What's Happening?
John Deere's 'See & Spray' technology was utilized across more than 5 million acres of farmland in 2025, significantly reducing herbicide use. This autonomous technology, launched in 2021, employs boom-mounted cameras and processors to identify and spray
weeds selectively, cutting non-residual herbicide use by nearly 50%. This reduction saved approximately 31 million gallons of herbicide mix, even amid challenging conditions like elevated weed pressure and frequent rains. The technology is available as a factory installation or as a Precision Upgrade kit for certain John Deere and Hagie sprayers. Research conducted in seven states demonstrated an average yield increase of 2 bushels per acre, with some areas seeing up to 4.8 bushels per acre more than traditional methods.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of John Deere's 'See & Spray' technology represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture. By reducing herbicide use, the technology not only lowers costs for farmers but also minimizes environmental impact, promoting more sustainable farming practices. The increased yields and reduced crop injury associated with this technology can lead to stronger economic returns for farmers. This innovation aligns with broader industry trends towards precision agriculture, which aims to enhance productivity while reducing resource use. The Application Savings Guarantee introduced by John Deere further incentivizes adoption by aligning costs with performance, ensuring farmers only pay when savings are realized.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, John Deere plans to introduce an Unlimited Annual License for the 2026 season, catering to high-use operations and simplifying per-acre planning. This move is expected to provide farmers with greater control over in-season decisions, potentially increasing the technology's adoption. As the agricultural sector continues to face challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity, technologies like 'See & Spray' could play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainability.
