Agricultural Innovation gets $12.5M boost from USDA

Aug 24, 2023

A wave of innovative energy is set to sweep the agricultural landscape, courtesy of the USDA's $12.5 million investment into the SBIR and STTR programs. This move is set to back 76 enterprising small businesses addressing agriculture's dynamic challenges.

Reiterating the Administration's dedication, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young emphasized nurturing small businesses and fortifying the nation's food framework.

$2.5 millions of this allocation inaugurates the USDA NIFA STTR awards. These awards are pioneering, fostering symbiotic relations between small businesses and research nonprofits, propelling scientific discoveries to the masses.

Dr. Manjit K. Misra, helping USDA NIFA, spotlighted small businesses as the leaders of innovation in the realms of food and farming. NIFA's $9.9 million is ready to strengthen 61 SBIR initiatives, touching vital areas from conservation to biobased innovations.

It's heartening to note, 20 of these grants support businesses owned by minorities or women, and 22 cater to HUBZones, emphasizing socio-economic upliftment.

The projects under this funding umbrella are diverse and promising, like Evergreen Aquatics' venture into sustainable aquaculture and Padma Agrobotics' automation strides.

Complementing these advancements, the USDA’s 2022 Technology Transfer Annual Report charts the path of recent agricultural tech successes. From 156 pathbreaking inventions to 79 patent applications, the report paints an encouraging picture of the sector's future.

To continue harnessing innovative minds, the USDA is open to more SBIR and STTR funding proposals, with the window closing on September 19, 2023.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.