Tuesday September 02 Ag News - LENRD Meeting Recap - NE NE Corn Growers Meeting - Saunder Co Lvst meeting - NE LEAD Group 44 Announced - NE Extension at HHD - National Pork Board new CEO - and more!

Recap from the August 2025 Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Meeting
 
At their August 28, 2025, Board Meeting, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Directors accepted the Scope of Work and Flow Meter Maintenance Agreement from Derek and Austin Becker. This agreement outlines the requirements for the completion of flow meter preventative maintenance services within the District.
 
The LENRD established a program to assist flow meter owners with maintenance of their flow meters after flow meters became a requirement for all irrigation wells as of January 1, 2018. The Beckers rotate through different counties within the District, with each area receiving maintenance services once every five years. The five-year rotation began in the fall of 2018.
 
The inspection and preventative maintenance services include a physical examination and evaluation of proper flow meter installation and operation; removal of the flow meter to evaluate the condition of the propeller and bearings; reinstallation of the meter after greasing its bearings and replacing the saddle gasket; as well as the documentation of all inspection and maintenance findings.
 
On average, about 778 meters are inspected each year. In this newest agreement, maintenance will be conducted in Cedar, Dixon, Knox, Wayne and Thurston counties on approximately 752 meters by April 15, 2026. The contracted amount is $59 per meter.
 
Directors also discussed the 2025 standard variance application process for new groundwater irrigated acres in the District. An Ad-Hoc Variance Committee has been meeting twice a month since April to evaluate and strategize the Standard Variance process in the District.
 
Water Resources Manager, Doug Hallum, explained the process and information used by the Ad-Hoc Variance Committee to make sound decisions on new irrigated acres in the District. The Committee has been evaluating and analyzing data collected from spring water level trends at the 240 locations through the District including Quantity Management Subareas. Committee members have evaluated the trends over the past year, five years, and ten years to help better understand our groundwater. The Committee is still discussing how many acres to approve and plans for the Quantity Management Subareas. 
 
Also at the meeting, Directors authorized an additional 1% increase in restricted funds authority for Fiscal Year 2026 and set the public hearing date to vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Long Range Plan. The public hearing has been set for Thursday, September 11, 2025, prior to the Committee meeting.
 
To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Northeast NE Corn Growers host appreciation night

The Northeast NE Corn Growers Association will hold its 2025 grower appreciation night on Thursday Sept. 4th.  All corn growers, members and friends, are invited to join them for the plot tour at the Schweers Farm, 220 O Road, Wisner NE.  The social starts at 5pm, followed by the plot tour and a supper.  There's also a guest speaker, Jeff Peterson with Heartland Farm Partners, who will talk about navigating the markets.  Questions and RSVP with Mitch at 402-380-4931.  



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will hold its next meeting September 3, 2025, at its office located at 4625 Innovation Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Among conducting regular board business, the Board will finalize funding for FY26 proposals and learn about other new opportunities. The meeting is open to the public.

The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org.

The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Saunder Co Livestock & Ag Assoc. Outlook Meeting
Dan Kellner, President

Annual Outlook Meeting
Monday, September 8, 2025
4-H Building
Saunders County Fairgrounds
6:30 PM Social Hour
7:00 PM Dinner
Business Meeting to follow

Our Annual Outlook meeting is being partially sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board, and your Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association.

Our guest speakers are Casey Potter, with ADM Company Lincoln, NE and Mike Briggs of Briggs Feedyard Seward, NE. Casey will visit with us about the Grain Markets, and Mike will give us his insights into the Cattle Markets. Also, we will have a representative from the Nebraska Soybean Board visit with us regarding check-off information.

A special THANK YOU to those who helped with the summer activities this year. We could not have done it without your help!

You can still pay your 2025 membership dues for this year. Contact one of your directors. If there are any paid members that would like to run for the Board of Directors for the Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association, you have until November 15, 2025, to put your name in. Contact one of the officers, Dan Kellner, Pudge Donahue, Jordan Nelson, or Dave Vrana.



Nebraska LEAD Program Announces Class 44 Fellows

The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 27 exceptional individuals as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 44. Chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities, these Fellows represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry.

Starting this September and over the next two years, Class 44 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, national and global agricultural issues, all while preparing them to serve as leaders in their communities and industries.

