Western Negev AgTech firms expand into Colorado farm economy

Western Negev AgTech and WaterTech companies are establishing a presence in northeastern Colorado to address shared challenges of water scarcity and labor shortages. The initiative, led by the Western Negev Innovation Authority, connects Israeli firms with Logan County, a major agricultural region with a farm economy valued at over $6 billion.

The partnership focuses on adapting Israeli innovations to local farming practices. Companies like Autonomous Pivot offer data platforms for center-pivot irrigation, while others provide low-pressure drip systems and automated cattle weighing. These technologies aim to reduce water usage and labor costs without requiring farmers to abandon established equipment.

Local stakeholders, including the Logan County Economic Development Corporation, are preparing a 170-acre test field in Sterling to compare various water management technologies. The project targets the 2027 growing season for initial trials, with state grants of up to $500,000 available to support the expansion.

Read the full story at jpost.com.