Accurate data about meaningful technology is vitally important to productive farm fields.

The Redox Research Farm is not only comprised of two PhD’s, but significant work is also carried out by the balance of the farm team.

The group works cohesively to maintain the crops on the Research Farm, as well as collect data that helps prove out the breakthrough technology provided by Redox.

“In order for farming to survive, we have to change the way we’re doing things,” said Faith Talley, who in three years has risen from intern to significantly more responsibility in the field. “I feel that Redox is a perfect example of that. They’re always trying to change the future, and not only help farmers grow where they’re at, but also provide solutions for them.”

California grows 90 percent of the nation’s strawberries, and many people are devoted to ensuring continued success for this $3 billion industry.

The Cal Poly Strawberry Center has been a model for practical research, with continued innovations in pest and disease fighting, as well as technology advancements.

One of the more visually captivating new technologies is a robotic harvester. After years of trial and error, there’s renewed optimism it will one day be a commercial reality.

“There’s a possibility that within 10 years, 50 to 60 percent at least, if not more, of the strawberries picked will be done by robots,” said Alex Gutierrez, Founder and CEO of L5 Automation.

The Strawberry Center has made steady strides in providing practical, grower-focused solutions.

“It gives me a lot of satisfaction to work in this industry because we see the things we are doing actually come to fruition” remarked Center Director Gerald Holmes.

Providing growers with effective plant nutrition is a balancing act alongside regulation and consumer demands.

Independent Ag Retailers, including AG RX along California’s Central Coast, play a pivotal role.

AG RX CEO Brian Lish said their expertise and product flexibility help them provide the best solutions to growers.

“At times I eat at McDonalds and it’s going to be the same just about everywhere you go,” he said. “I don’t believe in a McDonalds approach to ag retail. Our 21 pest control advisors know their customer’s intimately. While we have over 2,000 skus that we carry in inventory, they have the ability to identify the products that work best for their grower in any condition. That’s critical for us.”

Products from Redox Bio-Nutrients have been part of the AG RX inventory for about 20 years.