Deere to sell smart sprayer system

From December 22, 2020, John Deere will sell and service the Smart-Apply Intelligent Control System by Smart Guided Systems that work with air-blast sprayers to help farmers minimise spray drift and reduce chemical use.

The move follows the finalisation of an allied distribution agreement between John Deere and Smart Guided Systems to roll out the system across Australia and the world.

John Deere Production System Manager, Stephanie Gersekowski, said the global agreement, which also includes the United States and Canada, will contribute to farming’s sustainability, while maximising the potential for profit in horticultural enterprises.

“This innovative precision spraying solution can be used effectively in high value crops such as fruit and tree nut orchards, nurseries, and vineyards,” she said.

The system uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to detect tree canopies and only sprays the canopies instead of applying a blanket spray across an entire zone. It also automatically adjusts spray volume based on the plant’s density per nozzle zone.

“This results in less wasted product and helps maintain agronomic efficiency for growers,” Gersekowski said.

Smart Guided Systems Chief Executive Officer, Steve Booher, said the company is pleased to work with John Deere which has wide dealership networks around the world and is known for providing outstanding sales, service, and support to its customers.

“The agreement gives our customers access to an innovative, field-proven precision spraying control system for use in high-value specialty crops through a proven distribution channel,” he said.

Gersekowski said the agreement is in line with John Deere’s overarching goal to help farmers shape a forward-thinking and prosperous agriculture sector for the future by providing and supporting the latest precision agriculture technology.

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“As the sector strives to become more productive, profitable and sustainable, John Deere will continue its work as an industry leader in technological farming advancements,” she said.

“Being the new home for the Smart-Apply Intelligent Control System is a big step towards ensuring leading AgTech can be used by all farming sectors.”