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Wes Hepker and Daniela Williams share their story on how they went from corporate America to becoming rural farmers in the Driftless region of the Midwest.

Yara has launched Europe’s largest industrial carbon-capture facility at its Sluiskil ammonia and fertiliser plant, aiming to capture and store up to 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and reduce the carbon footprint of fertiliser production. The project demonstrates that large-scale decarbonisation of ammonia production is technically possible, but its commercial success depends on whether customers are willing to pay a premium for lower-carbon fertiliser products in price-sensitive markets. The initiative is a test case for building low-carbon value chains in agriculture and industry, with European policymakers highlighting its importance for climate goals and industrial competitiveness.

Researchers from North Carolina State University and collaborators have found that biological indicators such as microbial biomass, microbial necromass, and enzyme activity can provide early signals of improved soil carbon storage from regenerative farming practices, years before traditional soil carbon tests can detect changes. Their study in loblolly pine and pecan agroforestry systems showed that these microbial metrics are closely linked to the soil carbon cycle, with microbial necromass being especially important for long-term carbon storage. The research highlights how different agroforestry systems and management practices influence these biological proxies, and suggests that minimum tillage remains effective for soil carbon accumulation. This approach could enable faster assessment and refinement of regenerative agriculture strategies by offering earlier evidence of soil health improvements.

The ag machinery market might be one step closer to a rebound as AGCO’s CEO reported an increased interest in the company’s machines at the Farm Progress Show.