCAs and CCAs to balance their work schedules while advancing their knowledge and skills,” said Jason Scott, CEO/publisher of JCS Marketing, Inc. and Progressive Crop Consultant. “And with registration priced at just $345, it’s an incredible value, translating to pennies per CE credit.”
Practical Insights and Cutting-Edge Innovation
This year’s program emphasizes practical, immediately actionable insights. Attendees can expect sessions focused on pest and disease management across major specialty crops, such as tree nuts, grapes, citrus and vegetables. Topics will include updates on emerging threats like red leaf blotch in almonds and Carpophilus beetle as well as strategies for managing Pierce’s disease, mealybugs and rodent damage. Additional sessions will explore pest dynamics in crops like onions and safflower, providing regionally relevant insights grounded in current research. Beyond pest control, the conference will cover herbicide resistance, preemergent weed management and important regulatory updates, including the latest on California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s “Pesticide Prioritization Process” and fumigant use. Attendees will also gain exposure to advances in ag tech, biofungicide use and integrated pest management tools.
On the CCA side, attendees can expect sessions focused on climate impacts on California ag, regenerative soil management, current crop nutrition insights in grapes, stone fruit and tree nuts, tailored crop input strategies and more.
With a mix of expert-led technical sessions, hands-on recommendations and industry panels, the event offers valuable continuing education opportunities for crop consultants looking to stay current in an evolving production landscape.
Attendees will also have full access to the conference trade show, showcasing the newest products, services and technologies in agriculture. It’s a rare opportunity to see the tools that can enhance consulting practices and client results firsthand.
“This strategic location in Visalia allows participants to connect directly with innovations shaping the future of crop consulting,” Scott said.
A Full Conference Experience
Beyond earning CEUs, participants will enjoy breakfast and lunch both days, a lively networking mixer and ample opportunities to build connections with industry leaders, decision-makers and peers. Additionally, Miss California 2025 and Fresno-county native Rachel Axt will be making an appearance during Day 1 of the conference for an attendee meet-and-greet.
“This event is more than just lectures; it’s a platform for collaboration, innovation and professional growth,” Scott said. “It’s where future-forward crop consulting happens.”
Secure your spot today and join us next week in Visalia for the 2025 Crop Consultant Conference!
Register while there’s still time at progressivecrop.com/conference.
John Deere Acquires GUSS Automation to Strengthen High-Value Crop Autonomy Portfolio
MOLINE, Illinois (August 27, 2025) — John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognized leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy, headquartered in Kingsburg, California. The acquisition builds on an existing joint venture established in 2022 and advances John Deere’s commitment to helping high-value crop growers address their biggest challenges around labor availability, input costs and crop protection.
“Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less,” said Julien Le Vely, director, Production Systems, High Value & Small Acre Crops, at John Deere. “GUSS brings a proven solution to a fast-growing segment of agriculture, and its team has a deep understanding of customer needs in orchards and vineyards. We’re excited to have them fully part of the John Deere team.”
Founded by Dave Crinklaw in 2018, GUSS manufactures autonomous sprayers that can be remotely supervised by a single operator who can manage up to eight machines at once. Using GPS, LiDAR and proprietary software, GUSS machines navigate vineyards and orchards with precision to help reduce operator error, labor costs and material waste. To date, more than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed globally, accounting for 2.6 million acres sprayed over 500,000 autonomous hours.
GUSS sprayers will continue to be sold and serviced exclusively through John Deere dealers, as they are today. The business will retain its name, brand, employees and manufacturing facility in Kingsburg, California.
John Deere will support GUSS in expanding its global reach and accelerating innovation, including continued integration with other John Deere precision agriculture technologies, such as Smart Apply®, which enables targeted spraying that offers the opportunity for up to 50% savings on chemical and water use.
“Joining John Deere enables us to tap into their unmatched innovative capabilities in precision agriculture technologies to bring our solutions to more growers around the world,” said Gary Thompson, chief operations officer at GUSS. “Our team is passionate about helping high-value crop growers increase their efficiency and productivity in their operations, and together with John Deere, we will have the ability to have an even greater impact.”
GUSS’ manufacturing operations expand John Deere’s U.S. manufacturing footprint to the heart of the country’s high-value crop production market. GUSS sprayers will continue to use John Deere Power Systems engines, first integrated in 2024.
For more information about GUSS solutions, please contact your local John Deere dealer.
ABOUT JOHN DEERE
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere’s role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.
For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news.
