In a strategic move towards advancing precision agriculture, Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) has successfully acquired Smart Apply, Inc., a cutting-edge equipment manufacturer specializing in precision spraying solutions, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The acquisition represents a significant milestone in John Deere’s journey towards providing innovative technologies that empower farmers and producers to achieve sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
A Transformative Partnership
The collaboration between John Deere and Smart Apply dates back to 2020, and this acquisition cements their shared commitment to revolutionizing the industry. Smart Apply’s groundbreaking technology, known as Smart Apply, has redefined precision spraying by enhancing the accuracy and productivity of virtually any air-assisted sprayer used in orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. By reducing chemical usage, minimizing drift, and optimizing crop yields, Smart Apply addresses critical challenges faced by producers, fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Empowering Agriculture Through Innovation
Mike Bailey, Director of Small Tractor Production and High-Value Crops (HVC) Systems at John Deere, highlights the natural progression of the partnership between the two companies. He underlines the continued dedication to customers and agricultural dealers, emphasizing that this acquisition expands the portfolio of solutions designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues in the industry, including labor shortages, raw material costs, regulatory compliance, and ecological goals.
The Smart Apply Advantage
Smart Apply’s precision spraying technology leads to a remarkable 93% reduction in chemical usage and an 87% reduction in airborne drift, effectively cutting average chemical consumption by 50%. Moreover, this reduced chemical application also leads to an average 50% reduction in water usage for producers. The advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology detects individual trees and vines, automatically adjusting spray volume based on foliage density to optimize protection. The system halts spraying between trees and rows, adapting seamlessly without human intervention.
Smart Apply’s patented GPS-enabled software collects a comprehensive array of data during spraying. The system documents the date and time of spraying, total spray volume, chemical savings, tree count, canopy volume, individual tree or vine conditions, and the sprayed acres/hectares. This precise data provides deeper insights into orchard or vineyard productivity, profitability, health, and sustainability.
Expanding Knowledge Through Integration
Farmers can seamlessly integrate their Smart Apply data with John Deere’s Operations Center farm management software, elevating their knowledge base and expert support to new heights.
Jerry Johnson, President and CEO of Smart Apply, highlights the shared values of both John Deere and Smart Apply in recognizing the importance of high-value crop cultivation and their dedication to investing in innovations and technologies that serve producers and address their challenges.
Looking Ahead
Founded in 2014, Smart Apply operates with a team of approximately 20 employees. Currently distributed through John Deere dealers in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and England, Smart Apply is poised for broader reach. John Deere plans to extend Smart Apply’s availability across its dealer network in North America and Australia while exploring opportunities in new markets.
The acquisition of Smart Apply exemplifies John Deere’s commitment to advancing precision farming solutions that empower farmers to achieve sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and productive industry.