“I am thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of individuals to Nebraska LEAD Class 44,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Nebraska LEAD Class 44 represents the next generation of leaders who will help guide our state forward. These individuals bring unique experiences, perspectives and energy to the program. I’m eager to see how they will grow through this journey and the positive impact they’ll make in their communities and across Nebraska agriculture.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, now in its 44th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

Nebraska LEAD 44 Fellows by city/town are:
AINSWORTH: Katie Steffen
ALBION: Jaclyn Frey
AURORA: Amanda Schultz
BASSETT: Erika Coulter
BRIDGEPORT: Alexis Corman
BUTTE: Britanie Brewster
BYRON: Jake Beam
CALLAWAY: Stacey Guthard
CHAMPION: Daniel Hogsett
CLARKS: Tana Pankoke
COLUMBUS: Valerie Bohuslavsky
FUNK: Shane Wohlgemuth
GLENVIL: Kelsey Scheer
HEMINGFORD: Colt Foster
HOWELLS: Justin Morton
KEARNEY: Garrett Elfeldt, Chase Hoffschneider, Camille Koehn
LEIGH: Matthew Cross
LINCOLN: Jacob Schlick, Dillon Kuehn, Katelyn Leibhart
MASON CITY: Sarah Zimmer
MERNA: Brandon Miller
NORTH PLATTE: Trey Bahler
OMAHA: Peter Martin
RED CLOUD: Erin Slieter

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu.



Hands-On Learning and Farm Solutions with Nebraska Extension at 2025 Husker Harvest Days

Stop by the “Big Red Building” to explore how the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, along with Nebraska Extension are providing Solutions for On-Farm Risk at the 2025 Husker Harvest Days farm show, located at Lot 827.

From Tuesday, Sept. 9 to Thursday, Sept. 11, Nebraska Extension educators, specialists and other faculty across the state will be ready for your questions and sharing their field-proven experiences with new data-driven research. Discover more about:
    Landscapes and Weather Resilience: Techniques for managing landscapes to withstand extreme weather, including plant selection, irrigation, pruning, and pest management. https://hles.unl.edu/
    Soil Health: Methods for enhancing soil productivity through cover crops, interseeding, and sustainable practices. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/
    Digital Agriculture and Technology: Insights from Nebraska On-Farm Research Network into new digital tools and technologies that improve production and profitability. https://on-farm-research.unl.edu/
    Pest Management — Plant Health: Learn about advanced strategies for pest control that reduce risk. https://pat.unl.edu/
    Health and Wellness: Strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being amid the demands of farm life. https://ruralwellness.unl.edu/
    Manure Management: Best practices for integrating manure into farming for better soil health and reduced use of synthetic fertilizers. https://manure.unl.edu/
    Water Management: Innovative techniques for conserving water resources, including irrigation management and drinking water protection. https://water.unl.edu/
    Livestock Health: Approaches to improving cattle herd productivity through disease prevention, early detection, and proper nutrition. http://beef.unl.edu/
    Rural Prosperity: Support for community leaders and entrepreneurs to promote economic development and vibrant local food systems. https://ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/
    Agricultural Profitability: Resources from the Center for Agricultural Profitability to aid in financial decision-making for securing the future of farming operations. http://cap.unl.edu/
    Leadership Development: Information on the Nebraska LEAD Program, which prepares agricultural leaders for industry challenges. http://lead.unl.edu/
    Youth Education and Career Preparation: Join Nebraska 4-H, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) and UNL’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) to help youth explore career paths and develop employability skills. http://4h.unl.edu, https://ncta.unl.edu/, https://casnr.unl.edu/
    AgrAbility: Learn how they can help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to continue in their chosen agricultural profession. Located in the Health and Wellness Tent. https://agrability.unl.edu/

Crop Skills Challenge at Lot #928
Located just south of the Big Red Building, this interactive event will pit participants against each other, not just in physical farm skills, but more in skills between the ears in crop production. This year, participants will be challenged on a virtual Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition, insect feeding and herbicide injury identification. Participants will also have the chance to try their hand at setting siphon tubes, a spray table demo, and a 3D google sprayer experience. 

This event is hosted by UNL TAPS and extension’s water and cropping systems team.

Make sure to also stop across from the Big Red Building to get your UNL Dairy Store Ice Cream and see the UNL Quarter-Scale Pulling Tractor.

We all look forward to seeing and visiting with all HHD participants!



I-29 Moo University webinar On September 16 To Manure Scoring To See How Cows Are Working With Their Diets

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Tuesday, September 16 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, focusing on manure scoring with Dr. Mary Beth Hall.

Dr. Hall, owner of The Cows Are Always Right dairy consulting business, she counsels with producers to improve feeding and profitability. She was formerly with the USDA-ARS U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Wisconsin.

