A LOOK BACK: FUTURE FARMER 2024 IN REVIEW
ENTERING A NEW LANDSCAPE OF SUSTAINABLE FUEL PRODUCTION
701X ACQUIRES DIGITAL BEEF
Future Farmer
AI is evolving all aspects of our everyday life, including agriculture—hear from research experts to start-ups on that future!
Future Farmer
Cowles
Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Austin Cuka
AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Ellen Hannaher-Brenchley
It feels like the end of the year is always right around the corner… especially when it comes to tax preparation. But year-end and the inevitable IRS filing deadlines that go with it, wait for no one.
What are some of the most costly, but avoidable, mistakes farmers make surrounding tax planning? *According to Penn State University Extension:
In other words, not understanding the tax ramifications of how your business is organized. Reviewing your farm’s legal structure, whether it’s formed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation can impact your tax obligations.
Alex Vasichek, Agricultural Focused Financial Planner at Elevate Financial in Fargo, concurs: “Late in their careers, retiring farmers have a tendency to store grain instead of selling it. That can expose you to unnecessary tax burdens. The same goes for going into debt to avoid certain taxes. Having a strategy on the way in AND out is critical.”
Depreciation allows you to spread out the cost of pricey equipment across the life of the implements and machinery.
It’s not uncommon to wait until the last minute to organize, prepare and file our taxes. What causes us to procrastinate? Fear? Anxiety? Yes and yes. It’s human nature.
“Plus, it’s a lot of work, especially if you haven’t been keeping up with it,” Vasichek said. “Think of it as a workout or run. No matter how much you’d prefer to relax in the comfort of an easy chair, you’re relieved and grateful once it’s over.”
“The best way to avoid that anxiety is to never get there in the first place,” he said. In other words, when you’ve been doing your due diligence every other month or so, the end of the year is just the end of another period.
No farmer or rancher wants to face tax season alone. “Having someone to help you plan takes the burden off,” Vasichek said. Oftentimes Elevate’s role starts out as an educational or situational one.
“Clients come to us for help with a specific issue such as a milestone in the life of the farm, or problems that arise between business partners or family members. They’re overwhelmed and not sure who to call. We listen to them to get the ball rolling for all things tax-related.”
While Agricultural Focused Financial Planners like Vasichek can be critical to a farmstead’s tax strategy, they aren’t allowed to give specific tax advice: “That’s when we work side-by-side with a client’s trusted tax professional or someone we can recommend for them. Either way, we work
closely with whoever our client designates to quarterback the process."
Vasichek, a *2024 Forbes Best-in-State Financial Security Professional*, thinks of his team as a farmer’s CFO: “We’ll suggest meeting quarterly to develop a comprehensive and ongoing strategy that includes evaluating cash flow statements, income statements, balance sheets, insurance, investments and of course, tax planning.
We believe clients should feel comfortable reaching out to us directly, anytime. We always take their call and calm their nerves.”
Even though we’re deep into 2024, the weeks following harvest are a great time to develop a snapshot of the past year. By meeting with an Agricultural Focused Financial Planner, assessing your financial situation, collaborating with a tax planning professional and implementing taxsaving strategies, you may be able to minimize your tax liability and bolster your farm’s financial stability. Not to mention, reduce your level of stress.
Alex Vasichek Agricultural Focused Financial Planner
PATRICK ERICKSON
MEET THE NEW DACOTAH BANK MARKET PRESIDENT
ne of the region's premiere banks just got even better. Dacotah Bank recently welcomed Patrick Erickson as its new Fargo Market President.
Patrick has been working in banking for almost 20 years. He started his career in 2006 as an intern at Bremer Bank, working with farmers. Then, he became a full-time analyst. Later, he took on jobs in business banking and commercial lending in South Dakota. In 2023, he moved back to Fargo to work with US Bank before joining Dacotah Bank.
Talking about his career journey, Patrick said, “Throughout my career, I’ve always been open to new opportunities. One of the biggest changes was when my wife got a job at Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Moving to a new city was hard, but it helped me switch from an analyst job to business banking. Those years were really important for my career." Eventually, Patrick moved back to Fargo to be closer to family—he and his wife wanted their four sons to grow up near their extended family.
Patrick is very excited to join Dacotah Bank. "I knew about the bank's history of helping communities, and the sense of community banking is what attracted me to Dacotah Bank," he said. As Market President, his goal is to grow the bank's market share in Fargo. He believes in the strength of the team and the many services Dacotah Bank's Fargo branch offers,
like business and personal banking, mortgage services, and insurance. Patrick's leadership style was influenced a lot by his time in Leadership South Dakota. He believes it taught him to be flexible in how he leads.
"The biggest thing I learned is that there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to leadership. Leadership needs to be adaptable," Patrick said.
Besides his work, Patrick is very involved in the community. He volunteers with the West Fargo Youth Hockey Association and Kindred Youth Baseball. He says coaching often feels like a second job, but he loves it.
"Being a good citizen and caring for people doesn’t cost anything," Patrick said. He believes that giving back is important and that small actions can make a big difference.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Patrick enjoys spending time with his family, especially at the lake. He is also teaching his kids to enjoy hunting.
As Market President, Patrick wants to make Dacotah Bank a valued partner in the Fargo community, especially as the area keeps growing. "With Fargo's entrepreneurial spirit, we want our businesses to succeed, and Dacotah Bank is here to help them succeed."
"WE HOPE THAT THESE CALLS CAN CONTINUE TO BE A RESOURCE FOR THE ECOSYSTEM TO LEARN AND CONNECT WITH PEERS TACKLING THE SAME CHALLENGE."
- John Mann, Startup & Investor Program Manager at Grand Farm
AI INNOVATION IN FARMING
By Geneva Nodland
a landscape marked by innovation and technology, the agricultural sector is in a transformative era, with AI leading the charge. Grand Farm has become a pivotal platform in many regards—this can especially be seen in their Agtech Insights discussions. This fall, they brought together key stakeholders from various backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences. This discussion included Dr. Billy G. Ram, an expert in AI applications in agriculture, and representatives from groundbreaking startups like Smart Agri Labs and Nighthawk, both of which are harnessing AI to redefine agricultural practices.
Smart Agri Labs, co-founded by Kirill Gusev and Phil Bax, offers a data-driven platform designed to optimize crop management. Their sophisticated tools analyze a wide variety of seed datasets to provide actionable insights that can improve productivity and sustainability. Nighthawk, led by Lawrence Ibarria and his team, has developed the Farmgate platform, which integrates AI to streamline and enhance farm
management. Both companies embody the innovative spirit of using technology to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.
