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In todays email:

• MU Digital Farm: Demonstrates how technology simplifies farming.

• Singapore's vertical farming scene: Market turmoil has led to closures and downscaling.

• War with countryside crime gangs: How can specialist rural police officers help out.

MU Digital Farm Demonstrates How Technology Can Streamline Farming

The MU Digital Farm demonstrates how technology simplifies farming. Despite looking like a typical soybean field, it uses advanced tools like robots, drones, and AI not commonly found elsewhere. Located at 4800 E. New Haven Road, it features the Midwest's first electric tractor.

At its first public showcase during a Digital Agriculture Symposium, innovations designed to simplify agriculture were highlighted. Tools include the TerraSentia robot, which helps measure crops non-destructively, and a $300,000 drone camera that captures crop health data.

The electric tractor, although experiencing a glitch, uses half the energy of a diesel tractor. Other tech includes soil sensors, irrigation-assisting drones, and the John Deere See and Spray for precision weed control. These advancements aim to make farming more efficient and are still being researched for practical use by farmers.

What's Happening in Singapore's Vertical Farming Scene?

The Singapore vertical farming industry is facing significant challenges. James Lin, CEO of V+ Agritech, believes the government miscalculated by betting on indoor farming, a sentiment echoed in Europe and the US. Market turmoil has led to closures and downscaling.

Grace Lim, CEO of GroGrace, remains optimistic, emphasizing the future potential of indoor farming despite recent setbacks. High operating costs have caused many first-generation farms to fail, as noted by Laura van de Kreeke of Growy. She expects more farms to close, citing unsustainable operational expenses.

Lionel Wong of Upgrown Farming highlights overcapitalization and a lack of commercial viability as key issues. He notes that many companies serve as both farmers and solution providers, creating a conflict in monetization.

James Lin points out that high costs make locally produced leafy greens uncompetitive compared to imports. He suggests that hybrid farming models could reduce costs and improve local production.

Despite challenges, some industry players remain hopeful. Laura van de Kreeke sees potential in the market and plans for expansion. Grace Lim stresses the importance of government support and public education on buying local produce.

The industry faces hurdles, but with continued innovation and support, there's potential for a more sustainable future in vertical farming in Singapore.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

Farmers and landowners, "at war" with countryside crime gangs, call for more support from specialist rural police officers.

Denmark to impose a €100 per cow carbon tax on farmers, marking the first agricultural carbon tax.

Farmer's son who became a strawberry millionaire wins court battle with brother over father's £10m empire.

Nigerian farmers abandon farms after attacks, sending food prices higher.

Annual Celebration of Welsh Farming Week campaign, NFU Cymru hosted a Powys stakeholder event at the Royal Welsh Showground.

🎥 Creators on Farm

AHDB is present at Groundswell located at stand C38.

Brian's Farming hits electric pole with tractor.

Olly Blogs impressed by the innovative farms today.

Cole The Cornstar installs a new main electrical wire in the ‘restoring a $7,000 mansion’ series.

🛒 Products Under £1000

Smithfield Galvanised Wheelbarrow - 175 Ltr / 100kg.

Purelite XStream agricultural pack. Self-contained lightweight Powered Air Supplied Visor system providing all in one protection.

Lawn aerator shoes garden equipment universal fit stainless steel spikes.

Compact tractor flail mower hedgehog EF flail mower.

🧀 Farm to Fork

Pork market update EU production steady as prices see some stability.

Why on earth has Doritos launched a strawberries and cream flavour?.

NewMoo claims its new plant-based cheese mimics the real thing.

Milk tanker fire closes A38 near Ivybridge.

Quorn pork sausages to be blended with fake meat to tackle climate change.

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