Monsanto Buys Climate Crop

Oct 02, 2013

Monsanto Buys Climate Crop

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The world’s largest agribusiness company – Monsanto announced Wednesday that it bought Climate Corporation. The company’s press release says the deal was $930 million, while investors are saying the actual price is around the $1 billion mark.

In addition to the acquisition announcement, Monsanto also reported a larger-than-expected fourth quarter loss of $249 million, $0.47 per share. Purchasing Climate Corp is part of a strategic move, which will help Monsanto manage risk better.

Climate Corp technology uses machine learning to predict weather for agribusiness purposes. Some of the technology can predict how climate variability affects different crops. Monsanto will now be able to leverage Climate’s full suite of products. A full list of products can be found here. Climate’s cofounders were early Google employees.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.