Adding to the conversation, Dr. Billy G. Ram shared insights from his research at NDSU, focusing on AI's role in detecting crop diseases and enhancing pest management. His work not only contributes to the academic community but also directly impacts practical farming operations. The collaborative environment of the Agtech Insights call hit on the potential for AI and technology to significantly advance agricultural productivity and sustainability. These discussions are a great platform to bring together innovative minds to promote the sector's growth and adaptability in the face of global challenges. Read on to learn more about these key players!
BY
PHOTO
GENEVA NODLAND
MEET DR. BILLY G. RAM
OCTOBER, GRAND FARM HOSTED AN AGTECH INSIGHTS DISCUSSION WITH PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD. THE GRAND FARM AGTECH INSIGHTS CALLS WERE FIRST CREATED TO GATHER TOGETHER DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEM MEMBERS AROUND A SHARED CHALLENGE OR INNOVATION AREA (LIKE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE). SINCE THE ECOSYSTEM IS WIDELY DISTRIBUTED GEOGRAPHICALLY, THESE CALLS ALLOW THE TEAM TO GATHER PROBLEM STAKEHOLDERS TOGETHER WITHOUT THE BARRIER OF AN IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT.
DR. BILLY G RAM IS A POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER WHO HAS DEDICATED HIS RESEARCH AND CAREER TO THE DISCOVERY AND APPLICATION OF AI IN AGRICULTURE. WE HAD THE CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. RAM AND DISCUSS HIS KNOWLEDGE AND TIME IN THE SECTOR—CHECK IT OUT!
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY INTO AGTECH? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK IN THIS?
A: I’ve always been passionate about solving problems, and technology provides me with the opportunity to do so in innovative ways. My master’s project involved utilizing drones to estimate mustard crop yields. Initially, I was driven by a desire to learn drone photography, but upon completing the project, I came to realize the potential of robotics, drones, and AI in revolutionizing agricultural problemsolving. AgTech is an excellent field for individuals with an interest in computers and robotics, and I share a deep love for both areas.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU CURRENTLY PLAY IN AGTECH?
A: Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed, can produce 3.5 million seeds from a single plant and reduce soybean yields by up to 79%. Currently, I’m developing a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based detection tool for this weed. Our preliminary models have shown promising results, and we plan to create an application-based tool for farmers and extension agents. This project involves multiple stakeholders, including NDSU, Grand Farm, Thales, the UAS Test Site, and iSight drones.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FOCUS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS?
A: My primary focus has been on weed identification. My previous research has led to the development of models capable of identifying weeds such as Kochia, Palmer Amaranth, Waterhemp, Ragweed, Red Root Pigweed, and crops including soybean, canola, flax, field pea, and sugarbeet. These models are particularly useful for identifying weeds that resemble each other visually using a sensor technology called hyperspectral sensor. Currently, I am expanding my research into various areas, including livestock welfare management, disease and pest detection, and robotics, all of which utilize different sensors and AI technologies.
AT THE GRAND FARM
AGTECH
INSIGHTS
AI DISCUSSION IN OCTOBER, WHAT WERE SOME OF THE KEY POINTS OR THEMES YOU SHARED?
A: Grand Farm AgTech Insights was a great opportunity to share my research findings on AI model development and some of the projects that I am currently involved in. Projects in which I am developing modules for under-canopy phenotyping using autonomous systems and livestock management using computer vision. I learned a lot from other speakers present there, and their software and service solutions seemed quite interesting.
WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING DEVELOPMENT YOU’VE SEEN RECENTLY IN THE AGTECH SPACE, ESPECIALLY WITH AI’S INVOLVEMENT?
A: Some of my colleagues from other universities are now using synthetic data to train AI models and deploying them on specialized robots. Synthetic data is an intriguing approach that could potentially solve a significant challenge in the development of AI models. Only time will reveal how well they perform and how efficient they are.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES AI PRESENTS FOR AGRICULTURE TODAY, AND HOW CAN FARMERS BENEFIT DIRECTLY FROM THESE INNOVATIONS?
A: First and foremost, farmers shouldn’t be afraid of AI. There’s a significant debate about the unethical use of AI. However, I can assure you that researchers like myself are dedicated to developing ethical solutions. We collect our own data, and our findings are easily accessible through our published work. As the world population continues to grow, the agricultural land area remains constant. With AI, we’re transitioning from farm-level knowledge to plantlevel intelligence. Our ultimate goal is to manage a single crop, minimizing wastage and enabling early decisionmaking.
Continue reading (starting on page 36) the magazine to meet and hear from some of the other speakers on Grand Farm's AgTech Insights discussion, including Kirill Gusev with Smart Agri Labs and Chad Hokama with Nighthawk.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT FARMERS IN THE NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTA AREA FACE, AND HOW IS AGTECH ADDRESSING THOSE?
A: Farmers in North Dakota and Minnesota grapple with multiple challenges, including climate change, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and pest and disease management. AgTech is proactively addressing these challenges by leveraging advanced genomics, climate modeling, sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence.
DO YOU SEE PARTICULAR CROPS OR INDUSTRIES IN THIS REGION THAT ARE BENEFITING MOST FROM AGTECH ADVANCEMENTS?
A: In North Dakota, advancements in AgTech have had a profound impact on crops like soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, flax, oats, and durum wheat. The state’s dedication to cutting-edge genomics, climate modeling, and sensor technologies has empowered farmers to significantly increase crop yields, minimize costs, and foster sustainability.
WHAT ROLE DO NORTH DAKOTA’S UNIVERSITIES, RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, AND TECH HUBS PLAY IN ADVANCING AGTECH?
A: NDSU is a prominent player in the AgTech industry, thanks to the research and extension specialists at our university. Our Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department stands out as one of the first in the nation to offer a major in precision agriculture. This program equips the next generation of farmers with
the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern farming landscape. North Dakota boasts a thriving ecosystem of universities, extension services, and agriculturefocused companies, such as Grand Farm. Additionally, funding agencies are actively supporting projects in AgTech, further solidifying North Dakota’s position as an ideal location for innovation and growth in this field.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FORESEE IN IMPLEMENTING AI AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES ON FARMS?
