John Deere stopped by Las Vegas’ CES this week to show off its high-tech farming equipment and highlight tech’s role within the farming industry, according to AFP.
The company brought its tractor and connected agriculture combine harvester described by AFP as an “intelligent factory on wheels.” The machines use GPS guidance with 1-in. (2.5-cm) accuracy, which is a step up from existing GPS systems with an accuracy of 3 m (10 ft), AFP reports. They also sport a host of sensors and artificial intelligence (AI).
In addition to harvesting crops, the machines also collect valuable data along the way, including soil conditions and harvesting techniques to boost efficiency while also reducing waste.
“We want consumers to understand how food is grown,” says Deere Marketing Executive Deanna Kovar. “Not only is this machine harvesting the grain, it’s harvesting the data, which helps farmers make decisions for next year.”
Adorning your combine harvester, which already sells for almost half a million dollars, with all this gadgetry will take an extra $10,000 out of your pocket, according to AFP, but Kovar says most are willing to pay the price.
“You can get a savings of about one to three bushels per acre, so it pays for itself very quickly,” explains Kovar.
