Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)

Leading AI-powered solutions provider, Agmatix recently announced a strategic collaboration with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical and agricultural solutions companies, to develop a cutting-edge digital solution aimed at detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) 

The collaboration began through AgroStart, an open innovation and partnership platform by BASF, that aims to empower soybean growers with real-time, scalable insights to mitigate yield losses caused by SCN, one of the most damaging and often invisible soybean pests. Axiom, an advanced AI technology engine developed by Agmatix is the core of this initiative. It transforms vast amounts of raw agronomic data into highly standardised and enriched datasets. This rigorous data process enables the development of a robust machine-learning model capable of detecting and predicting SCN infestations with unprecedented accuracy and scalability.

Developed through AgroStart by BASF, this initiative combines Agmatix’s AI-driven agronomic platform with the deep expertise of BASF in seed and crop protection solutions and will foster the development of a scalable, user-friendly digital model. The tool will integrate with existing farm management practices, enabling users to access near real-time SCN risk assessments and tailor their pest management strategies accordingly.

SCN remains the leading pest in soybeans, with infestations frequently going undetected until yields are significantly affected. Traditional detection methods, such as soil sampling or mid-season root digs, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and not widely adopted. A digital tool could help create awareness and compliment these traditional methods.

By providing accurate, predictive data on SCN infestations, the Agmatix-BASF collaboration paves the way for future innovations in pest management and digital agriculture. The joint effort represents a significant leap forward in integrating digital agriculture with crop protection strategies, demonstrating how advanced analytics can drive on-farm decision-making and improve agronomic outcomes.

“Our collaboration with BASF is driven by the urgent need to provide a practical, data-backed tool that helps growers minimise yield losses caused by SCN,” added Ron Baruchi, president & CEO at Agmatix. “By digitising large volumes of field trial data within Axiom, we believe our machine learning model will give growers the power to act before SCN causes irreversible damage.”

With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)

Bayer recently unveiled its new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia

Through this US$34.7mn facility, Bayer has managed to triple its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people in the region, and is expected to further increase in the coming years. 

The high-yielding seeds will reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. To date, the investment is the second largest private investment by a German company in Zambia. The site is a key component of Bayer’s growth strategy for Africa, with the aspiration of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.

Bayer plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds. By addressing up to 10 million smallholder farmers, the investment significantly helps to advance Bayer’s goal of reaching 21.5 million smallholders in Africa and 100 million globally by 2030.

Bayer is also supporting the local healthcare system by funding the establishment of a new health centre, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to more than 10,000 residents, including Bayer employees and their dependents.

“Millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity. Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal,” said CEO Bill Anderson, who inaugurated the site alongside president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema. “The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent. It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production," Anderson concluded. 

The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph. (Image source: CNH)

Case IH recently launched the new SenseApply technology, purposefully designed to maximise the output of every input

Comprising a single cab-mounted camera system, the technology is an economical and adaptable automated Live variable rate application solution that offers multi-season uses for unmatched versatility and productivity without compromising quality or functionality. It has various multi-application uses including:

• Selective spray: This includes a one-time activation fee eliminating both per acre fees and annual fees for the life of the device. It offers two options – the Green-on-Brown Spot Spray offering upgraded weed management and the Base + Boost option that applies a consistent base rate over the entire boom while boosting individual nozzle sections to a higher rate when passing over areas with higher weed pressure.
• Live Variable Rate Application (VRA): This includes lifetime Live VRA use and offers five options – Burndown VRA, Nitrogen VRA, Harvest Aid VRA, Plant Growth Regulator VRA and Fungicide VRA. 

The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph, with the camera self-calibrating to the crop within the first 150 ft during Live VRA. The SenseApply camera – which is mounted on top of the cab to maximise field of view – senses plant biomass and responds accordingly, depending on the application type the operator selected.   

SenseApply also integrates with Case IH FieldOps and Raven Slingshot, enabling operators to connect and manage application data through their preferred platform. This integration increases overall operator efficiencies by providing real-time data analysis and decision-making capabilities, while making it easier to align with agronomist recommendations. The technology's multi-purpose functionality enables operators to use it throughout the year irrespective of the seasons. 

“SenseApply offers unparalleled flexibility, with a range of application methods that were previously unavailable in a single solution,” said application equipment customer segmentation lead at Case IH, Leo Bose. “It is also a cost-effective solution with no annual subscriptions or per acre fees, driving efficiency and profitability for a grower.” 

Biome Makers has announced integrations is enabling farmers to bridge the gap between soil biology and digital farming. (Image source: Biome Makers)

Digital integration of field data from leading platfoms such as CNH, John Deere and Climate FieldView with Biome Makers' precision agriculture tool 'BeCrop Farm' empowers farmers, enabling more intelligent decision-making and sustainable farming practices

To make it easier for farmers to harness biological data alongside traditional agronomic information, Biome Makers has announced integrations with Climate FieldView, John Deere and CNH, enabling farmers to bridge the gap between soil biology and digital farming. 

The three key benefits of this integration include: 

1. Seamless data import: Users can gain science-backed soil health insights—without the hassle of manual data entry, by effortlessly importing their field data into BeCrop Farm.

2. Actionable soil health intelligence: By analysing more than 1,000 biological and environmental parameters, BeCrop Farm provides recommendations on nutrient cycling, disease risk, soil resilience, ag-input products, and agronomic strategies that help farmers optimise soil performance and input efficiency.

3. Data privacy and ownership: Biome Makers ensures that all data handling complies with the highest agricultural privacy standards, allowing farmers to retain complete control over their data, choosing when and with whom to share it with.

“Digital agriculture is evolving toward more connected platforms, where farmers can leverage multiple data sources for better decision-making,” said Alberto Acedo, CSO and co-founder of Biome Makers. “Our integrations with Climate FieldView, John Deere and CNH support this transformation, making it effortless for users to bring their field data into BeCrop Farm and unlock powerful soil biology insights, ag-input recommendations and agronomic guidance that drive sustainable farming practices.”