Agtech seedlings: Florida farmers team with startup Ohalo to breed a disease-resistant strawberry

Ohalo works with Florida strawberry growers to stomp out deadly fungal disease

Plant-breeding startup Ohalo is collaborating with Florida’s strawberry industry to test a novel trait that could create resistance to the deadly fungal disease neopestalotiopsis.

Neopestalotiopsis has quickly become one of the most pressing issues faced by Florida strawberry growers since the disease was first detected in the state in 2017. The disease can wipe out entire strawberry fields, and notable outbreaks over the past few years have severely damaged crop output.

Using genetic resources from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Ohalo developed a strawberry plant resistant to neopestalotiopsis. The disease resistant varieties will enter non-commercial, experimental trials this year.

The collaboration involves UF/IFAS, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

“This partnership is about more than just research; it’s about delivering real solutions to the fields in Florida through public-private partnership,” said John Beuttenmuller, executive director of Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., which is responsible for the technology transfer of plant genetics developed at UF/IFAS.

“Our collaboration with Ohalo means that growers will have access to resilient varieties, ensuring that Florida strawberries remain a staple for years to come,” he added.

Deere touts US manufacturing investments

Deere & Co. is shining a spotlight on factory investments across the United States as large manufacturers face increased pressure to keep operations stateside.

The tractor maker said it’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade or expand facilities, including $149 million for equipment and manufacturing space to build its largest combine known as the X9.

“For our customers, these investments deliver cutting-edge process technology and increased levels of quality control, which our customers expect from John Deere,” Miles Musick, a factory engineering manager for Deere, said in a statement.

Deere also spent more than $40 million to expand its sprayer facility in Des Moines, Iowa, by 138,000 square feet. That investment includes advanced assembly and testing capabilities to help streamline operations.

The investments come as Deere and other major manufacturers face mounting criticism over plans to increase their footprint in Mexico. President-elect Donald Trump called out Deere during the campaign trail, saying he would levy 200% tariffs on the tractor maker if it shifts production south of the border.

CNH shuffles leadership to prepare for agricultural ‘upswing’

Tractor maker CNH named two regional presidents to help run its global operations, part of a series of leadership changes designed to prepare the company for an expected upswing in the agricultural cycle.

Scott Harris took over as North American president effective Jan. 1. Harris, formerly the global brand president of Case IH and Steyr Tractor, replaces Vilmar Fistarol, who will remain in an advisory role through the first half of the year.

Additionally, CNH announced it appointed Markus Müller as president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa effective March 1. Former EMEA President Carlo Alberto Sisto stepped down last month.

Stefano Pampalone, agriculture chief commercial officer, will assume the role of interim EMEA president until Feb. 28, working with Müller to ensure a smooth transition.

CNH said it chose the two regional leaders “based on their extensive experience and capabilities.” Müller comes from engine manufacturer Deutz AG, where he was chief technology and chief sales officer.

CNH’s new CEO Garrit Marx is homing in on agriculture, calling it a “core business” as the manufacturer looks to turn around weak sales. The company is in the midst of a large transformation plan started by Marx’s predecessor Scott Wine.

In a statement, the company said the new appointments “will be instrumental in executing CNH’s strategic goals and driving success in these regions.”