A: Agricultural farms are the most dynamic places, with conditions constantly changing on a daily basis. This makes us even more grateful for our farmers, whose experience is irreplaceable. An AI model trained on limited images will never fully replace them. Instead, AI in agriculture should be viewed as a facilitator rather than a replacement. The biggest challenges in implementing AI in agriculture are the
limited amount of data and our limited understanding of farm environments.
HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES MENTIONED ABOVE?
A: One way is to collect more data and gain a deeper understanding of agriculture. This will enable the successful deployment of such technologies in farms.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO START-UPS OR COMPANIES LOOKING TO MAKE AN
IMPACT IN THE AGTECH INDUSTRY?
A: I’ve noticed a surge of innovative companies in the AgTech industry. From software to hardware, the opportunities are boundless. However, I’ve realized that a single solution won’t suffice to address all agriculture challenges. To truly make a difference, I urge start-ups to collaborate with farmers and researchers in their product development. Farmers possess invaluable insights that are inaccessible elsewhere, while researchers possess the expertise to bridge the gap between technology and farming practices. Our research should be transformed into practical end-products.
The Precision Agricultural Technology & Management (PATM) program at NDSU offers a Bachelor of Science degree that integrates agricultural sciences with advanced technological skills in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing. This program blends biological, physical, and technological education alongside managerial skills to prep its graduates for a wide range of careers in the modern world of agriculture.
Compared to other universities across the Midwest, the U.S., and globally, NDSU's PATM program is ahead of the curve in its early adoption of a precision agriculture major, comprehensive integration of AI and machine learning technologies, and strong industry links that kickstart both internships and employment opportunities.
For more detailed information about the program, scan here!
HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION BETWEEN ESTABLISHED PLAYERS AND START-UPS IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE?
A: Sharing knowledge and collaborating are the only ways we can progress in society. And that’s the best part about NDSU: as a land-grant university, we conduct research that benefits the people of North Dakota.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF AGTECH AND AI IN AGRICULTURE OVER THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS?
A: In the next 10 years, I would like to see autonomous systems being implemented in farms on a large scale.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC TRENDS OR TECHNOLOGIES TO WATCH IN AGTECH IN YOUR OPINION?
A: As AI models increasingly find their way into agriculture, the next phase in AgTech research will shift towards robotics and software solutions. This shift will focus on developing tangible end products.
HOW CAN FARMERS AND AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS BEST PREPARE FOR THE RAPID PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY?
A: That’s a struggle even for me! It seems like we’re expanding AI knowledge every other week. There’s so much innovation happening
in AI in general that it’s easy to be overwhelmed by it. However, I believe this is necessary for our advancement. I’ve realized that regular reading and following tech news help me stay upto-date.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR THE NORTH DAKOTA AND MINNESOTA REGIONS TO BECOME NATIONAL LEADERS IN AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION?
A: North Dakota, with nearly 90% of its land dedicated to farms and ranchlands,
enjoys a competitive edge in the agricultural sector. The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine spearheads this initiative at NDSU. The current collaborative environment in North Dakota serves as the foundation for establishing the state as a trailblazer in AgTech in the United States.
Staying up to date on AgTech, as Dr. Ram said, is tough—to stay informed on the rapid advancements in AI and agriculture, here are four highly-rated sources based on engagement, ratings, and reviews for you to check out!
IBM BLOG
This platform hits on how AI technologies like vertical farming and genomic studies of plants are revolutionizing ag. The IBM Sustainability Accelerator section, specifically, shares valuable insights on using cloud and AI to enhance farming productivity and sustainability.
MICROSOFT INDUSTRY BLOGS
These blogs discuss emerging technologies in agriculture, like the Krishi Mitra AI app, which supports farmers with actionable insights to optimize crop management and increase productivity.
AGRITECHTOMORROW
This site offers a wide array of news, articles, and interviews focused on agricultural technology. It covers innovations like controlled environment agriculture and new agri-tech strategies that are shaping the industry.
AGDAILY
This digital news platform is dedicated to agriculture, providing daily updates, in-depth reports, and insights on AgTech advancements. They regularly feature the top companies and startups in AgTech, which are selected based on their innovative technologies and contributions to the industry.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR WORK OR WITH AGTECH AND ITS FUTURE?
A: I truly believe that autonomous and precision agriculture is the future of farming. We achieve that by innovating together with farmers and other stakeholders. I am excited about the future of agriculture and contributing my small part towards that future.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS RESEARCH, READ HIS WORK, AND CONNECT WITH DR. RAM.
/billygrahamram
The NSF Engines: North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, and otherwise known as FARMS—Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security. FARMS is a team effort that involves people from different areas— including universities, tribal colleges, and local businesses—working together to make farming more advanced and secure.
NDSU, along with partners Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Center, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, North Dakota Tribal College System, and Grand Farm, work together on this project.
Learn more here!
DID YOU KNOW?
Dr. Billy G. Ram, a postdoctoral researcher at North Dakota State University (NDSU), is dedicated to applying artificial intelligence (AI) to solve agricultural challenges. He joined NDSU in 2020 as a Ph.D. student and completed his doctorate in agriculture engineering in August 2024. Dr. Ram’s research focuses on developing weed/ crop detection, disease/pest detection, and end applications tailored for farmers. He firmly believes in the ethical use of AI and actively shares his research through regular collaborations with industry, commodity groups, and students. Additionally, Dr. Ram co-mentors graduate students and provides guidance to the Bison Agbot robotics team.
REVOLUTIONIZING THE FIELD
MART AGRI LABS IS ONE OF THE STARTUPS THAT PARTICIPATED IN GRAND FARMS' AGTECH INSIGHTS DISCUSSION WITH PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD. BEING A PART OF THIS DISCUSSION ALLOWS DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THE AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEM TO COME TOGETHER TO FIND AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHALLENG ES AND INNOVATIONS.
Smart Agri Labs is a regional start-up at the forefront of agricultural technology. Cofounded by Kirill Gusev and Phil Bax, this innovative enterprise is transforming crop management with its sophisticated, data-driven platform. Designed to boost productivity and build climate resilience, Smart Agri Labs helps farmers and agribusinesses make well-informed decisions for more effective and sustainable agricultural practices.
IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS
Smart Agri Labs has built the largest independent database of seed trials!
OVERVIEW: SMART AGRI LABS HAS DEVELOPED A SECURE, UNBIASED DATA - SHARING AND ANALYSIS PLATFORM THAT SUPPORTS FARMERS IN STRATEGIC DECISIONS.
