For fifth-generation farmer Jared Holland, market prices are one challenge he can’t control. Instead, he focuses on what he can control, such as his cost of production through precision agriculture. Holland grows corn and soybeans on 2,300 acres in Britton, S.D., and serves as CEO of Intellifarms Northern Division.
Intellifarms specializes in installing, training and monitoring grain bin sensors that read temperature and moisture while automatically controlling fans. Now, the company has announced a new partnership with Greeneye Technology that aims to help farmers save money through its AI-powered targeted spraying system.
“One goal is to help family farms by making good financial sense for his or her operation,” Holland says.
Retrofit Cuts Herbicide Use By 80% to 90%
Greeneye Technology says its AI-powered targeted spraying system allows farmers to reduce non-residual herbicide use by an average of 80% to 90% while maintaining effective weed control. The technology’s dual-tank, dual-line configuration also gives operators the ability to broadcast residual herbicides. At the same time, the machine will target non-residual herbicides only where weeds are detected.
This technology has no per-acre fees and can be retrofitted onto existing commercial sprayers. The LED lighting system allows for spraying to be carried out at night but also improves daytime performance by removing shadows.
“Our solution delivers significant value for growers, and successful adoption depends on having knowledgeable local partners,” says Keith Crow, Greeneye Technology’s general manager for North America.
Partnership Built on Local Expertise And Farmer Trust
Crow explains that several factors make Intellifarms an ideal partner. Beyond their strategic geographical location, it’s Intellifarms’ advisory approach with customers that really caught Greeneye’s attention. Holland, both farmer and salesman, practices what he preaches.
“He likes to run the equipment that he sells on his own farm and really learn through him using that hands-on. Pushing his team to have deep knowledge, not only of sprayers, but the Greeneye technology so they’re well equipped from a support standpoint,” Crow explains.
Holland shares the two companies will work together to support Intellifarms’ customers. When farmers call with a question on how to use the Greeneye system, the Intellifarms team will be able to guide them through the process. However, if for some reason they don’t know the answer, Greeneye has support ready to jump in.
Advice for Fellow Farmers
Farmers should protect their farm at all costs by making good financial decisions and surrounding themselves with a strong support system, Holland says.
When buying machinery, “you aren’t buying products, you’re buying people,” he adds. “When a lot of farms are losing between $100 and $200 an acre, finding people who are going to support you in your times of need is critical. It doesn’t have to be salespeople, it could be family, friends, whomever. Have that good support group and a group of peers you can bounce ideas off of.”