Her program on Tuesday, September 16, “Manure Evaluation for Reading Your Cows: It Doesn’t Just Happen” will focus on what we see when we walk herds, we see manure. Did you ever consider that the way manure looks and what is in it could tell you about how the cows are working with their diets? In this presentation She’ll discuss how rumen and gut function can change manure characteristics, what those changes look like, and how evaluation of manure, feeds, diets, cow performance, and management can be brought together to look for ways to improve herd performance.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/EVALUATINGMANURE

 For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Maristela Rovai, 605-688-5488.



Forage Webinar Series Continues September 17

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series continues Wednesday, September 17 from 7 to 8:30 pm CDT with a variety of forage topics including an overview of controlling weeds in hay, alfalfa quality trends and the monthly hay market outlook.

Presenters include.

Dr. Wess Everman, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist Specialist came to Iowa State University by way of North Carolina State University where he spent the last 13 years as professor and extension weed specialist. There he conducted research and extension activities, finding economical solutions to the growing problem of herbicide resistance in weeds. He will discuss getting a handle on weeds in hay, both identification and controlling.

Jeff Jackson, Alfalfa & Forage Specialist at CROPLAN by WinField- Land O Lakes, will discuss new advancements in alfalfa, plant health and winer hardiness to help cattle producers improve their operations.

Luke Schubert, Owner and auctioneer with Schubert Auction Service in Pierz, Minnesota. He will share his insights on the hay market he sees along the I-29 Corridor.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/FORAGESEPTEMBER2025

 For more information contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Sara Bauder, 605-995-7378; or in Nebraska Ben Beckman, 402-254-6821.



National Pork Board taps David Newman to lead the organization as CEO

The National Pork Board (NPB), the producer-led and consumer-focused national Pork Checkoff organization, has named David Newman the organization’s new CEO effective September 1, 2025. Newman most recently served as NPB’s senior vice president of market growth. He joined the organization full-time in June 2023. 

“After a thorough and thoughtful nationwide executive search process, we have found an exceptional and dedicated leader in agriculture to take the organization representing America’s nearly 60,000 pork producers into the future,” said Gordon Spronk, a Minnesota pig farmer, swine veterinarian and NPB’s board president. “David is no stranger to the pork industry. He has proven himself to be leadership-oriented, producer-focused and outcomes-driven when it comes to ensuring the pork industry is addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. On behalf of the board, we have confidence in his character and capability to lead the organization, staff and industry into a productive and powerful next season for pork.” 

Newman was previously a member of the NPB board of directors, serving as the board’s president for two terms in 2020 and 2021. He has also served as a member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation executive committee. Before joining NPB as staff, Newman received a doctorate in meat and animal science from North Dakota State University. He was also a faculty member at NDSU and later at Arkansas State University, serving as a leader in meat science programs and swine research, where he focused his academic work on meat quality. Along with his family, Newman owns and operates Newman Family Farms based in Myrtle, Missouri.

“It’s a privilege to work for and on behalf of pork producers,” said Newman. “We make a flavorful, nutritious product that is beloved by millions of people across the globe. Producers can be proud of that, and of the work their checkoff is doing to drive demand with new generations of consumers, ensure we have a healthy swine herd and help the industry anticipate and adapt to change. I am honored to be named CEO of the National Pork Board and to continue serving pork producers and the industry in an even greater capacity going forward.”

The NPB board appointed a committee in April to conduct the CEO search and represent a cross-section of pork industry expertise and perspectives. The committee was led by past NPB board president Al Wulfekuhle, a pig farmer from Iowa. The robust national search process included support from Kincannon & Reed, one of the nation’s leading global executive search firms focused on the food and agribusiness industry.

“I’m grateful to the selection committee for their time and commitment to serve pig farmers and help us determine the next leader of the National Pork Board,” said Spronk. “As a board, we have confidence in NPB staff continuing the great work that is already underway to deliver the goals in our strategic plan. In the fortieth year since the founding of the National Pork Board, the board and its officers, the new CEO and the NPB staff are well positioned to meet the needs of the next generation of our nation’s pork producers.”



USMEF Statement on National Pork Board CEO Announcement

The National Pork Board announced the appointment of David Newman, Ph.D., as its new chief executive officer. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

The National Pork Board has made an outstanding choice, and USMEF congratulates Dr. Newman on his appointment. USMEF has had numerous opportunities to work with Dr. Newman in his many pork industry leadership roles, so we know firsthand the expertise and experience he brings to this role. Dr. Newman knows the importance of both international and domestic demand for U.S. pork, and that it is critical to maximize both. We look forward to working closely with him and the entire Pork Board team to deliver value for U.S. producers. 