The base of the operation is its extensive database of seed trials, which spans 17 states and is updated annually after each harvest. This data supports a sophisticated statistical model that looks at the performance
of various seed varieties under specific local conditions like soil type, weather, and farming practices.
The company's service, a datadriven corn and soybean seed selector tool, uses this model to recommend seeds that not only mitigate weather-related risks but also increase yield by an average of 5%. This precision in seed selection can drastically reduce the typical yield variability—which can be as high as 30% due to poor seed choices.
The company's strategies have already produced significant results, including a 5% increase in yield and a remarkable 1600% ROI for their clients by optimizing seed selection processes. These accomplishments highlight Smart Agri Labs' role in advancing the market.
With a combination of technical acumen and a commitment to community involvement, Smart Agri Labs has positioned itself as a key player in the agricultural industry.
MEET SMART AGRI LABS
BY THE NUMBERS:
"Our recommendations deliver measurable results: by analyzing past trials and customer data, we achieve a 5% increase in yield and a 1600% ROI, simply by switching to a better-suited seed variety—even within the same brand." - Smart Agri Labs team
WHO ARE SMART AGRI LABS' SERVICES FOR?
"Our services initially targeted corn and soybean farmers in the U.S. Today, our primary customers are agribusinesses, including ag retailers, biological manufacturers, seed companies, and crop advisors, who rely on our platform to enhance decision-making and deliver value to growers." - Smart Agri Labs team
MEET NIGHTHAWK
IGHTHAWK IS ONE OF THE STARTUPS THAT PARTICIPATED IN GRAND FARMS' AGTECH INSIGHTS DISCUSSION WITH PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD. BEING A PART OF THIS DISCUSSION ALLOWS DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THE AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEM TO COME TOGETHER TO FIND AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS.
OVERVIEW: NIGHTHAWK'S IS DEVELOPING A SUITE OF AI TOOLS, OR "AGENTS," THAT ARE DESIGNED TO EXECUTE REGULAR AND DIFFICULT TASKS THAT FARMERS ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT DAILY, SAVING THEM TIME AND MONEY.
Farmgate Cloud is a SaaS platform that provides three main services:
Data Analysis: Identifies opportunities to improve ROI per acre.
Agronomic Advice: Provides unbiased, data-driven recommendations for inputs and practices.
Production Assistance: Generates and manages work orders, supporting precision agriculture and automation
Farmgate by Nighthawk acts as an AI copilot for farmers, connecting to existing data sources like farm records, financial software, and weather
DID YOU KNOW?
Farmgate Cloud is now launched and users are welcome to experience this new technology!
data to provide actionable insights. This platform helps farmers optimize input usage, cut costs, and make smarter, datadriven decisions. Farmgate Cloud, a key service from Nighthawk, offers comprehensive data analysis, agronomic advice, and production assistance, simplifying complex farm management tasks through technology.
What sets Nighthawk apart is its blend of cutting-edge AI technologies and deep agricultural knowledge, all aimed at creating a sustainable future for farming. The company addresses critical issues like biased advice from input sellers
and the complexity of existing agtech systems, offering unbiased, streamlined solutions that are easy to implement.
Initially targeting commercialscale farms eager to embrace technology, Nighthawk's vision is broadening. Their goal is to become the leading AgTech platform for precision agriculture and sustainable farming, supporting operations of all sizes across various stages of technological adoption. Plans to expand the Farmgate platform's capabilities and grow its user base are underway, with ambitions to facilitate autonomous farming operations and drive the industry toward sustainability.
Through a mix of innovative technology and proactive community involvement, Nighthawk is an active part of the ecosystem molding the agtech future, ensuring that it remains sustainable for the next generation of farmers. Nighthawk envisions a world where data empowers farmers to make the best decisions for their land and their business.
Farmers, agronomists, and investors can engage with Nighthawk by creating a free account on Farmgate Cloud or reaching out to discuss investment opportunities. Visit their website to learn more!
NIGHTHAWK'S AI INNOVATIONS
AI Tools: Designed to automate routine and complex farming tasks, saving time and money.
Farmgate Cloud: A SaaS platform that boosts ROI through detailed data analysis and agronomic advice.
Tech Integration: Farmgate simplifies the adoption of precision agriculture by integrating fragmented agtech solutions.
WHO ARE NIGHTHAWK'S SERVICES FOR?
"Our initial target demographic is commercialscale farms eager to adopt technology and transition to more sustainable practices. However, our long-term vision is to empower farmers at any scale and any stage of their agtech journey." - Nighthawk team
A LOOK BACK
2024 IN REVIEW
Every year, we have an opportunity to highlight so many amazing people and businesses in the ag world. Let's take a look back at what we learned in the past year.
AN INTERVIEW WITH
DR. SIMON LIU
We had an opportunity to open the year by examining the extraordinary career and vision of Dr. Simon Liu, administrator of the Agricultural Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From his beginnings as a farm boy in Taiwan to his current leadership role, Dr. Liu's journey has included working at NASA, the Department of Justice, and the National Institute of Health. In our interview with him, he shared his principles of leadership— focusing on people, processes, and programs—and detailed ARS's cutting-edge research aimed at improving agricultural productivity, combating climate change, and advancing food security through technology and innovation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES Dr. Liu believes in assembling highperforming teams, refining organizational processes, and fostering innovation as keys to effective leadership.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE ARS is leveraging AI, machine learning, and genomic tools to revolutionize crop breeding, reduce breeding times, and combat animal diseases.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS ARS works closely with federal agencies, academic institutions, and private sectors to address pressing agricultural challenges.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES Dr. Liu highlighted critical issues like declining research funding, aging infrastructure, climate change, and food security.
FUTURE VISION ARS aims to maintain its leadership in agricultural innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and deliver customer-focused research to growers.
Geneva Nodland
provided by Ron Offutt
AN INTERVIEW WITH
RON OFFUTT
This magazine featured another agricultural giant, the one and only Ron Offutt. Offutt is a visionary agricultural entrepreneur and founder of the R.D. Offutt Company, which has grown into the largest potato farming operation in the U.S. Offutt's journey began in Moorhead, MN, where he transitioned from modest farming to leading a network of over 86 John Deere dealerships across 12 states.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ENTREPRENEURIAL BEGINNINGS Offutt started his career by partnering with his father on a small farm, eventually expanding through bold decisions like investing in irrigation and seizing opportunities in the growing fastfood industry.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships have been crucial to Offutt’s success, enabling him to combine resources and talents with others to achieve business growth.
