Margy Eckelkamp writes in Farm Journal’s AgWeb about MyLand, the agriculture startup with a focus on amplifying the natural microorganisms within soil. Specifically, the company has a system that takes soil samples from a farm, extracts native microalgae, reproduces those on-site, and then reintroduces the algae back into the field in mass quantities.
“Our goal is to be the center of gravity for soil health. This is the beginning of a mega trend of a shift to regenerative ag and a focus on soil health,” says Peter Williams, MyLand CEO.
The MyLand system has been in development since 2010. “We’re unique in what we do. We aren’t a product. We aren’t equipment. We are service based,” says Dane Hague, co-founder and president of MyLand. “We have a system we can put on any field depending on the dynamic of what someone is growing. And it’s a subscription model — they pay on a monthly basis.”
The program includes a system that is placed on the field for on-site production of the farm’s native microalgae, which is then applied back onto the soil through the current irrigation system. By capitalizing on the native microalgae, the founders are eliminating the need for a “super strain.” The system is operated remotely from Myland’s headquarters.
“We have created the soil-as-a-service concept. This allows farmers to implement regenerative ag without upfront costs and without an overhaul of their operations. At a very low cost, they can implement this practice at scale,” Mr. Williams says.
The company recently announced it has secured over one million acres of farmland for its regenerative services, partnering with both organic and conventional farmers.
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