Deere's Future in Precision Agriculture Relies on Space-Based Connectivity

John Deere, the renowned American manufacturer, is commonly associated with the image of green tractors spread across fields of crops. However, the company has been laying the foundation for a technologically advanced and autonomous future, which crucially relies on space.

Leanne Caret, a Deere board member since 2021 and former CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, expressed in an April interview with CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast that Deere is among the world's top technology secrets, but accessing space is crucial for achieving that.

Deere, along with competitors CNH Industrial and AGCO, has made significant investments in precision agriculture. This approach utilizes sensors, software, and data analytics to enhance farming techniques, resulting in improved crop yields. The advancements range from more effective planting and targeted fertilization to efficient harvesting.

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Additionally, Deere is manufacturing and marketing self-driving tractors and other machinery equipped with autonomous capabilities.

Connectivity plays a crucial role in this vision, and space technology addresses the gap left by fiber and traditional cellular networks.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer of Deere, expressed optimism about the current potential of space commercialization in agriculture, stating, "We have a positive outlook on how the commercialization of space is benefiting the agricultural sector," during an interview with ‘Manifest Space.’

Deere's involvement in the intersection of space and agriculture began twenty years ago when it initially invested in and later acquired NAVCOM. This move allowed Deere to establish its own real-time GPS connection signal, enabling machine steering and the creation of yield maps for combines.

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However, relying solely on GPS is no longer sufficient, especially in key markets like Brazil, where over two-thirds of farmland lacks access to communication infrastructure.

Last autumn, the company issued a request for proposal to the satellite communications industry, seeking a partnership for space-based connectivity services. While the estimated value of the proposed "SatComms" deal has not been publicly disclosed, it has attracted significant attention from the space industry. Around 40 companies, which represent the leading satellite connectivity providers worldwide, have submitted their bids, according to Hindman.

Hindman mentioned that Deere is currently conducting trials with specific companies, which involve deploying equipment on vehicles to assess real-time performance in real-world scenarios.

Deere plans to choose a partner for the project once the bidders have completed a growing season. They aim to introduce a solution to farmers by this time next year. Hindman mentioned that he is increasingly exploring other space-based services, such as Earth observation data, as the commercialization of Earth orbit leads to cost reduction and enhanced capabilities.

-CNBC 

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