DIVERSITY IN OPERATIONS Offutt diversified his business into construction equipment alongside agriculture, which helped his company weather economic downturns.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY Offutt has focused on cultivating natural leadership, maintaining customer satisfaction, and promoting a supportive company culture.
ADVICE TO ENTREPRENEURS He encourages new agricultural entrepreneurs to start conservatively, pursue partnerships, and recognize the potential of data, technology, and valueadded products in agriculture.
MEET
GREAT PLAINS GREENS
From the established to those just getting started—we also had the pleasure of introducing Great Plains Greens, a vertical farming venture founded by three North Dakota State University alumni, Lee Vetsch, Dylan Kallman, and Jon Wyffels. Using Freight Farms’ innovative hydroponic technology, they grow fresh produce in a 320-square-foot retrofitted shipping container. The team produces lettuce and herbs with remarkable water efficiency and aims to complement traditional agriculture by offering locally grown, fresh produce year-round.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
INNOVATIVE FARMING TECHNOLOGY Great Plains Greens uses hydroponic systems to grow crops without soil, conserving up to 99% more water compared to traditional methods.
LOCAL IMPACT Their produce is sold to Fargo-Moorhead restaurants, local farmers' markets, and through online platforms.
EFFICIENT OPERATIONS The use of artificial light allows consistent productivity throughout the whole year.
MARKET EXPLORATION The founders are using their first container to assess market demand, public interest, and experiment with less common varieties of lettuce.
Gary Ussery
TALKIN' DIRTY
In this issue, we were lucky enough to get insights from industry leaders in agriculture presented at the Grand Farm Field Days event. The event featured perspectives from Sherry Koch (The Mosaic Company), Dr. Craig Whippo (USDA-ARS), Bill Shores (Pivot Bio), Eddy Mejia (Earnest Agriculture), Charles Smith (IMIO), and Brian Otteson (NDSU Agronomy Seed Farm). Key topics included crop nutrition, soil health, microbial solutions, and advancements in seed production.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
SOIL AND FERTILIZER INNOVATIONS
Sherry Koch highlighted The Mosaic Company’s focus on performance products and biological solutions.
Dr. Craig Whippo discussed the USDA-ARS initiative linking soil health to nutritional quality.
Bill Shores of Pivot Bio talked about how gene-edited microbes to improve nitrogen efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
REGENERATIVE PRACTICES
Eddy Mejia’s Earnest Agriculture champions biopesticides and waste recycling for more sustainable farming.
Charles Smith of IMIO introduced Re-Gen, a microbial solution to convert crop residues into bioavailable nutrients, improving yields and soil health.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
Brian Otteson noted trends in agricultural technology, including drones and robotics in research.
EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM LYNN PAULSON
In this issue, were able to pick the brain of Senior Vice President and Director of Agribusiness Development at Bell Bank Lynn Paulson, on the current state of the agricultural market. Paulson discussed the challenges faced by producers in 2024, including rising input costs, fluctuating interest rates, and geopolitical factors affecting global trade.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
• Farmers are transitioning from the high-profit years of 2020-2022 to tighter margins in 2024 due to higher interest rates and lower commodity prices.
• Operating costs for farms have significantly increased, with credit lines expanding from $100,000 in past decades to $1 million or more today.
GLOBAL GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS
• The war in Ukraine has disrupted global commodity exports, offering short-term benefits to U.S. producers but creating long-term uncertainties.
• Brazil's growing dominance in soybean and corn exports poses a competitive challenge to U.S. agriculture.
PREPARATION AND RESILIENCE
• Producers are encouraged to maintain strong financial positions, watch liquidity, and invest strategically during prosperous years to prepare for economic downturns.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND DOMESTIC OPPORTUNITIES
• Emerging markets, such as sustainable aviation fuel, offer new opportunities for farm commodities like soybeans and corn.
CULTIVATE CONFERENCE PREVIEW
For this month's cover story, we had the pleasure of interviewing a number of speakers who were set to speak at the annual Cultivate Conference in FargoMoohread. Those interviewed included Maureen Ballatori (Agency 29), Agustín Büchert (ClearLeaf), Eddy Mejia (Earnest Agriculture), and Shaye Koester-Wanner (Casual Cattle Conversations LLC).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
AGENCY 29 - MAUREEN BALLATORI
• Agency 29 talked about how strategic marketing for food, beverage, and agriculture brands, helping clients increase revenue and efficiency.
• Ballatori spent some time talking about how the integration of AI is small but impactful across agriculture operations.
CLEARLEAF - AGUSTÍN BÜCHERT
• Büchert and ClearLeaf are working to adress the need for non-toxic crop protection alternatives with their flagship product, GotaBlanca.
• Successfully partnered with Walmart to improve crop yields and quality for onion and tomato suppliers.
EARNEST AGRICULTURE - EDDY MEJIA
• Earnest Agriculture develops biological solutions to enhance nutrient uptake and reduce chemical dependency, validated by a 7% increase in corn yields.
CASUAL CATTLE CONVERSATIONS LLC - SHAYE KOESTER-WANNER
• Empowers ranchers by providing relevant stories, research, and ideas through podcasts and community engagement.
provided by MyAgData
WHAT IS MYAGDATA?
In this issue, we also had the opportunity to highlight MyAgData, an ag-tech company revolutionizing crop insurance reporting through digitization. MyAgData enables farmers to electronically submit precise acreage data to the USDA, which reduces the burden of manual reporting. Co-founded by Don Bierman and led by CEO Michelle Tressel, the company aims to modernize regulatory compliance while saving farmers time, money, and effort. Now headquartered in North Dakota, MyAgData is poised to become a leader in the state’s emerging ag-tech ecosystem.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
DIGITIZED REPORTING SYSTEM
• MyAgData transforms the manual, error-prone process of crop insurance reporting into a streamlined digital format.
• Farmers can submit reports in under an hour, compared to the 12+ hours typically required using paper maps.
COST SAVINGS AND ACCURACY
• By reporting only planted acreage, farmers can save 3-10% on insurance premiums, potentially reducing state-wide expenses by millions annually.
• The system minimizes errors and lowers the likelihood of audits by directly submitting accurate data to the USDA clearinghouse.
