2013 Precision Agriculture Product Review

OnSite, AgIntegrated

AgIntegrated | 2013 Product Review

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This year will prove to be a defining moment in the precision ag data world, says Mike Santostefano, director of marketing and business development for AgIntegrated. It is no longer a question of who will win the big data game, but who will stay relevant.

It’s no secret that Monsanto’s entry into the precision ag data world was a wake-up call that is resulting in a re-evaluation across all levels of the precision ag industry.

With that in mind, Santostefano says that he is seeing several trends emerging for 2013 that focus on organizations and their ability to remain relevant in a data-driven industry. Two of these trends are particularly exciting in that they provide the necessary elements to ease the increase of regulatory pressure and provide a basis for custom business intelligence systems.

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“The first of these trends, one that we are experiencing first hand, is that organizations are seeking out software companies to design and development custom solutions to supplement their current software systems,” says Santostefano. “No longer willing to wait for customizations to one-size-fits¬-all software, they are finding ways to implement custom solutions that meet their specific regional and operational needs.”

The second of these trends of interest to Santostefano is “the rise of what we are calling private ag cloud environments. These cloud environments provide organizations with their own customized, scalable area to efficiently manage, organize, and communicate their historically overwhelming amount of precision data.”

With an understanding of these trends, he adds, AgIntegrated will continue to focus on providing cutting edge custom development solutions for its clients, and focus on expanding its Onsite platform with the introduction of Onsite for Enterprise and the Onsite Exchange.

“Onsite for Enterprise offers organizations a tailored deployment of Onsite with an unparalleled capability to connect their people, equipment and software, the core components of a precision ag system,” explains Santostefano. “Onsite’s Enterprise offerings provide the best of both worlds: the reliability and scalability of a cloud-based platform with their existing precision ag software work flows. This ultimately allows the organization to centralize data storage and manage access without losing control.

“The Onsite Exchange takes the Onsite API to a new level by providing a logical framework for interconnecting precision ag software systems,” he continues. “Simply put, the Exchange transfers data from software to software behind the scenes without the need for human intervention.”

Ag Leader | 2013 Product Review

Intellislope, Ag Leader

The word for precision agriculture in 2013 is new, says Lori Costello, marketing communications manager for Ag Leader Technology, Inc. “In 2013, growers will continue to look for new technology that will expand their ability to easily integrate different pieces of farming equipment, “ says Costello. “In addition, 2013 will bring a greater interest in and increased awareness of field drainage utilizing tile, and the agronomic benefits of removing excess moisture from the field.”

Tying into these trends, Ag Leader is making some changes to its product offering. “We are helping to reduce cab clutter by integrating more operations into one easy-to-use display,” she says. “Ag Leader’s new Task Controller provides brand agnostic implement connectivity by expanding ISOBUS capabilities to include controlling AutoSwath, variable-rates and data-logging from the virtual terminal. Similarly with the acquisition of Soil-Max, and the availability of the Intellislope tile plow control system through the Ag Leader Integra display, Ag Leader is using this system to enter into the water management market with applications critical to growers.”

Tiling functionality for the Ag Leader Integra display was released in October, she adds, allowing for growers to take advantage of using a single display for more precision ag functions on the farm.

“Properly-tiled fields can lengthen planting windows, promote better root development, reduce field compaction, increase nutrient accessibility and improve consistent emergence,” Costello continues. “The tiling functionality allows growers to install drainage tile with the use of a RTK GPS receiver instead of a laser system. A grower drives over the path where they want to install tile, and enters constraints for minimum depth, maximum depth, target depth  and minimum grade. The system uses these constraints to designate the proper depth and installation line and controls the tile plow to maintain the proper depth for water flow.

Tile drainage systems can be created in Ag Leader’s SMS  Advanced software with the new Water Management module. This is helpful for complex fields, saving time in the field.”

All data collected from the Ag Leader Integra display will archive in SMS Basic or Advanced software for future reference and analysis, she adds.

Leica Geosystems | 2013 Product Review

mojo3D, Leica

Connectivity will continue to be a driver in the market this year, says Harlan Little, NAFTA agriculture business manager for Leica. “This includes not only data collection and sharing,” he explains, “but the continued ability of devices to be integrated with various manufacturers tractors and equipment. At the same time, while we see the OEMs providing a larger offering of precision agriculture tools from the factory, there is still a large group of growers that want technology freedom of choice without having to be tied to a color of paint for their precision options.”

Leica Geosystems continues to offer automated steering solutions that work on any brand of tractor. “Our Steer Direct line of products allows connection to tractors that are ‘steer ready’ with a simple cable on the ISO CAN,” says Little. “This easy connection to the tractor allows users to start simply and move to better accuracy using RTK by easily adding another component.”

The mojo3D touch screen allows easy steering and guidance, and moving to RTK accuracy is as simple as adding a mojoXact and getting an RTK signal from Leica’s new GeoAce base station, or any of a number of RTK networks, he notes.

