Harvesting data

Each robot will also be harvesting around 40 gigabytes of data per day.

“This not only helps us understand what’s ready to be picked today, but also to plan future harvests,” Herbert says.

This data, as well as that produced by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), provides agricultural operations with real-time information and control for more precise and efficient management of crops and livestock.

“We see that data-driven decisions and IoT solutions help farmers increase not only productivity but also yield,” says Jeff Horton, Chief Revenue Officer of FreeWave Technologies, creator of an IoT platform for the agricultural sector.

“They can make better-informed decisions based on what their devices tell them about water consumption, soil conditions and much more, from wherever they are.”

“We see that data-driven decisions and IoT solutions help farmers increase not only productivity but also yield.” – Jeff Horton

There are other benefits as well, he claims.

“Sustainability and limiting the impact of agriculture on the environment is a priority for our clients, and we are delighted to help them understand what their data is telling them,” Horton adds.

Michael Barr, Senior Analyst at Neuberger Berman, an asset manager with operations in 39 cities in 26 countries worldwide, believes that the answer to food insecurity could lie in space.

“Currently, farmers have a new tool, satellites, which offer a wealth of real-time data and can put farmers at the forefront of technology to help solve food insecurity,” Barr says.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers estimates that the adoption of precision agriculture could increase crop yields by six percent, decrease fertilizer use by 14 percent and reduce water spending by 21 percent.

According to a Global Market Insights study, the autonomous agriculture sector worldwide is expected to exceed US$95 billion in 2027. To put that figure in context, according to a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, agriculture in that state represented US$81 billion in 2021.

Looking at equipment, the 2022 John Deere X9 1100 grain harvesting combine has a starting price of US$900,000, easily exceeding US$1 million with key options. That is equivalent to five Lamborghini Huracán EVOs or two Aventadors.

More change is imminent, according to Herbert, but it has also been happening gradually over time.

“It’s not a revolution, it’s a transition,” he says. “If you look at it now, the difference between a modern farm and one from 150 years ago is enormous, and that didn’t happen overnight.”

Azelis boosts Agriculture with new laboratory in India

Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest laboratory for the Agricultural & Environmental Solutions (A&ES) industry in India.

This advanced facility is an important milestone in the group’s commitment to innovation and providing formulation services to customers and principals.

The new laboratory is furnished with the latest equipment and staffed by a team of highly skilled and experienced agricultural technical specialists.

The laboratory focuses on formulation support for crop protection, seed treatment and micronutrient formulations that are aligned with international methods and standards for formulations.