In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, the Kverneland Group and Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT) have announced a partnership to bring precision spraying systems to select European markets. This collaboration is set to introduce the DAT Ecopatch system, integrated with Kverneland sprayers, to farmers in Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands. The initiative aims to optimize herbicide usage and enhance crop yields, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of precision farming.
The DAT Ecopatch system, renowned for its AI-driven sensor technology, promises to revolutionize herbicide application during the growth season of cereals. The system employs advanced sensors to analyze crop conditions in real-time, enabling precise herbicide application. This technology, often referred to as Green-on-Green, is designed to significantly reduce herbicide use by up to 50%, thereby lowering production costs and increasing yields. The end price of the system to farmers is around €60,000, or approximately $65,000.
Kristian Kaurstad Morten, CEO of DAT, expressed optimism about the partnership. “This cooperation will make the DAT Ecopatch solution available for more farmers, addressing both economic and environmental pressures,” he said. The integration of the Ecopatch system with Kverneland sprayers ensures that farmers can seamlessly adopt this advanced technology, benefiting from its precision and efficiency.
Dirk-Jan Stapel, Director of Marketing & Sales at Kverneland, emphasized the seamless integration of the two technologies. “We ensure the seamless integration of DAT Ecopatch with our Kverneland sprayers, allowing our customers to benefit from advanced spraying technologies,” Stapel noted. This partnership is not just about technological integration but also includes joint marketing efforts, such as exhibitions and field days, to promote the technology and its benefits to a wider audience.
The DAT Ecopatch system has already garnered significant recognition, being a top 10 finalist for the Farm Machine 2024 at Agritechnica in Hannover. This accolade underscores the system’s innovative approach to precision farming. The patented sensor, designed to withstand harsh environments, captures images of the crop and analyzes them in real-time, ensuring accurate and efficient herbicide application.
For farmers, the implications of this technology are profound. By reducing herbicide use by half, the DAT Ecopatch system not only lowers production costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of farming practices. This is particularly relevant in the current agricultural landscape, where there is increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices.
The partnership between Kverneland and DAT also includes plans to extend the technology to additional crop types, broadening its applicability and benefits. The DAT Ecopatch system will be supported through DAT’s international network, while Kverneland sprayers will continue to receive backing from their established dealer network. This dual support system ensures that farmers have access to the necessary resources and expertise to successfully implement and maintain the technology.
As the partnership rolls out in Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, there are already plans for broader European expansion. The collaboration between Kverneland and DAT represents a significant step forward in the quest for more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable farming practices. With the combined expertise and resources of both companies, the future of precision farming looks promising, offering tangible benefits for farmers and the environment alike.