You may have seen the colorful images depicting the inside a virtual grain bin. GrainViz, which will be marketed by GSI, has been in the concept phase for a while. You’ve likely heard about it because it could be game-changing technology for grain storage management when it reaches the market. After a year fraught with grain storage problems across most of the Corn Belt, a tool that simplifies bin management and reduces the odds of spoiled grain would be welcome.

The technology basically acts like an MRI scan used in the medical field, GSI spokespeople say. It allows a person to see grain moisture content within a specific area inside the bin.

Here’s an update: The technology is scheduled to be released later this year in a limited introduction in bin sizes of 78 feet and smaller. The primary audience will be farmers with these bins. Eventually, larger sizes will be offered for commercial operations. As one spokesman explained, it takes time to adapt a new concept from outside agriculture so it will work effectively in a different application.

GrainViz will pinpoint moisture difference within bins. The operator must address moisture variations, whether through aeration or adding heat. What GrainViz will allow is the identification of moisture variation within the grain without cables and sensors.

Price is yet to be determined. Spokespeople note that as bin size and number of bushels increase, value and cost-effectiveness of the technology increase as well. It still appears to have the same game-changing ability the concept did when first introduced.

Social distancing new normal?

American manufacturing will have a bright future in the post-COVID-19 era, but it may look strikingly different. That’s the conclusion of Ananth Iyer of Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management.

Here’s a peek into what might lie ahead. According to a bloomberg.com report, Ford Motor Co. is testing wrist bands that sense and alert workers when they are within 6 feet of someone. Iyer believes other innovations are on the horizon.

Better beans

A plant traits innovation company based in San Diego recently announced results of multiyear trials on PhotoSeed technology. The company, ZeaKal, believes its technology will set a new standard for soybean composition and productivity.

Developers say PhotoSeed increases photosynthesis in the plant, capturing more carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce more oil and protein. Based on trials, PhotoSeed increased production of oil by 18% and upped protein by 3%. Learn more at zeakal.com.

Corteva announces sustainability goals

Corteva Agriscience is serious about sustainability for the global food system. The company recently announced a 10-year commitment with specific goals for assisting farmers, the land, communities and the company.

The three goals outlined for farmers in the 10-year commitment indicate just how serious the company is about working toward sustainability. First, Corteva wants to provide training for 25 million growers on soil health, nutrient and water stewardship, and productivity best practices.

Second, it hopes to help increase productivity, incomes and sustainable farming practices of 500 million smallholder farmers cumulatively through 2030.

Third, Corteva intends to design, validate and scale management systems that enable farmers to sustainably increase crop yields by 20% compared to a 2020 baseline, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.