INTEGRATION WITH PRECISION AG TOOLS
• MyAgData works seamlessly with equipment from major brands like John Deere and Case IH, integrating GPS and satellite mapping for precise field data.
NORTH DAKOTA INTEGRATION
• By relocating to North Dakota, MyAgData joins the state’s robust ag-tech ecosystem, supported by organizations like Grand Farm and partnerships with companies like Bushel.
2024 IN REVIEW JULY/AUGUST
Geneva Nodland
CHS PARTNERS WITH GRAND FARM
The cover story discusses the partnership between CHS, the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., and Grand Farm, an agricultural innovation hub located in North Dakota.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The article features a Q&A with David Black, CHS Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, who shares insights on the company’s focus on technology, sustainability, and innovation to shape the future of agriculture.
CHS’S ROLE IN AGRICULTURE
• CHS combines traditional farming practices with modern technology to support farmers and agribusinesses globally.
• It offers products and services ranging from agronomy and animal nutrition to energy and logistics.
PARTNERSHIP WITH GRAND FARM
• This collaboration aims to test and implement advanced technologies like AI, robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles.
• CHS leverages Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus to scale solutions and enhance farming efficiency and sustainability.
DAVID BLACK’S VISION
• CHS focuses on connecting innovators with farmers to drive agricultural transformation.
• The company has an interest in generative AI, automated driving technologies, and analytics.
FUTURE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
• Black believes there is a need for better connectivity in agriculture to ensure that data and technologies integrate seamlessly across systems.
• He encourages farmers to embrace innovation while maintaining operational stability.
WOMEN IN AG
In one of our favorite issues of the year, we had the opportunity to highlight the impactful stories of several women transforming the agriculture industry. These women—Noreen Thomas, Julia
Geneva Nodland
Eberhart, Rachel Arneson, Bridgette Readel, and Sarah Lovas—each bring unique perspectives and contributions to farming, agribusiness, and agricultural technology.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
NOREEN THOMAS (Doubting Thomas Farms, Moorhead, MN)
• Focus: Advocates for sustainability through crop rotation, soil health, and biodiversity.
• Mentors beginning farmers and supports underrepresented groups in agriculture.
• Achievements: Leads USDA projects like the perennial sunflower initiative to boost biodiversity and soil health.
• Engages communities with farm-to-table dinners and Indigenous-inspired cultural events.
• Partners with the White Earth community to grow heirloom Native American crops.
JULIA EBERHART (Bushel, Fargo, ND)
• Focus: Bridges technology and agriculture through her role at Bushel, a tech company providing farm management tools.
• Promotes digital solutions for efficiency in farming operations, like payment systems and data management.
• Achievements: Advocates for farmers adopting new technology to improve business margins.
• Brings her personal farming background into her professional role, helping farmers digitize their workflows.
RACHEL ARNESON (Arneson Farms, Halstad, MN)
• Focus: Fifth-generation farmer managing 4,000 acres of crops like soybeans, wheat, and sugar beets.
• Preserves her family’s farming legacy while navigating the challenges of modern agriculture.
• Achievements: Pioneers female leadership in the sugar beet industry, often as the only woman in the room.
• Advocates for mentorship and equal opportunities for future women farmers.
BRIDGETTE READEL (Agricultural Advocate, Fargo, ND)
• Focus: Combines her 25+ years of agronomy experience with a new role as an agricultural radio host.
• Educates consumers and farmers about sustainability, rural life, and modern farming practices.
• Achievements: Hosts engaging shows like Weather & Ag In Focus and The Rural Well.
• Founded Lilac Lane Media to offer agricultural training and communication coaching.
• Promotes mental health awareness in rural communities and farmers.
• Focus: Supports farmers in making data-driven decisions for better efficiency and sustainability.
• Advocates for precision agriculture through mapping tools and customized solutions.
• Achievements: Helps farmers optimize inputs and yields while conserving resources.
• Researches crop nutrition and soil health, including innovative solutions for soybean iron chlorosis.
• Balances her leadership role in agriculture with a passion for feeding communities.
SARAH LOVAS (GK Technology, Precision Agriculture Specialist)
Entering a New Landscape of Sustainable Fuel Production
What SAF & Code 45Z Means for ND Agriculture
By Josiah Kopp provided by David Ripplinger
he topic of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is ever-growing in the agriculture world as tax credit programs encourage growers to adopt more sustainable farming practices. To learn more about SAF and what it means for growers in North Dakota, we sat down with NDSU Extension Associate Professor and Bioenergy Economics Specialist David Ripplinger.
Ripplinger has spent nearly 20 years working with farmers and the ag industry to help build North Dakota's bioenergy industry. His position was created by the state of North Dakota to develop renewable energy sources, starting with corn ethanol, followed by biodiesel and renewable diesel. His focus has now shifted to the next big thing: sustainable aviation fuel.
How Tax Credits are Driving SAF
Some of the biggest incentives in driving SAF projects across North Dakota and the U.S. are several tax credit programs, including U.S. Code 40B, which has been in place since the beginning of 2023 and will sunset at the end of 2024. The purpose of 40B is to "provide a tax credit for the sale or use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which achieves a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction of at least 50% as compared with petroleum-based jet fuel."
Starting on January 1, 2025, The Federal Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, known as U.S. Code 45Z, will take its place, offering up to $1.75 per gallon for SAF production, which Ripplinger described as a significant incentive. Minnesota also has a state tax credit called the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit, offering $1.50 of credit to those who either produce or blend SAF with aviation, gasoline, or jet fuel. "It's not negligible, but it's the federal tax credit that's really moving projects like this across the country," Ripplinger said.
The push for these tax credits comes from growing concerns about climate change and the need for decarbonization. Businesses are adapting to new environmental
What crops are being impacted?
Although 94% of ethanol is made from corn (U.S. Department of Energy), Ripplinger says nearly all crops are impacted by the growth of the biofuel industry. "Even if I'm not a producer of a biofuel feedstock, the value of my land and the price of my crop are affected because we're competing for acres and inputs," he said.
expectations, and biofuels are becoming an important part of these efforts. "Biofuels are an obvious piece of the puzzle for both companies and their customers as they look for ways to be more sustainable," Ripplinger said.