NPPC & Other Stakeholders Work With EPA to Stifle Burdensome Wastewater Decision
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s longstanding Meat and Poultry (MPP) Effluent Guidelines and Standards will stand, as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that proposed changes to the regulation are unnecessary. In reaching its decision, EPA determined existing federal wastewater regulations under the Clean Water Act are effective and the burdens that proposed changes would inflict on meat and poultry processors are unwarranted.

Duane Stateler, National Pork Producers Council President and pork producer from McComb, Ohio, said “The National Pork Producers Council applauds the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Zeldin for taking a commonsense approach on the Meat & Poultry Processing Rule. As proposed by the previous administration, this rule—which provides no environmental benefits—would have been devastating to small- and medium-sized meat processors across the country and the livestock farmers who rely on them as markets for their animals. EPA’s action will save not only the nearly 100 local meat processors that EPA itself identified would have to close down but also the thousands of family farmers who rely on them to stay in livestock production, and it will help ensure affordable, nutritious American-grown pork can continue to be served on dinner tables across the country.”

The decision closes the book on a nearly two-year comment and consideration process in which the National Pork Producers Council and other stakeholders have worked with EPA to better inform the agency’s decision and preempt unnecessary harm. The more-stringent permitting guidelines under CWA would have packed a significant punch for meat processors, requiring them to upgrade facilities and install costly new wastewater treatment technologies, impacting meat and poultry packing and processing plants nationwide. EPA’s own internal analysis showed that dozens of facilities, likely small and medium-sized, would be unable to afford these changes and shut down. Overall, the industry would have realized additional costs estimated at greater than $1 billion a year.

EPA first enacted the Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Guidelines and Standards in 1974 and amended the regulation, which covers wastewater directly discharged by processing facilities, in 2004. The proposed amendment would have established more stringent technological requirements for controlling discharges from processors and significantly increased the scope of plants that were covered by the rules. 

While the agricultural industry and the meat and poultry processing sectors support clean water efforts, EPA found these expansions were unnecessary. NPPC appreciates EPA taking no action on the proposal, which would have disrupted packing capacity and livestock markets, in turn inflicting additional financial harm on producers and leading to further industry concentration and the loss of independent farmers.



Meat Institute: EPA Provides Regulatory Relief to Meat & Poultry Companies;
Protects Consumers, Famers & Ranchers

The Meat Institute today applauded President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for stopping costly changes to wastewater regulations that would have closed meat and poultry processing facilities, driving up the cost of food, killing jobs and hurting rural economies.

“This important decision by Administrator Zeldin ends a regulatory disaster that would have forced meat processing facilities to close, causing food prices to go up and hardship for livestock and poultry producers,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We are grateful for the swift action of the Trump Administration to put the consumer first and eliminate burdensome regulations that destroy jobs.”

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final action withdrawing proposed revisions to the EPA’s Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) for wastewater discharged by meat and poultry processing (MPP) and rendering facilities.  Last amended in 2004, the meat and poultry ELGs currently apply to about 180 of the estimated 5,300 meat and poultry facilities nationwide. EPA estimated between 845 and 1,620 facilities would be subject to and incur costs should the proposed ELGs become final. 

To protect small and medium sized meat and poultry processors most likely affected by these changes, the Meat Institute joined the Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition which is made up of the Meat Institute, National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, North American Renderers Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

The Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition commissioned an economic impact analysis that found the Agency grossly underestimated the number of facility closures should the proposed guidelines be enacted from the 16 sites in the EPA estimate to 74 sites.

The projected number of near-term job losses associated with these facility closures would increase from nearly 17,000 that EPA estimates in the proposal to over thirty thousand to nearly 80,000 direct job losses from plant closures.

The proposed rule would have also harmed the relationship between MPPs and publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs). Indirect discharging MPP facilities often make significant financial investments in maintaining and upgrading the POTW or shouldering major surcharges for the POTW’s continued operation and maintenance, which reduce public treatment costs for residential ratepayers and improve the quality of local and downstream waters.

“In January, the Meat Institute called on the Trump Administration to roll back onerous regulations that would reduce the upward pressure on the cost of food, said Potts. “Three of those top priorities to protect consumers have been addressed with today’s news demonstrating President Trump’s commitment to ending the damaging and inflationary policies of the Biden Administration.”



Purina Animal Nutrition Unveils Second Edition of the Beef-on-Dairy Industry Report

Purina Animal Nutrition has unveiled the second edition of its Beef-on-Dairy Industry Report, offering producers an in-depth look at the evolving role of beef-on-dairy cattle in the U.S. beef supply chain.

The updated report features the latest data, market analysis and research-backed practices for improving beef-on-dairy outcomes from genetics and nutrition to on-farm management and marketing strategies.