CONTACT
Darius Lane
Public Relations Manager, Small Ag and Turf
agpr@johndeere.com
The Reservoir Launches First On-Farm AgTech Innovation Hub for Specialty Crops
Creating an ‘Olympic Village of AgTech’ in Salinas, CA, to Accelerate Precision Ag and Robotics, led by Driscoll’s, John Deere, Netafim, Nutrien, Taylor Farms, Hartnell College, Naturipe Berry Growers, Tanimura & Antle and Western Growers
Salinas, CA – August 28, 2025 – As a historic milestone for specialty crop production and agricultural technology, the Reservoir today broke ground on its inaugural on-farm innovation hub in Salinas, California. The ribbon-cutting celebration at the new Salinas site—on land leased from Tanimura & Antle—was attended by more than 200 industry leaders, growers, elected officials, community partners, and investors. The launch marks the first step in a global vision: creating an ‘Olympic Village of AgTech’ where world-class technology leaders, growers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to solve urgent challenges facing global agriculture.
Today, Driscoll’s, Netafim, Nutrien, and Taylor Farms join as the newest key partners, reinforcing the commitment to transform agtech adoption across multiple U.S. regions and directly embed innovation within commercial farming environments. These on-the-ground collaborations ensure startups have direct access to grower feedback and commercial realities, accelerating real-world impact and addressing the gap, as only 30% of U.S. farms currently utilize precision agriculture solutions despite billions in recent investment.
“From the beginning, our vision has been far more than technology—it’s about partnerships,” said Danny Bernstein, CEO of the Reservoir. “Success is grounded in becoming an authentic part of each farming community, connecting entrepreneurs, growers and next-generation talent to reimagine the sustainability of U.S. farming. Creating this ‘Olympic Village of Agtech’ is only possible with trusted relationships on the ground and a shared vision for what’s possible.”
Last week, the Reservoir announced its strategic partnership with John Deere, a leader in agricultural technology and equipment. For Reservoir residents, the partnership creates a unique environment where innovation meets real-world application. Residents gain access to Deere’s technology (including APIs), expertise, and equipment, alongside dedicated testing acres, structured pilot opportunities, and curated field days. This collaboration provides startups with a clearer path to validate solutions in high-value crops, engage directly with growers, and explore potential integrations with Deere’s global platform — strengthening the bridge between early-stage ideas and scalable agricultural impact.
Reservoir Farms-Salinas: The Inaugural Home for Next-Generation Farming
As the ‘Salad Bowl of the World’ and the epicenter of nearly $5 billion in annual crop value, Salinas produces more than 70% of the nation’s lettuce plus significant shares of strawberries, broccoli, and vegetables, making it a testbed for high-value, specialty crops that shape U.S. produce markets.
Initial residents at Reservoir Farms, including Beagle Technology, BHF Robotics, Cropmind, FarmBlox, High Degree Machinery, and GeoVisual Analytics, chose Reservoir Farms to connect directly with growers and access test facilities, enabling product development with immediate customer feedback. These early-stage companies bought into the vision of connecting leading roboticists, engineers, and agricultural producers to accelerate technology from concept to commercialization.
Salinas Mayor and Executive Director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, Dennis Donohue, said: “Salinas has always been at the forefront of feeding the country, so it’s only natural we host the first Reservoir Farms. This hub empowers our growers, attracts top talent, and helps secure our leadership in agriculture for generations to come.”
Scaling Innovation: From California to Arizona and Beyond
Looking ahead, the Reservoir announced plans to expand its model to additional sites across California, Arizona, and other major growing regions, with each hub anchored by leading academic and R&D institutions. This winter, the Reservoir will run a pilot at the University of Arizona Experiment Station (the Yuma Agricultural Center) in Yuma. This multi-regional approach derisks and accelerates technology development, enabling on-farm testing in commercial operations and across some of the country’s most important permanent, bedded, and high-value crops—from fresh vegetables on the Central Coast to leafy greens in Arizona and tree nuts in California’s Central Valley.
“By aligning innovation with real-world conditions, advanced technology and a clear path to scale, the Reservoir and its partners help ensure new solutions are built to deliver meaningful impact for growers,” said Jason Brantley, vice president of production systems, small ag & turf at John Deere. “Together, we’re strengthening the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of high-value crops—with potential to benefit food systems worldwide.”
Driven by its deep local roots and a powerful network of national leaders, the Reservoir is unlocking a new era of productivity, sustainability, and market opportunity for American agriculture, and ensuring that innovation with the greatest potential impact reaches the fields and communities where it is needed today.
ABOUT THE RESERVOIR:
The Reservoir is a startup incubator and venture capital fund focused on helping agtech startups succeed where agriculture happens—in the field. Reservoir Farms is the world’s first on-farm robotics incubator, starting in the Salinas Valley and expanding to other key regions like the Central Valley. Reservoir Ventures backs startups solving real problems in high-value crops. By combining R&D space, hands-on grower input, and early-stage capital, the Reservoir helps turn promising ideas into tools for the growers who feed the world. Learn more at https://reservoir.co.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Goldston
AgTech PR for The Reservoir
jennifer@AgTechPR.com
Farmblox Relocates Headquarters to California, Expanding Orchard-Focused AgTech Innovation
Santa Cruz, CA – September 16, 2025 – Farmblox, a farm automation system connecting equipment and in-field sensors to the internet so farmers can see everything from their phone or computer and take action, announced it has relocated its headquarters to Santa Cruz, California. The move reflects Farmblox’s growing commitment to California’s specialty crops producers and the state’s central role in the company’s strategy.
