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.

Long term success in agriculture greatly benefits from smart innovation. New technology is not only tractors and software, it also includes crop nutrition.

Christopher Hight at Bonipak Produce in Santa Maria, California, is constantly innovating. As lab manager of a large grower/packer/shipper, his job includes in house soil testing and on-site tank mixing. He’s a certified crop advisor and helps growers achieve nitrogen management plans.

His nutrition program includes Redox technology to grow several dozen crops, which ultimately end up with customers far and wide through outlets such as Costco and Safeway.

Christopher will soon achieve a PhD from UC Davis in Soil and Biogeochemistry.

Those savvy enough to continually evaluate data have an edge on keeping their business successful.

David Holden of Holden Research and Consulting in Ventura County California has for many years helped companies, including Redox, evaluate products for their effectiveness.

His research has included more than 750 biostimulant type trials in the last 20 years, and Holden said well-researched biostimulants can significantly help growers.

“Generally, biostimulants are going to make a grower money,” he said. “There’s going to be a return on investment. I see them as insurance policies.”

Holden said stress relief is one of the biggest biostimulant benefits. One research focus he hopes will be emphasized is the “why” behind how this technology works.

The movie character Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic and adventurous characters in history. While Harrison Ford carried out his impressive acting as Indy, Dr. Richard Hansen has carried out similar adventures in real life – with a few major differences.

“Before he crashed in the airplane, he always jumps out and saves himself. We stay on the airplanes until after they crash,” Hansen said. “Indiana Jones was out plundering archeological sites to get the famed treasure. Our objectives aren’t the artifacts. Our objective is to tell the story. The artifact is a consequence, not the objective.”

Hansen is a world-renowned archeologist who has mapped and excavated 56 ancient cities in Central America, as part of the Mirador Basin Project.

He has spent 42 years working in the jungle, with jaguars, poisonous snakes and drug runners nearby. The Idaho native also has a long farming history, and supports learning from past civilizations for brighter, more sustainable future for our food and natural resources.

There’s a way to further maximize farm production and do it sustainably. It involves understanding redox potential and how it helps plants focus on growth, health and quality.

Dr. Olivier Husson, a world-renowned expert in plant and soil health, has identified a revolutionary approach of analyzing the pH and Eh of plants, to ensure they are in proper balance.

He said this critical analysis means stronger plants, less insect and disease pressure and, ultimately, healthier food for consumers.

“If you don’t know where you are, and if you don’t know what your practices are doing and where they bring you, there’s almost no way that you can be at the right, balanced position,” Husson said.

He said the good news is there is ample evidence that keeping the right pH/Eh balance in fields is achievable and bolstered by new technology including handheld devices from Senseen that provide immediate analysis of plant nutrients, pH and Eh.