What the New Tax Credit Means for Growers in ND, MN, & SD
Ripplinger explained that while the tax credit goes to the biorefinery, the impact can trickle down to farmers. The amount of the tax credit is based on the carbon footprint of the fuel, and farm-level practices play a role in determining that footprint. "Exactly how much a farmer will benefit depends on the negotiation between the farmer and the biorefinery," Ripplinger said. "It could mean reducing the carbon footprint by a certain amount, resulting in a slightly larger tax credit, but it’s not guaranteed that the farmer will capture all, or even any, of that benefit—that depends on market dynamics."
Eligibility for SAF Credits and Sustainable Practices
To be eligible for SAF credits, agricultural producers must meet specific criteria, which typically
include sustainable farming practices and the ability to produce biofuel-compatible crops. Ripplinger explained that building out the rules and regulations for these credits involves significant work, primarily led by the IRS, but relies heavily on the USDA for agricultural expertise.
He also said that much of the guidance for sustainable practices comes from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). "The three main areas are fertilizer use, cover crops, and changes in tillage. For example, our soil fertility expert at NDSU provides recommendations on the proper use of fertilizer, and those standards will become the default," Ripplinger said.
The other key practices are the use of cover crops and changes in tillage methods. "For example, U.S. Code 40B requires no-till for corn," However, what qualifies as no-till can vary, and the IRS relies on NRCS requirements to define acceptable practices. "It's much easier for them to use established guidelines rather than create new rules or send agents out to inspect agricultural practices," he said.
Supply Challenges and Sustainability Concerns
With the higher demand for SAF comes a heavier reliance on ag production, creating potential challenges for growers, especially considering factors like drought or poor yield which are beyond farmers' control. "Supply risk is a concern for any ag processor—if I'm going to build a facility and make an investment that I expect to pay off over years or decades, having a sufficient supply in the worst years is crucial," Ripplinger said. He also noted that projects requiring new inputs, such as sourcing crop residue or biomass, face added challenges because there isn't a well-established market for such materials.
Impact of SAF Tax Credit on the Grain Supply Chain
The SAF tax credit affects the entire grain supply chain, from farming to processing, and sourcing materials like straw
and corn stover can significantly impact agricultural production. Because these materials hold value, removing them from fields is a major decision for farmers. "Farmers need to consider tillage, soil organic carbon, and overall field management—removing crop residue can impact soil productivity and future yields," Ripplinger said.
Another challenge is tracking and verifying sustainable practices. "Building out that technology and finding the best systems is crucial," he said. "This isn't just about farming—it's about the entire supply chain, from the crop's carbon footprint to transportation and processing."
He also believes the SAF tax credit strengthens supply chain relationships. "There needs to be a closer relationship between farmers and biorefineries," he said. "With SAF, the story behind the crop matters—refiners need to know exactly how it was produced. Farmers and biorefineries need to ensure mutual satisfaction
to build long-term, sustainable relationships."
Challenges in Aligning with SAF Production Needs
However, Ripplinger believes one of the key challenges grain producers face in aligning with SAF production needs is understanding the trade-offs involved. "For a lot of [farmers], it's important for them to have a framework to understand the tradeoffs. Though a lot of these trade-offs are intuitive and understood by the producer, I think a lot of them would appreciate greater certainty in what the future is going to bring," he said. "We can't predict what this tax credit will look like in five years or where carbon offset credit markets will be. Factors like future weather and crop prices are uncertain, and having that information would be valuable when making decisions about changing practices, especially something significant like going no-till."
Future Evolution of the SAF Tax Credit and Implications for the Grain Industry
As the tax credit (along with other potential future incentives) evolve in the next 5-10 years, Ripplinger believes the drive to decarbonize fuel is only going to continue to grow. "As long as [the tax credit] stays
in place, I think it'll be quite impactful," he said.
He also believes U.S. Code 45Z is part of a much larger effort to decarbonize the economy. "The legs that 45Z gives are substantial, but it's not the only activity," he said. "This tax credit is one piece of a broader strategy pushing agriculture to find ways to produce with lower emissions."
About 26 U.S. Code 45Z
"The Clean Fuel Production Credit provides a tax credit for domestic production of clean transportation fuels, including sustainable aviation fuels. Fuels with less than 50 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per million British thermal units (CO2e per mmBTU) qualify as clean fuels eligible for credits."
- Energy Communities IWG website
Collaboration Between Grain Producers and the Aviation Industry
The next major piece of the puzzle in the SAF conversation is the collaboration between grain producers and the aviation industry to maximize the benefits of the SAF tax credit. "The first thing they should do is figure out how close they are to a SAF producer, then educate themselves on SAF production," Ripplinger said. "Collaboration is a necessary piece to this—you can't be successful without working closely with your supplier and customer."
It's important to note that some of this collaboration may happen organically, as farmers adapt to new requirements. "I'm already hearing conversations where farmers are being asked to fill out forms about sustainable practices at the refinery," he said. Over time, these requirements will become more specific, such as identifying which field a particular crop came from and the practices used. The
purpose is to tighten things up, and it will become a standard part of the market.
Historically, farmers have maintained relationships with millers, railroads, or banks, but now they must think in terms of the entire supply chain. "The SAF production in one region is competing with another region's SAF production," Ripplinger said. "It's not just about getting an extra sale; it's about strengthening the entire supply chain to stay competitive."
Key Takeaways for Policy Makers and Industry Stakeholders
Ripplinger also emphasized the importance of being actively involved in shaping the regulations for SAF in the grain industry. "It's critical for policymakers and stakeholders, especially commodity groups and larger organizations, to understand what is at stake and to be involved in the decision-making process," he
said. With many new rules being created, Ripplinger believes being informed and participating in the conversation is critical.
"We're writing a new book of regulations for SAF, and different decisions can impact various parts of the supply chain differently. Stakeholders need to be up to speed on how these changes may affect them," he said.
Closing thoughts from David Ripplinger
"It's a pretty exciting time in the ag industry. Things have changed quite quickly, both in terms of policy and markets. But to me, the biggest change is that this is now a situation directly affecting the farmer. This is not a distant, longterm prospect—all of these pieces are now brought to the producer when they bring their crop to market. It's very much here, very much real, and it has significant economic implications for any producer involved in these major commodity crops," Ripplinger said.
To learn more about SAF and U.S. Tax Code 45Z, connect with NDSU Extension at ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension, or scan the QR code.
