SL virtual reality game . . . for chickens Tuesday, August 5, 2014 An assistant professor at Iowa State University has created what may be the first video game for chickens. Second Livestock, named after the online game Second Life, uses a virtual reality headset and an omnidirectional treadmill to give a caged bird the illusion of wandering around a field. "Even the best-intentioned producers only have so much land available to raise chickens," says the Second Livestock website. 'Virtual Free Range' allows chickens to be truly free range with no confines on their movements about their virtual worlds." So is this for real? Yes and no. The Ames Tribune reported that designer Austin Stewart debuted a version adapted for human use at an exhibition in Ames, Iowa. But, Stewart told the Tribune, implementing the full system for chickens would be too expensive to be practical. The game's true purpose is to open a discussion about animal husbandry. BF Should climate change deniers be found liable? Protests halt release of GM alfalfa
Massey Ferguson launches N-Series planters at Farm Progress Show Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Massey Ferguson North America has unveiled its new N-Series Split/Narrow Row Planters during the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a lineup designed to offer growers greater flexibility, integrated planting technology and lower long-term ownership costs. The new series... Read this article online
Applications Open for AALP Class 22 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has opened applications for Class 22, giving aspiring leaders an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their understanding of the agriculture and food sector. The program,establishedin 1984, has playedan important... Read this article online
AI Powered Super Bean Could Grow in Ontario Farmers Fields Soon Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Researchers at the University of Guelph developedBeanGPT, an artificial intelligence is helping transform crop development, and a new dry bean variety may soon bring major benefits to farmers. Researchers have created an AI-supported breeding platform calledBeanGPTthat helpsidentifythe best... Read this article online
Fendt unveils new tractors and planter at Farm Progress Show Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Fendt introduced three major equipment additions during the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, including the global launches of the 1100 Vario MT Gen2 Track Tractor and Momentum 80-Foot Planter, along with the North American debut of the 300 Vario Gen5 tractor series. The tradeshow... Read this article online
Wheat Futures Surge as Black Sea Risks Fuel Grain Market Rally Monday, August 31, 2026 Grain markets finished the week of August 28, 2026, on a strong note as wheat futures led a broad rally across agricultural commodities. Traders monitored escalating risks around Black Sea exports, potential changes to U.S. crop estimates, weather concerns across the Midwest, and increased... Read this article online