Good morning. Farmers are turning to technology to help protect their crops from extreme weather. Although humans can't predict the future with certainty, well-trained algorithms can process vast amounts of data more effectively than even the most dedicated farmers. These algorithms can then provide agricultural professionals with predictions about extreme weather events, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes based on what’s expected.

In todays email:

• What’s happened to SRC: Despite top technology with high demand the business can’t keep it together.

• What is AI: Don’t know what artificial intelligence is? We’ve got you covered.

• Stock decline: One of America's leading corporations faces a drop in share price.

• Tesco stocks new product: Variant of barista milk has been added to the shelf’s of Tesco.

Small Robot Company (SRC) Enters Liquidation

The UK's Small Robot Company (SRC) is going into liquidation. Despite having profitable technology and eager customers, SRC couldn't secure the investment needed to expand. On LinkedIn, SRC stated they had a signed Term Sheet, but the funding didn't arrive in time.

SRC highlighted their collaboration with farmers to create a ground-breaking service: field-scale grass weed detection, launched commercially in September. This service, with significant potential, could help UK farmers save £400 million annually from blackgrass losses. Last season, it showed up to 90% herbicide and 24% fertilizer savings.

In 2023, SRC integrated a custom sprayer onto its Tomv4 robotic platform, partnering with Strathclyde University, Agri-EPI, and Chinese collaborators.

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Dairy Farm

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is software that mimics human thinking and adapts to new information. Dairy producers use AI in precision livestock farming (PLF) systems to analyse data about their cattle. Like the human brain, AI improves with more information. However, AI's effectiveness depends on data quality and software robustness. Producers should choose validated PLF technologies to ensure accurate and reliable predictions. The goal of PLF is to save time, improve cattle performance, and support better decision-making. Therefore, it's essential for producers to verify the scientific validation of any PLF system before purchase.

In agriculture, the dairy industry uses new techniques and technologies to improve herd management. Dairy managers use precision livestock farming (PLF), which relies on sensors and data to make informed decisions. For example, they track milk production per cow and adjust if there's a 20% drop. PLF uses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse data. This article explains ML, AI, and the importance of setting clear goals before buying new technology.

Machine learning (ML) is a part of artificial intelligence (AI). Engineers use ML algorithms to train models and make predictions. There are two main types of ML: supervised (where scientists adjust the algorithm) and unsupervised (where the algorithm adapts automatically). Engineers only use ML in AI software after it meets accuracy and precision standards. Unsupervised ML can predict patterns in new data without human input, helping automate decisions about individual cows in a herd.

Deere & Co stock’s drop

Deere & Co. recently reported its Q2 fiscal 2024 results, surpassing market expectations. However, Deere has revised its net income forecast to around $7 billion, down from the previous estimate of $7.5 billion to $7.75 billion, which already reflected a cut in its full-year guidance. This downward revision led to a 5% drop in its stock on May 16.

Looking at Deere’s stock performance, it has gained 45% from $270 in January 2021 to around $395 now, compared to a 40% rise in the S&P 500 over the same period. The stock saw a 27% increase in 2021, 25% in 2022, but a decline of 7% in 2023, underperforming the S&P 500, which had a 24% gain in 2023.

Beating the S&P 500 consistently has been challenging for many stocks, including industrial giants like GE, CAT, and UNP, as well as tech titans like GOOG, TSLA, and MSFT. However, the Trefis High Quality Portfolio, consisting of 30 stocks, has outperformed the S&P 500 each year. This portfolio provides better returns with less risk, offering a more stable performance compared to the benchmark index.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

XERION 12 Series from CLAAS Wins iF Design Awards 2024.

Plant breeders develop new varieties to withstand extreme weather.

Technology trends in the farming sector in 2024.

Grants available for sprayer washdown facilities.

Downing Street announce a series of measure to aid the UK’s agri-food sector.

5 early-life heifer nutrition tips to drive milk production.

🎥 Creators on Farm

Olly Harrison talks Amazone searches for a self propelled sprayer.

Tom Pemberton has tractor problems as shown in his recent Instagram post.

Ally Hunter Blair shows off his John Deere 6330 farm machine.

Will Young has a blast at the BAFTA 2024.

🧀 Farm to Fork

Trewithen Dairy has launched a dairy barista milk variant into Tesco nationwide.

British lamb and dairy exporters attend Saudi Food Show.

Cadbury releases two new Dairy Milk chocolate bar.

Dairy and oat blended milk sparks backlash.

Daisy Lab company creating cow-less dairy products.

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