Monsanto is not exactly the darling of the biotech world, so it's eminently possible that people will take its recent data breach as a good thing. An unknown assailant or assailants hacked into the client database of Monsanto subsidiary Precision Planting, potentially compromising 1,300 accounts that include names, addresses and - much worse - tax IDs, Social Security numbers and financial information.

Just like last year, Heepke is optimistic about new technology he’ll be using this year, his second with Monsanto’s fledgling FieldScripts program.

Case IH made a splash in June when it announced a supply agreement with Great Plains Manufacturing, to produce twin-row planters for the world’s second largest farm equipment maker.

Monsanto Co. announced today that it has completed the previously announced purchase of planting technology developer Precision Planting Inc. The Precision Planting team is now part of Monsanto's Integrated Farming Systems unit, which will utilize advanced agronomic practices, seed genetics and innovative on-farm technology to deliver optimal yield to farmers while using fewer resources.