Fargo companies' new merger will streamline cattle registry and management
By Josiah Kopp provided by 701x
the Fall of 2024, 701x announced its acquisition of DigitalBeef LLC, a cattle registry platform based in San Antonio, TX. As an autonomous ranching tool, 701x, paired with the technology of DigitalBeef, will significantly streamline data flow and cattle management for ranchers. We had the privilege of sitting down with 701x VP of Marketing Sam Fisher to learn more.
701x's relationship to DigitalBeef before acquisition
Before the discussion of an acquisition came about, 701x was looking for partnerships with cattle registry
platforms, a popular request among 701x users. "The motivation for us reaching out to DigitalBeef in the first place ties back to our motto of connecting the customer and using that to steer product innovation," Fisher said. This feedback sparked the initial conversation with DigitalBeef, and 701x quickly realized the value of how the two systems would complement one another.
As a registry system for 17 breed associations, DigitalBeef collects data from producers and transforms it into predictive tools, allowing buyers to determine if a bull would be beneficial for their operation. "DigitalBeef has established an excellent reputation
within the livestock industry and among breed associations—a foundation 701x aims to build upon," Fisher said.
In contrast, as an autonomous ranching tool, 701x focuses on herd management, helping producers gather data and information on their animals. "We help producers collect the data that they would then submit to DigitalBeef to run calculations with their breed association," Fisher said. This separation of functions created a gap between herd management and breed registry that was often cumbersome for producers—so the 701x team sought to bridge the gap.
The 701x team flew down to DigitalBeef's headquarters in San Antonio, TX, to discuss how the two companies' systems could work together. However, it was during these discussions that Dr. Joe Massey, the CEO of DigitalBeef at the time, learned more about 701x's vision.
"Dr. Massey was very excited, and said, 'You know what, I'm actually ready to pass this baton, you guys can acquire us and take [DigitalBeef] into the future.' So that's where the acquisition took place," Fisher said.
How this new marriage of software will benefit users
The acquisition aims to address the inefficiencies between herd records and breed registry by providing a seamless integration between these functions. Previously, producers had to manually convert data from paper calving books, Excel spreadsheets, or other sources into DigitalBeef. Now with the integration of DigitalBeef's registry platform into 701x's herd management solutions, producers can collect data once in the herd management app and easily transfer it to the registry, saving significant time and reducing errors.
CONTINUED
In addition to herd records, 701x offers various wearable devices, such as smart ear tags that provide GPS health alerts and other information on the animals. For bulls, the tags offer GPS health alerts and mounting detection, while for cows, they offer similar GPS health alerts, along with estrus detection and upcoming calving detection. As technology continues to evolve, integrating sensor data from these tags will help build new predictive indexes for commercial cattlemen, giving them valuable insights when buying seed stock animals.
With the growing innovation in AI and automation in the ag industry, 701x sees the current and future value of following suit. "Our full name is 701x Autonomous Rancher, and where we're seeing the beef industry going is where the row crop industry has already been," Fisher said. "Operations need to get larger and produce more from the land—they have to stay in the game and make it sustainable for generations. So in comes John Deere and all these other companies with precision planters, auto steer, all these tools for efficiency
and automation—we at 701x are bringing that to the beef industry."
Expectations for current users moving forward
Moving forward, users from both 701x and DigitalBeef can expect to see virtually no change or disruption in the user experience or customer service. "As we head into the future, we're working on this seamless marriage between the two companies because the flow of data back and forth is what everybody's craving and asking for," he said. "If you are a seed stock producer using DigitalBeef as your registry, and there are 17 associations that do that, you're going to see the same herd management app and 701x that you may have been using. The key differentiator now is that you're no longer playing with spreadsheets to get the data to the registry and then get the data back. That's all going to happen automatically."
Fisher also mentioned that many DigitalBeef users are not yet on the 701x platform. "We are now going to offer that option where you can come into 701x, use your herd records, and do it in the most straightforward way," Fisher said. "No one else has been able to connect a herd registry
seamlessly through an API to the herd management app, and that will be a key offering for consumers and users."
Acceleration of new features and innovations
Looking ahead, 701x believes the acquisition will accelerate the development of new features and innovations—both within 701x and across the cattle industry. By tying sensor data to the registry, producers gain detailed insights into animal health, productivity, and genetics, enabling more informed decisionmaking and improved productivity. "I think there's a lot of partnerships and work that we can do together," Fisher said. One area of interest is tying sensor data points to the registry, providing detailed information about the cattle, including a cow's gestation period, productivity of the bull, how often the cattle are getting sick, and more.
By tying all these data points back to genomics, Fisher believes they can develop new predictive index tools that do not yet exist today. "These tools will provide unprecedented insights for producers, helping them make more informed decisions and improve productivity," he said.
Located in downtown Fargo, 701x designs, manufactures, and ships all of its products in-house.
Positioning in the broader cattle and livestock management industry
701x also believes the acquisition positions itself uniquely within the broader cattle and livestock management industry. "The key differentiator this will allow is that we now have a whole ecosystem of products under one roof, one interface, for the user," Fisher said. "There are a lot of other systems out there that might have just a herd management software, but they don't have any tags that integrate with it. Or, they might have tags, but there's no herd management software to go with it." By providing everything ranchers need under one roof, 701x believes they are poised for strong success moving forward.
Looking ahead: plans for expansion to new markets and regions
"The next decade promises to be an exciting time for cattle producers, with innovative advancements on the horizon," Dr. Massey, who will transition into chief scientific officer at 701x said.
Following the acquisition, 701x has outlined plans for expansion and projected the company's evolution in the coming years. Currently, 701x services the continental 48 United States. However, in 2025, the company plans to introduce a satellite tag that will enable global communication, creating opportunities for growth beyond the U.S. market. This advancement aims to address increasing demand from international markets, including South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.
According to 701x, one of the largest challenges facing cow-calf producers today is dealing with open cows (cows that did not conceive during the breeding season), which is often considered the biggest expense in a cow-calf operation.
With the added power of DigtialBeef, 701x can better address this challenge through products like its xTpro tag, which offers features to ensure that bulls are healthy, active, in the right pasture, and breeding (along with all of the previously mentioned features). By improving bull monitoring, producers are more likely to get more cows bred and have more calves on the ground, later making the registry seamless.
To learn more about 701x and the powerful tools they offer to ranchers, visit 701x.com, scan the QR code or stop in for a tour of their headquarters in downtown Fargo to see how their products are made.
Calf with the 701x xTlite ear tag
Cow with the 701x xTpro ear tag
