One year ago, John Deere unveiled its groundbreaking ExactShot technology, which utilizes sensors and robotics to precisely apply starter fertilizer onto seeds as they are planted in the soil. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a continuous flow of fertilizer along the entire row of seeds. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is when farmers will be able to take advantage of this game-changing technology.
To shed light on this, Future Farming recently interviewed John Deere and asked them 11 questions about ExactShot. According to the company, ExactShot is currently available on a limited release basis for the upcoming 2024 planting season. They have partnered with several farmers across the United States who will be running the system on their planters. As time progresses, availability is expected to become more widespread throughout the country.
While ExactShot is currently only available in the US, John Deere expressed their commitment to exploring how this technology can meet the needs of farmers in other countries. This indicates a potential global rollout in the future.
When it comes to pricing, John Deere has not yet released official figures. However, they did mention that interest in the technology has been exceptional. During the recent fall farm shows in the US, the ExactShot system was displayed in the John Deere booth, attracting numerous customers who were eager to learn more and ask questions.
So, how does ExactShot work? Can it be retrofitted to existing planters? For the limited release, the ExactShot system was offered as a precision upgrade kit or retrofit kit. However, one of the main requirements is that the planter must have the John Deere ExactEmerge brush belt technology, which enables the system to track the seed from the seed meter to the furrow. This tracking is crucial for accurately placing the dose of starter fertilizer.
One of the key benefits of ExactShot is its potential to address labor shortages, increase production, and shorten growing time windows. By reducing the amount of starter fertilizer used, farmers can cover more acres before needing to stop and refill with a tending truck.
When it comes to the starter formula, John Deere advises farmers to work with their local agronomist to determine the best formulas for their specific soil and nutrient loads. While the announcement provided some indication of the potential results of using ExactShot, more detailed information about research and results will be available soon. John Deere’s internal studies have shown that they can achieve a 66% reduction in fertilizer usage per acre while maintaining or even increasing yields compared to continuous in-furrow application systems.
Feedback from farmers who have used ExactShot is currently being gathered and will be available at the 2024 Commodity Classic event. Although there were only test farms using the technology in 2023, this feedback will provide valuable insights into the real-world application of ExactShot.
In terms of data, ExactShot provides farmers with a coverage map, similar to what they would receive with their current fertilizer system. This allows farmers to monitor and analyze the planting process, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
While ExactShot is an exciting advancement in precision agriculture, it cannot currently be used in combination with Furrow Vision on a planter. This is due to the fact that both technologies reside in the same area of the machine.
As John Deere continues to refine and expand the availability of ExactShot, farmers can look forward to harnessing the benefits of this cutting-edge technology. With its ability to precisely apply starter fertilizer and potentially revolutionize farming practices, ExactShot has the potential to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the agricultural industry.