No matter how attuned farmers are to their fields, observation and intuition are only so effective. Technology can fill the knowledge gap.
Cropler’s new PlantPilot AI chatbot assistant is the latest in crop monitoring technology. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze crop photos and deliver actionable agronomic recommendations to agronomists and the farmers they support.
“We provide plant-level data, not field-level data,” says Nikita Bedunkevich, Cropler’s founder. “Using AI, we can detect plant growth stage, which is very important because sometimes you need to apply chemicals in a very narrow window.”
The system uses strategically positioned cameras mounted about 3 feet above the ground to capture detailed plant images. These insights are integrated with data from other sources including:
- soil moisture sensors
- real-time and historical weather conditions
- GPS coordinates
- satellite and drone imagery
- crop rotation records
- planting and harvest dates
Agronomists can opt to receive alerts based on metrics such as plant growth stage. This lets them intervene on time and schedule field visits when appropriate. The system can automatically recommend appropriate timing for field operations. For additional information, visit cropler.io.
Great Plains Ag expands
narrow-transport drill options
Great Plains Agriculture has broadened its lineup of narrow-transport box drills with new configurations for the BD7410 min-till drill and BD7510. Also new on the market is an additional box drill specifically designed for no-till operations.
“Great Plains is excited to grow our narrow-transport product portfolio, making more high-performance drills available to today’s producers,” says Kale Downing, Great Plains’ box drill product manager.
Both the BD7410 and BD7510 models feature Great Plains’ metering system for precise handling of large and small seeds, and fertilizer. A generous box capacity has optional split-box capabilities. The machines also have Keeton Seed Firmers and smooth-performance seed tubes for better seeding accuracy. The transport width is under 10 feet.
The updates are intended to let farmers quickly transition between transport and fieldwork. Find out more at greatplainsag.com.
Joint platform bridges
agricultural, financial data gap
Bayer and CeresAI have teamed up to build a comprehensive digital tool that connects farmers’ operational data with the financial information required by insurers and investors.
“By integrating our advanced data analytics with [Bayer] FieldView’s robust platform, we are ensuring that every stakeholder — from farmers to insurers and capital management groups — can make precise, data-driven decisions that drive efficiency, reduce risk and secure long-term profitability in agriculture,” says Ramsey Masri, CEO at CeresAI.
For insurers, the new tool can enhance insurance underwriting accuracy and accelerate claims processing. Farmers benefit from improved risk detection and mitigation, and more effective financial risk monitoring. Investors, meanwhile, can quantify their long-term investments.
The platform represents a step toward data-driven decisions that support agricultural operations.