Product wise, Leica offers the mojo3D, a versatile guidance display with many industry-leading advancements that were specifically designed to be customized for an individual user’s needs. “From sub meter to sub inch accuracy, this product has the precise steering capabilities regardless of what accuracy you require,” says Little. “It is equipped with industry standard guidance patterns to work the field the way you want.” And with Leica Geosystems support for open standards, the Leica mojo3D offers smooth integration with your existing farming equipment, he adds.

The mojo3D provides access to Leica Virtual Wrench, the agriculture industry’s first Web based remote service, support and diagnostics tool, says Little. “Whether you’re having trouble with satellite signals or simply want to upgrade your Leica mojo3D, at one push of the request button Leica Virtual Wrench will help you.”

Raven | 2013 Product Review

Slingshot Field Hub, Raven

According to Ryan Molitor, marketing supervisor, Applied Technology Division, connectivity is the key to precision ag growth going forward. “Both growers and ag retailers are seeing more and more the importance of connectivity on the farm and in their machines,” says Molitor. “This is really helping streamline data management and how ag retailers and their customers work together to make important decisions for inputs like seeding and fertilizing. In addition, the adoption of variable-rate application (VRA) technologies is increasing for seeding and fertilizing because we are able to use this data along with the other advancements of precision VRA technology.”

To take advantage of these trends, Raven continues to upgrade its OmniRow and Slingshot systems.

“We continue to focus on data management with products like Slingshot and integrating with our API partners,” says Molitor. “This allows ag retailers to maintain their current software provider and investment, but incorporate wireless technology and all the benefits of that, like fleet tracking, data management, remote support and more. In addition, our field computers are fully capable of controlling multiple products for VRA, for both fertilizer application and planting or seeding. So we’re helping ag retailers and growers take advantage of a fully integrated system and see all of the benefits of utilizing VRA, including reduced input costs, while increasing yields and profit.”

MapShots | 2013 Product Review

AgStudio, MapShots

Tim Taylor, director of corporate solutions at MapShots, says the company has been working on solutions that will allow its offerings to work more seamlessly with other precision agriculture products, and to take advantage of the benefits of wireless technology. “Implemented correctly, it should save software users a significant amount of time,” says Taylor.

Taylor shared three specific MapShots enhancements along these lines. First, MapShots AgStudio software application is now connected with AgIntegrated’s OnSite cloud-based data connection. Second, MapShots will be implementing the Raven Slingshot API in 2013. Finally, MapShots will be refactoring its exclusive AgDirector data card manager software application to work wirelessly.

SST Software | 2013 Product Review

Mobile solution strategies and wireless data transfer are the hot topics right now for efficiency and ease of use, says Matt Waits, CEO of SST Software. “For example, we’re excited to have released the web-based Cirrus interface, with the mobile app version planned for release this summer,” says Waits. “People are starting to grasp what “the cloud” is and are interested in having relevant data at a glance — right where they are, hassle free.”

SST also continues to get great feedback about the new types of reports and customization features, he adds. “So, while many are going mobile, we’ve found it proves popular with our retailers and their customers to stay innovative on mapping and more.”

“At SST Software, we have delivered centralized, web-based solutions for more than a decade with one of our best-known products, FarmRite,” continues Waits. “Growers save time, money and resources through FarmRite’s ability to process variable rate fertility recommendations, yield maps and other analyses. Major input supply companies are able to offer decision-support services to growers through partner companies with this product, in which agronomists can customize equations, company logos and map settings. Orders may be placed, processed and securely backed up and delivered in minutes.”

SST has been able to capitalize on the cloud with the well established FarmRite product, and its worldwide precision agriculture software focus remains committed to continued relations with crop consultants and ag retailers such as Helena, Growmark and CPS to bring continued developments in the most advanced forms. “SST Cirrus takes all the power of SST products to a new level, available through retailers and agronomy companies. We’ll be directing growers to ask the sales representative about this easy, daily records management tool for on-the-field access to pertinent information. This new Cirrus product is where sophistication meets efficiency to keep your day, and your business, on track. Field records, data management, weather data – it’s all easily accessible in a quick-view manner on Cirrus.”

So, while Cirrus is being very well received, SST continues to work on its Raven advancements as Slingshot continues to be exciting to many.

“Providing wireless data transfer to and from the cab, this is a continued focus and we’re excited about the opportunity to work with other equipment companies to bring similar wireless technology to the market,” says Waits.

Topcon | 2013 Product Review

System 350 with AGI-4 Receiver, Topcon

From what Kevin Cobb, director of product management at Topcon, sees, precision ag developments in 2013 will be driven by data. “It is obvious the effective use of precision ag data is quickly becoming mainstream agriculture now rather than a specialized field,” says Cobb. “The trend along with this mainstream adoption of the use of data is its continued simplification. This is being referred to as ‘greater integration’ or maybe transparency, regardless, the goal for technology suppliers is to make our solutions feature-rich without over complicating them. The trend is the simplification of the user experience.”

