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.

Aptly known as America’s breadbasket, the U.S. Midwest is a powerhouse for corn and soybean production.

Growers with generations invested in the land often seek ways to stay competitive during frequently volatile times.

The Redox Midwest team has generated growing interested in our bio-nutrition technology, combining highly efficient, impeccably sourced plant nutrition with synergistic biostimulants.

A key tool to help showcase Redox technology is the XPRT Farm in Missouri Valley, Iowa, featuring hundreds of acres of corn and soybeans.

“We start with a systematic approach to set a good foundation based upon science and agronomy and work from there,” said Redox agronomist Zach Carlson. “Let’s look at what the microbes are telling us. Let’s look at what the soil is telling us, because the relationship between soil and the plant is the one thing that is the most important.”

Products that have garnered attention in the Midwest include RDX-N®, groundbreaking nitrogen optimization technology that came from a decade of research and development.

Midwest growers should mark their calendars for the August 20 XPRT Farm Field Day. Register now to attend.

The dairy industry is not only a massive part of agriculture, but also a critical part of the U.S. economy and our nation’s food security.

The University of Idaho’s CAFE Project will provide a major boost, as the nation’s largest research dairy is on track to be up and running next spring. This high-tech facility will comprehensively cover major facets of the dairy industry, to help quantify and ensure healthy, productive herds.

“From an environmental perspective, this facility is going to be critical,” remarked Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. “This will demonstrate to the public that what we do in the U.S. and Idaho dairies industries is protective of the environment, and that we are good stewards of the land, air and water.”

The research dairy will also look at cow nutrition as well as analyzing and working with manure to make it more of a marketable crop input.

Mireille Chahine of the University of Idaho said research dairy will provide an incredible amount of data, with health and nutrition key focal points.

“This is where the fit bit or smart watch type of technology will be used in this facility,” she said. “Here, the cow will wear a kind of a smart watch to know how many steps she’s taking a day, whether she’s in heat, whether we need to inseminate her, whether she’s getting sick. We would have the capability of knowing that that cow will have symptoms in three to four days in the future, which is amazing because we can separate her, call the veterinarian, look at her ration, ensure she is well taken care of, because animal welfare is a priority for us.”

“We like to eat well and dairy is a big part of that,” said Redox CEO, Darin Moon. “We don’t want it to reduce or go away. We want it to become more efficient and more visible, so that people can actually see what a great and incredible industry this is.”

Redox is among a host of private and governmental organizations that have provided significant contributions to make the research dairy a reality.

The average U.S. grower is over 58 years of age. The number of family farms in America is shrinking. For health and the well-being of our country, we need a strong contribution from the next generation. Fortunately, there’s a growing number of talented younger people getting involved.

Allisen Carmichael, Director of Operations with Sierra Pacific Farms in Ventura County in Southern California oversees day to day operations of their management of citrus and avocado orchards.

She said they take a regenerative approach to farming, with an emphasis on healthy soil.

“The best thing we can do to combat Mother Nature is to be prepared for it,” she remarked. “If we have healthy trees, then we are put in a better position to avoid as much crop loss as possible.”

Carmichael said Redox products are part of their crop nutrition, adding “they are high quality and help us enhance our plant’s ability to uptake nutrients.”

Sunny, warm conditions are key to crop development, but how can growers protect their crops when the inevitable heatwave hits?

Fortunately, Redox provides great technology to keep plants strong. diKaP® includes a powerful biostimulant along with excellent phosphorus and potassium nutrition to maintain plant respiration during stress events. The end result often leads to more favorable yield and quality during harvest.

Redox Chief Agronomic Officer Jared Sannar said other key mid-season nutrition options include H-85®, Mainstay® Si and Supreme®.

He said it’s very satisfying to help reduce stress in crops and for growers, who have such a large investment at stake.

“Hitting the yield, hitting the quality at a budget is so important, and that’s one part that we can help with,” he remarked.