AGCO has entered a proof of concept (PoC) collaboration agreement alongside three other ag giants in an effort to make crop protection products more effective and efficient while also reducing their sustainability and input costs.
 |
|
The targeted spraying proof of concept implemented on Fendt Rogator application equipment with technology from AGCO, Bosch, xarvio Digital Farming Solutions powered by BASF and Raven Industries Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)
|
The collaboration will be undertaken by AGCO along with Bosch, BASF Digital Farming and Raven Industries Inc.
Real-time sending technology will be the main focus of the PoC, which will use the technology to make crop protection decisions to reduce herbicide applications in the industry.
By detecting weeds in growing crops or fallowed ground in real-time and at any time of day, the technology will produce a precise, targeted herbicide placement, targeted specifically at the individual plant.
Targeted spraying technology has proven not only an environmentally friendly concept but also profitable for farmers, who, by only spraying herbicide where needed, will require a less overall volume of the product which in turn reduces their input costs, labour and time.
The collaboration will make use of Agco’s application equipment expertise while Bosch will provide capabilities in hardware, machine learning, artificial intelligence and digital services.
Xarvio Digital Farming Solutions have specialised knowledge in an automated, real-time, in-field agronomic decision-making engine for weed management and crop optimisation.
Raven Applied Technology, a precision spraying leader, is dedicated to sprayer efficacy which enables the precise control and distribution of chemicals for targeted spraying applications.
With the knowledge and technologies from the collaboration, Agco hopes to empower farmers to drive more efficiency in their operations while also protect the environment through a reduction in chemical usage.
An initial trial of the PoC is already being evaluated in Europe on a Fendt Rogator sprayer with plans to extend the concept in North America in 2022.
Agco senior vice president and general manager – precision ag and digital, Seth Crawford, says the advantages of employing targeted spraying in fields is universal.
“Farmers have long been searching for innovative ways to minimise chemical usage and reduce passes through the field to achieve their crop protection goals,” Crawford says.
“Combined with the potential for further regulatory pressure, we believe this collaborative spraying effort advances our farmer-first focus and is further evidence that we will work with the best-in-class partners to serve farmers’ needs.
“This effort is aimed at validating targeted spraying solutions, delivering a reduction in product use to achieve the same results as broadcast spraying in both pre-and post-emergence with the flexibility of spraying day or night.”