CNH Invests in EarthOptics Carbon Tool

CNH Industrial announced Wednesday that it has joined other investors in a $27.6 million Series B funding round of an innovative ag tech startup, EarthOptics.

EarthOptics is a soil data measurement and mapping company. It is developing technologies that create accurate, real-time data maps -- including compaction, carbon, moisture and nutrients -- to give operators new soil health and soil structure intelligence about their farms.

CNH says its investment will allow Case IH to accelerate its road map for autonomous tillage, reducing the need for inputs and helping farmers to implement sustainable practices by directly measuring carbon impact. CNH is the corporate parent of both Case IH and New Holland, manufacturers of both agricultural and construction equipment.

"Building on our sustainability promise, Case IH has taken an ecosystem approach partnering with an innovative young company and key industry leader to deliver breakthrough solutions for our farmers," Scott Harris, Case IH global brand president, said in a news release.

EarthOptics' solution takes an accurate measure of the carbon sequestered in the field. It is data that may help farmers make informed decisions on their operation about when and where to till, to accurately map soil carbon captured; to improve routine soil fertility and health measures; to reduce production costs and provide validation for them to participate in the growing carbon credit market, CNH said in its release.

This funding round was led by Conti Ventures and included Rabo Food & Ag Innovation Fund (RFAIF), CNH Industrial, Louis Dreyfus Company Ventures, and CHS and Growmark's Cooperative Ventures.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

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