Contributors include leading experts Patrick Linnell, CattleFax; Dr. Ruth Woiwode, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Dr. Michael Steele, University of Guelph; Dr. Ty Lawrence, West Texas A&M University; Dr. Daniel Thomson, Production Animal Consultation, LLC; Bruce Cobb, Certified Angus Beef; and industry consultant Nevil Speer, alongside Purina Animal Nutrition and Land O’Lakes experts Dr. Tom Earleywine and Laurence Williams.

“Beef-on-dairy cattle now account for 12-15% of fed cattle slaughter, creating a steady source of quality beef at a time when native beef numbers are tight,” says Laurence Williams, beef-on-dairy development for Purina Animal Nutrition. “With intentional genetics, nutrition and management, this group of cattle can deliver consistent quality to consumers while adding lasting value throughout the supply chain.”

The Beef-on-Dairy Industry Report can be downloaded at purinamills.com/dairy-beef. 



Checkoff Launches Dairy Health Innovation Contest for Students

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is now accepting entries for its 2026 New Product Competition, inviting undergraduate and graduate students across the U.S. to develop innovative dairy-based products that meet today’s consumer demands for bone and muscle health and weight management.

This annual contest challenges students to create forward-thinking products that showcase the power and versatility of dairy in promoting health and wellness. The deadline for entries is Jan. 12.

As consumers increasingly seek functional foods to support active and healthy lifestyles, dairy’s nutrient-rich profile presents a major opportunity. The competition encourages students to tap into current industry and consumer insights, aiming to bring fresh dairy-based concepts to market.

Products should target one or more of the following benefits:
· Bone Health
· Muscle Health
· Weight Management

"This competition is about more than innovation – it's about preparing the next generation of food and dairy leaders to respond to evolving consumer needs with dairy at the center," said Dr. Rohit Kapoor, vice president of product research at DMI.

Finalists will have their entries evaluated by a panel of industry experts and will be recognized at the 2026 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, June 21-24 in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Cash prizes will be awarded, including:
· Platinum Dairy Innovator Award – $10,000 (1st place)
· Gold Dairy Innovator Award – $7,000 (2nd place)
· Silver Dairy Innovator Award – $4,000 (3rd place)
· Dairy Innovator Awards – $2,000 each (for three additional teams completing Phase 2)

To learn more about product criteria and marketplace insights, view the “2026 Challenge: Consumer and Marketplace Insights” at USDairy.com.

For contest rules and entry details, visit www.usdairy.com/research-resources/new-product-competition and for questions, contact Kapoor at rohit.kapoor@dairy.org 



John Deere Acquires GUSS Automation to Strengthen High-Value Crop Autonomy Portfolio

John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognized leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy, headquartered in Kingsburg, California. The acquisition builds on an existing joint venture established in 2022 and advances John Deere’s commitment to helping high-value crop growers address their biggest challenges around labor availability, input costs and crop protection.

“Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less,” said Julien Le Vely, director, Production Systems, High Value & Small Acre Crops, at John Deere. “GUSS brings a proven solution to a fast-growing segment of agriculture, and its team has a deep understanding of customer needs in orchards and vineyards. We’re excited to have them fully part of the John Deere team.”

Founded by Dave Crinklaw in 2018, GUSS manufactures autonomous sprayers that can be remotely supervised by a single operator who can manage up to eight machines at once. Using GPS, LiDAR and proprietary software, GUSS machines navigate vineyards and orchards with precision to help reduce operator error, labor costs and material waste. To date, more than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed globally, accounting for 2.6 million acres sprayed over 500,000 autonomous hours.

GUSS sprayers will continue to be sold and serviced exclusively through John Deere dealers, as they are today. The business will retain its name, brand, employees and manufacturing facility in Kingsburg, California.

John Deere will support GUSS in expanding its global reach and accelerating innovation, including continued integration with other John Deere precision agriculture technologies, such as Smart Apply®, which enables targeted spraying that offers the opportunity for up to 50% savings on chemical and water use.

“Joining John Deere enables us to tap into their unmatched innovative capabilities in precision agriculture technologies to bring our solutions to more growers around the world,” said Gary Thompson, chief operations officer at GUSS. “Our team is passionate about helping high-value crop growers increase their efficiency and productivity in their operations, and together with John Deere, we will have the ability to have an even greater impact.” 

GUSS’ manufacturing operations expand John Deere’s U.S. manufacturing footprint to the heart of the country’s high-value crop production market. GUSS sprayers will continue to use John Deere Power Systems engines, first integrated in 2024.