“California is at the heart of the global agriculture market, and doubling down here allows us to stay close to our clients,” said Nathan Rosenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Farmblox. “Santa Cruz gives us the best of both worlds: proximity to Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem while remaining rooted in active farming communities.”
The new headquarters will position Farmblox near the recently launched Reservoir Farms, a farm designed as an AgTech test site where technology leaders, growers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to solve urgent challenges facing global agriculture. This proximity enables the company to test the next breakthrough Agriculture automation solutions in real-world conditions and strengthen partnerships with California growers.
While expanding its presence in California, Farmblox maintains a regional branch in Vermont, where the company works with a vast majority of the maple producer markets. Farmblox’s dual presence in California and Vermont ensures continued innovation and farmer support across diverse agricultural markets, from sugar maples to citrus, almonds, and beyond.
“Our New England roots run deep,” Rosenberg added. “We remain dedicated to supporting maple customers and the broader Northeast market, even as we scale to meet the needs of specialty crops growers across California.”
Download a high resolution image of Farmblox monitor in California Orchards: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktMl92xMBXy_SRawVMASTNsLuLTtbyIN/view?usp=sharing
About Farmblox
Farmblox gives farmers tools to build their own farm automation system, connecting in-field sensors and equipment to a simple app to fix problems and automate tasks. Reliably monitoring remote farmland in all weather conditions, farmers can add a custom array of sensors – from soil moisture to weather to valve pressure – to monitor their specific crops and land. With everything visible in a simple app on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, farmers can quickly identify operational issues like leaks, weather risks, or equipment failure and automatically trigger fixes to save resources and improve productivity.
For further information please contact:
Mira Marcus | PR, Farmblox | mira@farmblox.ag | 713-305-6961
Management of Potassium in Processing Tomato
Potassium is important to tomato vine health, fruit set and color. Recognizing where deficiencies may occur and correcting them is complex.
Deciding if Potassium Fertilization is Necessary
The K ion is weathered from soil minerals and is held on negatively charged soil surfaces (the cation exchange capacity, or CEC). The plant’s ability to get the K it needs depends therefore on:
• Soil type and texture: Sandy soils have a low CEC and a limited capacity to supply and hold K, while heavy clay soils can limit water movement and root growth, meaning that while the soil may have sufficient K the tomato roots cannot access it.
• Root growth: Since K isn’t very mobile in most soils, plants with poor root systems will have less access to soil K, even if it’s in an available form.
• Presence of other cations: If other ions are too abundant, they interfere with the plant’s ability to take up soil K. If K makes up less than 2% of the soil’s CEC, plants risk being K-deficient.
Right Rate
Tomatoes are heavy K feeders, and most of the K taken up goes to the fruit. A 50-ton crop can remove 200 to 300 pounds K per acre (4 to 6 pounds per ton; Hartz and Hanson 2009). If K fertilization is needed, a recommendation is to replace the K removed with the harvest. The economic rate may be less than this because the additional yield benefit often stagnates as the rate increases (Hartz and Hanson 2009). A general recommendation is 100 pounds K2O per acre (Hartz and Hanson 2009).
Most southern Sacramento Valley tomato soils are not naturally K-deficient; however, levels can decrease over time. In an ongoing project funded by CTRI, I am measuring soil biological, chemical and physical differences between fields which are coming into tomato for the first time in decades (e.g., after walnut) and nearby fields on the same soil type which have been in long-term tomato rotations. Across a range of soil textures (Yolo silt loam, Tehama loam and Brentwood clay loam), all ‘new’ fields contained more available K in the top 12 inches at planting than their ‘old’ counterparts (Fig. 1). The difference was greatest on the two lighter soils. These differences may not relate to crop yield as only one field is at the threshold at which drip-irrigated processing tomatoes are expected to respond to K fertilizer, but they suggest that even in high-K soils, annual rotations which include tomato measurably reduce K over time.
Questions about nutrient management in processing tomatoes? See the California Fertilization Guidelines at geisseler.ucdavis.edu/Guidelines/Tomato.html.
References
Hartz, T.K., Hanson, B., 2009. Drip irrigation and fertigation management of processing tomato . University of California Vegetable Research and Information Center.
Hartz, T.K., Johnstone, P.R., Francis, D.M., Miyao, E.M., 2005. Processing tomato yield and fruit quality improved with potassium fertigation. HortScience 40 (6): 1862-1867.
Widders, I.E., Lorenz, O.A., 1982. Potassium nutrition during tomato plant development. Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences 107 (6): 960-964.
