Innovation in action

This summer, customers of MFA Agri Services in Macon are seeing innovation in action as John Deere See & Spray Ultimate technology is used to precisely control weeds with in-season applications.

It’s the first machine of this type to be used in the MFA system and one of only a few in Missouri.

Advanced cameras and machine learning allow See & Spray to detect weeds in real time and apply herbicide only where it’s needed, which reduces input costs, minimizes chemical use and battles herbicide resistance. The sprayer’s dual-tank design allows the operator to use two independent tank mixes in one pass.

MFA precision staff and representatives of Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners were on hand June 24 for the machine’s debut in a field of Enlist soybeans on the farm of James and Tysen Wilson in New Cambria, Mo.

“We’ve always been interested in the precision technology and see the value in it,” James said. “We’ve been doing Nutri-Track for a long time. This sprayer is going to bring even more value, which is important when you consider the cost of chemicals these days.”

Though Macon Agri Services has MFA’s first See & Spray Ultimate machine, it likely won’t be the last.

“As we continue to focus on efficiencies and effectiveness as a company, this type of technology helps us cover more ground per day and make precisely targeted applications,” said Blake Peterson, MFA precision agronomy and retail fleet data manager. “It’s just one more way MFA is helping growers get the most out of every acre.”

Captions - Top of page: Benett Duncan, custom applicator for Macon Agri Services, adds blue dye to the tank of a John Deere See & Spray Ultimate machine to mark where the herbicide targets weeds. Also on hand for the sprayer’s debut run were, from left, Ryan Noble, MFA intern; Blake Peterson, MFA precision agronomy and retail fleet data manager; and Brock Fifer of Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners.
Above left: See & Spray technology uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning to target in-season weeds, improving efficiencies and reducing chemical use.

 Check out more stories in the August/September Today's Farmer Magazine.