👋 Morning. Did you know today is “National Let’s Laugh Day”? Yea—we had the same reaction, and if that didn’t get ya it’s also “National Stretch Mark Day”… There’s a dedicated day for anything and everything these days. Enjoy the read!

— TDY team

Market pulse

March 18th Overview

Yesterday, the grain markets exhibited mixed movements influenced by weather conditions, export dynamics, and investor sentiment.​

Speculative funds have been reducing bullish positions in corn futures, driven by concerns over potential trade disputes and tariffs involving major agricultural partners like Mexico and Canada.

Ag-tech

Bayer and Microsoft's Ai partnership: Sowing the seeds of innovation 🤖

In a move that blends agriculture with cutting-edge technology, Bayer and Microsoft have joined forces to develop specialized AI models tailored for the agricultural sector. This collaboration aims to harness Bayer's extensive agronomic data and Microsoft's AI capabilities to provide advanced solutions for crop management and protection. The initiative allows various stakeholders—including Bayer's distributors, AgTech startups, and even competitors—to license these AI models, thereby enhancing decision-making processes across the industry.

E.L.Y.: Bridging the 'Last Mile' in Agriculture

One notable outcome of this partnership is the development of E.L.Y., a generative AI model designed to tackle the "last mile" problem in agriculture. E.L.Y. aims to provide practical, trustworthy, and scalable AI solutions that can revolutionize crop protection practices, ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible benefits for farmers on the ground.

Other AgriBusiness Ventures into AI

Beyond Bayer and Microsoft's collaboration, several companies are integrating AI into their agricultural operations:

• John Deere: The agricultural machinery giant has unveiled autonomous tractors equipped with advanced AI systems, aiming to address labor shortages and increase productivity in farming operations.

• Solinftec: This company offers an AI-driven platform that provides real-time data analytics to optimize farming practices, from planting to harvesting. Their technology helps farmers make informed decisions, improving efficiency and sustainability. ​

• FarmWise: Specializing in automated mechanical weeders, FarmWise utilizes AI and robotics to identify and remove weeds without chemicals, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

These developments underscore a broader trend in the agriculture industry, where AI is being leveraged to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the potential to transform traditional farming practices and address global food security challenges.

Agribusiness

Ag brands are ditching old ways and innovating, fast! 💨

In the past week, several agriculture brands have made notable strides, reflecting a dynamic shift towards innovation and sustainability in the industry.​

Seed Oil Alternatives: A Culinary Pivot

A growing number of restaurant chains, including Steak 'n Shake, Popeyes, Outback, Sweetgreen, and Buffalo Wild Wings, have transitioned away from traditional seed oils, opting for alternatives like beef tallow and avocado oil. This movement, endorsed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to promote ingredient transparency and offer healthier options to consumers. While some experts maintain that seed oils can be heart-healthy, critics argue they may produce harmful toxins when heated. Companies such as Beyond Meat and Masa Chips have also eliminated seed oils from their products, responding to evolving consumer preferences.

Innovative Agricultural Practices: Leading the Charge

The agriculture sector has witnessed a surge in innovative practices aimed at sustainability and efficiency:​

• Zero Foodprint: This organization funds regenerative farming by partnering with restaurants, grocers, and food companies, directing 1% of consumer purchases to support farm conversions.​

• ClimateAi: Utilizing advanced computer-learning models, ClimateAi provides farmers and major food manufacturers with detailed forecasts, guiding decisions on crop planting to enhance resilience against climate variability.

• Pairwise: Pioneering in the biotech arena, Pairwise has developed the world’s first CRISPR-edited food—a milder mustard green—and introduced the first seedless blackberry, aiming to enhance consumer appeal and nutritional value.

These initiatives underscore a broader industry trend towards integrating technology and sustainability in agricultural practices. ​

Supporting U.S. Agriculture: Anheuser-Busch's Commitment

Anheuser-Busch has reinforced its dedication to American agriculture by becoming the first company to receive the U.S. Farmed certification from the American Farmland Trust. This certification signifies that products are made with at least 95% U.S.-sourced agricultural ingredients. The company has launched the "Choose Beer Grown Here" campaign, encouraging consumers to select brands bearing the U.S. Farmed Certified seal, thereby supporting domestic farmers and promoting sustainability.

These developments highlight a concerted effort among agriculture brands to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and environmental challenges.

Investor Insight: Where to Watch and How to Benefit

The agriculture industry is undergoing a major transformation, with sustainability, biotech, and AI-driven efficiency taking center stage. Investors should closely monitor companies integrating regenerative farming, precision ag, and alternative food technologies—these sectors are positioned for long-term growth.

Key moves:

• ✅ Watch for agribusiness M&A activity—larger firms are acquiring innovative startups to stay competitive.

• ✅ Track commodity price trends—weather patterns, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions are creating volatility.

• ✅ Look at sustainability-driven brands—consumers and governments are rewarding companies that prioritize transparency and eco-friendly practices.

• ✅ Keep an eye on AI adoption—ag-tech firms using AI for predictive analytics, automated equipment, and smart farming will gain an edge.

Short-term turbulence (interest rates, trade policies) may cause market dips, but long-term investors should see these as opportunities to buy into game-changing agricultural innovations at discount!

Number of interest

USDA Rolls Out $10 Billion ‘Keep Farming Alive’ Fund 💰

The USDA is unleashing a $10 billion lifeline to help producers weather the brutal combo of low commodity prices and tight margins. Dubbed the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, this initiative is basically a financial shot of espresso for struggling farm operations.

Starting Wednesday, farmers can apply for aid and—get this—receive direct payments within three business days. No endless paperwork. No waiting for eternity. Just good old-fashioned government cash (for once, arriving at a reasonable speed). Payments are based on acreage for crops like wheat, corn, barley, and oats, meaning if you’re growing the good stuff, you might just get a well-deserved deposit.

Think of it as crop insurance’s cooler, faster cousin—helping farmers stay afloat without the usual bureaucratic quicksand. While it won’t fix every issue plaguing the ag industry, it definitely beats another round of "let’s hope the market recovers before I have to sell my tractor.

Ag-bite bulletin

🌽 A Kernel of Confusion: In the world of corn statistics, Brazil's Conab and the USDA seem to be reading from different scripts. Conab reports that Brazil's corn stocks have dwindled to approximately 2 million metric tons. In contrast, the USDA estimates these stocks at a more comfortable 7.5 million tons. So, who's got the right scoop on the maize maze?​

🍾 Ag Day Celebrates Farmers and Ranchers​: On National Agriculture Day, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins honored the dedication of farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed, fuel, and clothe the nation.

📈 New Mexico Agriculture Industry Grows by 4.4%​: New Mexico's agriculture sector experienced a 4.4% growth in 2024, contributing $45 billion to the state's economy.

🚜 Tractor Tax: UK Farmers concerned about its impact on family farms.

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Tractor thoughts

Cowboys are a type of wizard. They wear wide brimmed hats, ride horses, smoke, and instead of casting fireball, they cast bullets. source