5 Insights from John Deere’s Virtual Agronomy Summit on See & Spray Technology
Editor’s note: In a recent issue of Upstream Ag Professional, agribusiness analyst Shane Thomas discusses how Deere is redefining precision agronomy with See & Spray, from advancements in speed and improved control to the integration of weed pressure mapping and dual-tank systems. Here’s a summary of that article:
John Deere’s recent Virtual Agronomy Summit provided key insights into its See & Spray technology, highlighting advancements in precision spraying and its broader implications for agronomy and crop protection. The event delved into real-world applications, technological improvements, and the potential benefits for growers. Here are five takeaways from the meeting:
1. Speed and Efficiency
A major takeaway was the enhanced speed of the See & Spray Ultimate, capable of operating at 15 mph, compared to earlier systems. This speed improvement stems from advancements in hardware, such as microchips, and system design, including rear-facing nozzles. Although slightly slower than broadcast spraying, this incremental progress narrows the efficiency gap, enabling farmers to save time without sacrificing control.
2. Dual-Tank Versatility
The dual independent tank system transforms See & Spray into a multi-functional agronomic tool. This design enables simultaneous applications of herbicides, fungicides, nutrients, or biostimulants, offering growers more flexibility. Additionally, data insights from the system’s cameras enhance decision-making, capturing valuable field information during every pass.
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3. Adjustable Sensitivity
The system allows farmers to adjust sensitivity settings, balancing weed control with herbicide savings. This customization promotes a sense of control among farmers, echoing psychological theories like the IKEA effect, where increased user involvement enhances satisfaction. By fine-tuning nozzle precision and buffer settings, farmers can optimize herbicide usage while minimizing crop injury.
4. Weed Pressure Mapping
John Deere introduced a Weed Pressure Map derived from the farmer’s sensitivity settings. This innovative feature quantifies weed distribution and informs strategic spraying decisions. Insights like “71.5% of weed pressure occurs in headlands and waterways” reflect Deere’s ability to deliver precise agronomic data, empowering farmers while reducing reliance on crop protection companies.
5. Improved Outcomes
The system’s ability to minimize crop injury translates to better yields and profitability. For example, a 4-bushel-per-acre yield increase in soybeans can significantly outweigh herbicide savings. Deere’s pay-per-savings model ensures farmers only pay for measurable benefits, enhancing its value proposition.
In summary, See & Spray demonstrates how John Deere is redefining precision agriculture. By combining efficiency, adaptability, and actionable insights, the technology not only optimizes farm operations but also reshapes the relationships among farmers, retailers, and input manufacturers.
For more in-depth coverage, visit Upstream Ag.
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