Western Growers Releases Second Agtech Case Study Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) has published its second of an ongoing series of case studies, analyzing financial and operational impacts of various agtech equipment. In this case study, the CIT collaborated with Triangle Farms to share quantifiable data of the financial value of Stout Industrial Technology Inc.’s Smart Cultivator for the removal of weeds. Triangle Farms is a 10,000-acre conventional and organic specialty crop farm based in Salinas, Calif. It is part of JV Smith Companies, which has a total of 40,000 acres of farms throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico. The case study analyzes real grower data based on a 32-week growing season and a three-year depreciation schedule for the Stout Smart Cultivator and also covers the operational impacts of using the Smart Cultivator at Triangle Farms. Triangle Farms integrated the Stout Smart Cultivator with hand weeding in 2020 and noted a $477, 784 reduction in total cost compared to 2018-2019 labor expenditures. Scan the QR code to find the Western Growers Stout Case Study. The CIT is offering an investment assessment for any operation interested in the ROI of automation equipment. For more information or to ensure notification of future CIT case studies, reach out to the innovation team at innovation@wga.com. -Michelle Rivera USFWS Announces Proposed ‘Threatened’ ESA Listing of Monarch Butterfly The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed to list the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), the iconic orange and black butterfly, as a threatened species and designate approximately 4,395 acres of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Citing the ongoing impacts from loss and degradation of breeding, migratory, and overwintering habitat, exposure to insecticides and effects of climate change, the threatened listing is proposed with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act. A ‘threatened species’ is a species likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Farmers have demonstrated that agriculture and pollinator conservation work hand in hand. USFWS acknowledges that, “private landowner and general public support are crucial because the species is wide-ranging and needs broad conservation action, from small- to large-scale efforts, throughout its range.” Next steps: USFWS will hold two public informational meetings followed by public hearings. The first meeting and hearing will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., eastern time, on January 14, 2025. To accommodate those in western time zones, the second meeting and hearing will be from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., eastern time, on January 15, 2025. Public comments can be submitted until March 12th, 2025. -Jeana Cadby
Driscoll’s CEO Soren Bjorn Joins Western Growers Board of Directors Western Growers is pleased to announce the appointment of Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s, to the Western Growers Board of Directors. Bjorn will be representing District 10, which includes Watsonville, Gilroy, Hollister, and Santa Cruz. He succeeds Eric Reiter, who has stepped down due to a realignment of his professional responsibilities and time commitments. Bjorn brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the board, having been at the helm of Driscoll’s, a global leader in fresh berries, for several years. His expertise in the fresh berry sector is expected to be a valuable asset to Western Growers as they continue to advocate for the interests of the fresh produce industry. Western Growers extends its gratitude to Eric Reiter for his six years of dedicated service and contributions during his tenure on the board. The organization looks forward to the fresh perspectives and continued leadership that Bjorn will bring to District 10. -Jason Resnick
35 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
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