Aug 14, 2025 — Three developments stood out: a new EPA field app for on-label pesticide mitigations, a biofuels deal that could boost crop-residue value, and Deere’s update on precision-ag demand.

EPA launches PALM field tool

EPA released the Pesticide App for Label Mitigations (PALM), a mobile-friendly tool that puts spray-drift and runoff/erosion calculators in one interface to help applicators implement required ecological mitigations directly in the field—no extra software or repeat data entry.
Why it matters: Easier, on-site compliance can cut risk and speed decisions during tight spray windows.

Conestoga buys SAFFiRE Renewables from Southwest

Conestoga Energy acquired SAFFiRE Renewables, which holds an exclusive NREL license for the DMR pretreatment process that converts corn stover to ethanol—feedstock for SAF via alcohol-to-jet. Conestoga says the pathway targets very low/negative CI scores; a Kansas pilot tied to its Arkalon site is slated to come online next year/2026.
Why it matters: Creates another outlet—and potential premium—for residue streams, linking Midwest biomass to aviation fuel.

Deere: precision-ag still soft, long-run tech push intact

Deere posted lower revenue and trimmed its full-year outlook, noting growers’ cautious spending; the Production & Precision Ag segment fell ~16% y/y with a sharper profit drop, while management continued to emphasize AI/connectivity initiatives.
Why it matters: Short-term belt-tightening in big-iron and precision gear persists, but the roadmap still revolves around autonomy, computer vision, and data services.