Over the past ten years, the agricultural technology landscape has been reshaped by a surge in digital adoption and innovation, with John Deere at the forefront of this transformation. The company’s commitment to enhancing farming efficiency and productivity through technology is a modern-day extension of its founder’s vision, which began with the creation of a self-scouring steel plow in 1837. Today, John Deere’s advancements are not just about steel and diesel; they’re about bytes and bots.
In a recent conversation with Jorge Heraud, John Deere’s VP of automation and autonomy, we delved into the company’s significant strides in agtech and its vision for the future. Heraud, who joined John Deere following its acquisition of Blue River Technologies, highlighted three key areas of development that have been pivotal in the last decade: machine, automation, and digital journeys.
The machine journey has seen the introduction of technologies like the ExactEmerge planter and the X9 combine. The ExactEmerge technology has revolutionized planting, enabling farmers to sow seeds at higher speeds without sacrificing accuracy, leading to a noticeable 9% increase in grain yields. The X9 combine, on the other hand, has redefined harvesting efficiency, capable of tackling up to 30 acres an hour in wheat and processing up to 7,200 bushels an hour in high-yielding corn. These machines not only enhance productivity but also incorporate sensors that adjust to varying crop conditions, optimizing performance and grain quality.
Automation has been another game-changer, with innovations such as the See & Spray technology. This leap forward allows farmers to reduce non-residual herbicide use by over two-thirds while maintaining efficacy. By managing production at the plant level, this technology minimizes unnecessary chemical application, benefiting both the farmer’s bottom line and the environment. The Combine Advisor package is another automation triumph, using cameras and real-time data to fine-tune combine settings, ensuring higher quality grain and reduced waste.
The digital journey is equally transformative, with the John Deere Operations Center serving as a hub for data collection and analysis. This platform enables farmers to document and trace field practices, facilitating informed decision-making to bolster productivity and agronomic outcomes. The Operations Center, alongside mobile apps and other digital tools, represents a significant leap in how farmers manage their operations, offering unprecedented access to information and insights.
Reflecting on the past decade, Heraud acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the agricultural sector, such as labor shortages and the need to sustainably feed a growing population amid rising input costs. John Deere’s response has been to increase equipment productivity and automate tasks, helping farmers achieve more with less. Technologies like See & Spray, Combine Advisor, and the Operations Center exemplify the company’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Looking at the broader ag industry, the integration of smart technology, such as GPS, automation, robotics, machine learning, AI, and advanced sensors, has been instrumental. These tools have not only improved crop yields but have also promoted sustainable agricultural practices by enabling precise resource management and reducing environmental impact.
As for the future, Heraud envisions a continued trajectory towards precise crop management and reduced carbon emissions. John Deere has boldly stated that by 2030, it aims to have a fully autonomous corn and soy production system. This vision is underscored by the company’s recent unveiling of its fully autonomous 8R row crop tractor, a significant milestone in farm mechanization.
The timeline of innovations at John Deere, from the launch of the Operations Center in 2012 to the recent introduction of robotics-based fertilizer systems and electric excavators, reflects a company that’s not just keeping pace with technological evolution but is actively shaping it. The implications for the agtech industry are profound, with John Deere’s advancements setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in farming. As the industry looks forward to the next decade, it’s clear that the integration of technology in agriculture will continue to revolutionize how we grow food, manage land, and sustain the planet.