This column has recorded information about potential and actual breakthroughs, ongoing research, new technology, and changes and advances by ag companies for five decades. It debuted as Perspectives in Agricultural Research, often referred to as “Perspectives.” For the past two decades, it’s carried the title Hi-Tech Farming and reported on developments that could impact the future of agriculture in one way or another. If it happened in ag technology or ag business and was noteworthy, it was usually recorded here.

That’s why the recent acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer is too important and historic in the history of North American and global agriculture not to mention. Thanks to social media and our Farm Progress websites, you’ve likely already heard about the deal, which was granted full approval on June 7. Yet your son or grandson reading this column in an internet archive in 20 or 30 years might wonder why a major shift in the agribusiness landscape was ignored in a column dedicated to documenting important changes in the field.

Hi-Tech Farming hasn’t covered the merger yet because it’s still an ongoing story. Best projections are that the two companies will operate as stand-alone entities until Bayer completes divestments of certain parts of its business required by regulators. Look for more announcements in August about the future direction of the company.

Based on what’s been said so far, look for the Monsanto name to go away soon. Monsanto’s innovative products won’t go away, and plans call for Bayer to move its North American headquarters to St. Louis, home of Monsanto. But Bayer will be the flagship name going forward. Maybe you didn’t read it here first, but you read it here, so you can count on it.

Acceleron name
Some name shifts started even before the Bayer-Monsanto deal was finalized. Monsanto has already developed several biological products and sold them as Monsanto BioAg products. Some were sold as Accleron Seed Applied Solutions brands.

Going forward, all biological products in Monsanto BioAg’s lineup will be offered under the Acceleron BioAg brand. A.J. Hormann, U.S. Seed Applied Solutions manager for Monsanto, says it just makes sense to offer the products under one umbrella going forward. Individual products, including QuickRoots, Optimize XC and TagTeam LCO XC, plus more, will be offered under the Acceleron portfolio.

Enogen market grows
Syngenta reports that Enogen corn now has agreements for use in more than 30 ethanol plants across the country, delivering a combined production capacity of 3 billion gallons of ethanol. Syngenta spokespeople say 2.5 billion gallons of ethanol should be produced with Enogen corn enzyme technology in 2018 alone.

Enogen is the first biotech trait designed to enhance ethanol production. The corn contains an enzyme that eliminates the need for ethanol plants to add a liquid form of that same enzyme during the production of ethanol. What corn growers raising Enogen corn deliver to ethanol plants is really corn as the feedstock plus the enzyme already included in the seed.

Syngenta reports that Enogen is expected to generate $28.5 million in additional revenue through premiums for corn growers contracting with ethanol plants. Learn more from a Golden Harvest or NK retailer, or visit enogen.com.

Agco adds technology
Agco has announced a developmental partnership with AgIntegrated to deliver ag information systems to Agco customers. The partnership means Agco customers can connect more easily with their agronomy service providers, create seamless data connectivity and digitize the farm. The new option complements services already available through Agco’s Fuse Connected Services offering.