Click here if you'd like to take the July 2024 News IQ quiz 2 before viewing the answers below.
Q: How much did Monarch Tractor raise in Series C funding that set an all-time record in ag robotics history?
A: $133 million. Monarch Tractor, creator of the MK-V, the world's first fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor and Wingspan Ag Intelligence (WingspanAI) farm management platform, has announced a history-making $133 million Series C, making it the largest funding raising round in agricultural robotics history.
Q: John Deere acquired 234 acres for a new 1.2-million square foot warehouse and distribution facility in what region?
A: Northwest Indiana. Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty announced the $7 million sale of a 234-acre undeveloped parcel in northwest Lowell, Ind., that will be the future site of a 1.2-million-square-foot John Deere warehouse and distribution facility.
Q: What major ag development took place 50 years ago?
A: Canola, a new variety of rapeseed, is grown in Western Canada. Western Canadian growers raise a new variety of rapeseed developed by Univ. of Manitoba researchers Keith Downey and Baldur Stefansson that eliminates anti-nutritional components and ensures its safety for human and animal use.
Q: What Pennsylvania ag equipment business reported it had reduced June electricity costs by 30% via solar panels?
A: Messick’s. Messick’s headquarters in Rapho Township, Pa., now has over 2,200 solar panels that cover the roof. The addition has a 1.07-megawatt capacity, which ranks in the top 10 of the largest solar arrays located in Lancaster County, according to LNP LancasterOnline.
Q: What category of equipment represented the brightest spot in the June 11 AEM Flash Reports that examined retail sales vs. prior year?
A: 4WD tractors in Canada. In Canada, sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors were a bright spot, growing 10.6% in June 2024 compared to the prior year. Canadian sales of combines increased year-to-date, finishing the month up 13.6%.
Q: Which farm equipment OEM officially opened its first company store in Iowa this month?
A: Claas. Claas Farmpoint, a division of global farm machinery manufacturer Claas is expanding into the Midwest with the opening of a new dealership in Le Mars, Iowa.
Q: What ag equipment business announced the closing of an Iowa operation in mid-July?
A: Salford Group. Salford Group, a Canadian-based manufacturer of tillage, crop fertilizer and application equipment, will close its Osceola, Iowa, manufacturing plant and will lay off 51 workers, according to a required notice it provided to Iowa Workforce Development.
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