Cheers to freshness pioneers on National Farmer’s Day.

Sep 20, 2023

Imagine biting into an apple that's been sitting on your kitchen counter for days, but it's still as crisp as ever. Sounds like magic, right? Well, thanks to Sylvia Blankenship and Edward Sisler, it's science.

As we gear up for National Farmer’s Day on Oct. 12, let's chat about these two brilliant minds. They discovered something super cool called 1-methylcyclopropene, but let’s keep it simple and call it 1-MCP.

Now, this might sound geeky, but 1-MCP is a lifesaver for fruits, veggies, and even those pretty flowers you love. It fights off ethylene, which is like the "aging potion" for produce. Because of 1-MCP, our favorite greens and blooms can stay fresh and fabulous for longer. That means fewer sad, wilted salads and more bright, cheerful daisies.

And guess what? This discovery is a big win for sellers too. They get more time to sell their produce, and it can travel farther without going bad.

So, on this National Farmer’s Day, let’s send a big thank-you to Sylvia and Edward. Without them, freshness just wouldn't be the same.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: CEOs of the Industry – International Edition Michael Agerley | Partner, IQinAbox

In this CEOs of the Industry – International Edition, we sit down with Michael Agerley, Partner at IQinAbox, to explore how data is reshaping the future of pig production.

After more than 20 years as a veterinarian, Michael shares his unique perspective on the shift from hands-on animal care to data-driven decision making across the pork value chain.

We dive into:

• How better data is improving real on-farm decisions

• The biggest opportunities still untapped in pig production

• How Europe is leading (and where it’s still lagging) in tech adoption

• The role of AI and smart systems in the next 5–10 years

• Why trust, leadership, and practical application matter more than ever

This conversation bridges veterinary insight, technology, and real-world farming, offering a clear look at where the industry is headed—and what it will take to get there.