John Deere is setting its sights on a fully autonomous system for corn and soybean production by 2030, a vision that is already taking shape with the introduction of the new S7 Combine Harvesters. Future Farming recently spoke with Bergen Nelson, John Deere’s go-to-market manager for harvest equipment, to understand how these advancements support the ambitious goal of agricultural autonomy.
Nelson elaborates, “With our integrated technology today, we continue to automate job functions in our equipment. Our autonomous technology builds off our current automation technology, and the automation on the new S7 is doing just that.” This statement underscores the incremental yet transformative approach John Deere is taking towards achieving full autonomy in farming.
The S7 Series combines are designed to build upon the precision agriculture foundation already established in John Deere’s product lines. “We are automating job functions such as ground speed and harvest settings,” Nelson continues. The S7’s advancements in automation and integration are foundational for future autonomous technologies, making the transition smoother for farmers.
Central to this evolution is the G5 Advanced Package, which bundles the most advanced guidance and automation technologies. Nelson explains, “The G5 Advanced Package is the foundation for autonomy, bringing a new level of machine automation and precision to the field.” This package includes several innovative features:
1. **AutoTrac Turn Automation**: This feature automatically steers the combine during the headland turn towards the next guidance line pass.
2. **AutoPath**: It creates guidance lines throughout the entire field, eliminating the need for counting crop rows and allowing operators to open new fields confidently.
3. **Machine Sync**: This connects the grain cart tractor to the combine while unloading on-the-go, enabling the combine operator to control the speed and positioning of the tractor.
4. **In-Field Data Sharing**: Displays working totals and current locations of machines across the fleet, enhancing operational logistics and productivity.
These features collectively enhance machine precision and operational efficiency, crucial steps towards full autonomy. Additionally, the optional Ultimate Technology Package includes Predictive Ground Speed Automation, which adjusts the combine’s ground speed based on real-time crop measurements and pre-harvest satellite data. “With Predictive Ground Speed Automation, the operator can maintain peak feed rates all day long, even in inconsistent crop conditions,” Nelson notes. This technology is pivotal for increasing productivity while minimizing grain loss.
Another significant feature is Harvest Settings Automation, available in the Premium and Ultimate Technology Packages. This feature automates the adjustment of harvest settings, adapting to varying crop conditions to minimize grain loss and optimize performance. “During harvest, crop conditions can vary throughout the day and often change over the course of the entire harvest season,” says Nelson. “Having the combine properly optimized ensures that all captured grains are being properly threshed, resulting in minimized grain loss and cleaner samples.”
The ActiveYield system, which automates grain calibration as the tank fills, is another innovative addition. Nelson explains, “As grain is harvested and enters the grain tank, three sensors within the tank measure the grain as it piles over the cross auger covers and compares it to the value of the mass flow collection.” This system simplifies yield calibrations, improves field uptime, and enhances data accuracy.
The Combine Advisor package further automates adjustments to five key combine settings—threshing clearance, rotor speed, fan speed, sieve clearance, and chaffer clearance—optimizing performance based on crop type and field conditions. “No more manually adjusting rotor speed, fan speed, and concave, chaffer, and sieve clearances. The combine does it for you according to outcomes you’ve already prescribed,” Nelson adds.
John Deere’s commitment to a fully autonomous farming system by 2030 is evident in the technological advancements of the S7 Series combines. These innovations not only enhance current farming operations but also pave the way for a future where autonomy in agriculture is the norm.