Navigating the Impact of Precision Spraying on the Crop Input Market
Editor’s note: In a recent issue of Upstream Ag Professional, agribusiness analyst Shane Thomas provides insight into why precision spray companies have to overcome several apprehensions from farmers, including product need uncertainty, confidence in accurate spraying, value beyond herbicides, and in some instances, business model challenges. Here’s a summary of that article:
There are several complexities of precision spraying technology and its implications on herbicide use, crop protection, and the agribusiness market. While precision spraying promises up to 60% reduction in herbicide use, the reality is more nuanced due to interconnected changes in pricing, product volumes, and crop protection strategies.
With that comes various challenges for precision spraying adoption, such as product uncertainty, equipment costs, and farmers’ concerns about accuracy, particularly in North America, where effective weed control is critical. Companies like John Deere, Greeneye Technology, and AgZen are innovating to address these issues. John Deere’s “See & Spray” system offers an example of progress but also highlights the complexity of integrating precision spraying into farming operations. While John Deere’s system has shown significant herbicide savings (up to 59%), challenges like speed limitations and the need for more comprehensive applications beyond herbicides remain barriers.
Adopting precision spraying technology isn’t just about reducing costs. Factors like improved herbicide resistance management, better weed control, and reduced crop stress also add value to farmers. AgZen, another key player, introduces machine vision technology to optimize spray droplet coverage, allowing more effective herbicide applications. This technology could drive further reductions in chemical use while maintaining or even improving crop protection performance.
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John Deere is positioning itself to benefit from the shift in crop protection technology by offering guarantees like an “Application Savings Guarantee” to build confidence in their product. Despite adoption barriers, the article remains optimistic about precision spraying’s long-term potential, especially as more companies innovate and adapt business models to meet the evolving needs of farmers. By 2030, precision spraying could play a pivotal role in transforming the agribusiness landscape, creating new opportunities for cost savings and environmental sustainability.
For more in-depth coverage, visit Upstream Ag.
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