AGCO Collaborating To Advance Targeted Spraying Technology

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AGCO has entered a proof-of-concept testing project with several other companies to evaluate targeted spraying technology in order to reduce chemical applications. Tests are currently underway in Europe and will begin in North America next year. (Photo courtesy of AGCO.)

AGCO recently announced that it is collaborating with Bosch, BASF digital farming, and Raven Industries to evaluate targeted spraying technology with an eye toward reducing herbicide use, lowering costs for growers, and making farming more sustainable. The companies’ proof-of-concept collaboration agreement involves usage of real-time sensing technology to make faster, more accurate crop-protection decisions in the field.

Seeking Validation

AGCO says the collaboration seeks to enable weed detection in growing crops or on fallow ground, whether day or night, in order to perform targeted applications at the individual plant level. Spraying herbicide only where needed can result in environmental benefits, efficiency gains, and greater operator profitability. Initial evaluations involving a Fendt RoGator sprayer are currently taking place in Europe, with plans to perform testing in North America in 2022.

AGCO Senior Vice President and General Manager of Precision Ag and Digital, Seth Crawford, says farmers have long sought innovative ways to reduce chemical usage and field passes. “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,” he says.

The Contributors

AGCO is providing its application equipment knowledge, and Bosch is contributing hardware and machine learning, AI (artificial intelligence), and digital services expertise. BASF’s xarvio Digital Farming Solutions is providing an automated, real-time, in-field agronomic decision-making engine for weed management and crop optimization decisions, and Raven Industries is contributing expertise with sprayer efficacy and operational efficiencies to provide more precise use of chemicals for targeted spraying applications.

Find Your AGCO Equipment

TractorHouse.com has a big selection of new and used farm equipment for sale every day from AGCO and its various brands, including Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra.

Source: AGCO