According to Mike Gomes, director of marketing & business development, a blending of data and systems is in the offing. “Following on the industry trends from 2012, we expect to see more interconnectivity amongst components; particularly for data management and further adoption of ISO for interconnectivity of components, even amongst differing vendors,” says Gomes. “Our X30 has been a leading product in this respect and paired with our SGISFarm software product, can be an even stronger combination allowing farmers to be self-sufficient with variable rate technology.

Autosteering is becoming universally adopted, next is connectivity via ISO 11783 for ECU’s and control components allowing customers to mix and match functionality to meet their needs. We expect to see continued growth in these areas.”

To take advantage of these trends, Topcon is offering a host of new products in 2013. “One thing we are doing at Topcon is a simple but comprehensive Mobile Ag Network wireless Web service (MAGNET),” says Cobb. “We are adopting this from the other business units at Topcon (construction and survey) and integrating into our agriculture product offering.”

And according to Gomes, more upgrades to the X30 are coming. “The Topcon X30 is an industry leading product with a simple, easy-to-use interface, and ISO 11783 virtual terminal connectivity,” he says. “Facilitating universal connectivity via the ISO 11783 protocol has been a common theme with our products. With successive software upgrades we continue to build upon this functionality with adaptability to various ECU’s including our own IB-1 (ISO Bridge) to provide upgradeability to our existing X20 customers, many using the consoles for multi-product variable rate application in air seeders. With our new AGI-4 receiver, we have the integrated functionality of a GNSS receiver and steering controller in a single component that utilizes that same ISO 11783 VT compatibility to interface with competitors displays, allowing customers the possibility to add autosteering to their existing system, with a single component.”

Topcon Precision Ag is launching its new AGI-4 receiver/steering controller this month, he adds. “AGI-4 is the industry’s first completely integrated steering solution,” says Gomes. “It can simply and easily interface with virtually any manufacturer’s ‘virtual terminal’ (ISO11783).”

The unit features multiple-constellation GNSS satellite reception, state-of-the-art inertial sensors for full terrain compensation and Topcon’s industry-leading line acquisition and on-line steering functionality. “It’s a state-of-the-art, all-in-one integrated receiver and steering controller,” says Gomes. “AGI-4’s modular design includes antenna, multi-constellation GNSS satellite receiver and steering controller, with optional high-accuracy inertials snap-in module offering unmatched upgradeability. AGI-4 comes standard with WAAS and EGNOS steering functionality, and is easily upgradeable to 2cm accuracy with RTK radio options.”

According to Gomes, the AGI-4 provides industry-leading ISO11783 compatibility with virtual terminals. “This allows the addition of Topcon’s industry-leading autosteering performance to virtually any steer-ready vehicle via a single component installation,” he says. “Being compatible with the displays of many other manufacturers lets the AGI-4 steering controller give true drop-in and drive performance.”

Trimble | 2013 Product Review

Connected Farm with smartphone, Trimble

According to Erik Arvesen, vice president for Trimble’s Agricultural Division, precision ag trends during 2013 will continue to be driven by apps. “In 2013 we expect that trends in the app world will continue to grow and remain popular in agriculture,” says Arvesen. “Growers will want more functionality from their tablets and smartphones.”

To tie into this trend, Trimble recently introduced a free Connected Farm app for smartphones, which uses the phone’s built-in GPS to map field boundaries, flag points of interest, take geo-referenced photos and enter scouting information for pests. All data is sent via cell or Wi-Fi connection to Connected Farm where users can view and analyze data online.

In addition to smartphones, Arvesen says that data management also will be an important area in 2013. “With all of the data that precision farming applications are collecting, farmers need help in centralizing the information as well as converting it into something they can utilize to make better farm management decisions,” he says. “That’s where Connected Farm comes in. Trimble’s Connected Farm solution is an integrated operations management solution that provides information exchange across the entire farm, and includes many features for fleet and field to simplify information management.”

When using Connected Farm, adds Arvesen, farmers can view a virtual dashboard of selected equipment information, fuel usage, engine reporting, performance analysis and set geo-fences to guard against theft or provide alerts when vehicle operators enter non-farming zones. In addition, new features provide farmers with the ability to analyze the efficiency and productivity of their fleet by providing reports that detail total time spent idling, traveling, speeding, moving and delayed. Also, multiple vehicles operating in the same field can now share expanded viewing capabilities such as instant yield, instant moisture and view virtual tank levels of nearby devices, in addition to previous shared data views of guidance lines and coverage mapping.

Finally, says Arvesen, Trimble expects to see an increasing emphasis on automated decision-making processes in 2013, which will give farmers the ability to make decisions in real time. “A great example of this is the GreenSeeker crop sensing system, which can help farmers effectively and precisely manage crop inputs on-the-go,” he says. “The GreenSeeker system uses optical sensors to measure and quantify the variability of the crop, and then creates a targeted prescription to treat the crop variability. Trimble recently introduced an affordable handheld version of this technology in an effort to make the technology available to more farmers. Readings taken by the GreenSeeker handheld can be used to make objective decisions regarding the amount of fertilizer to be applied to a crop, resulting in a more efficient use of fertilizer, which benefits both a farmer’s bottom line and the environment.”

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