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Precision Planting introduces spraying, scouting optionsPrecision Planting introduces spraying, scouting options

New features and upgrades turn your sprayer into a site-specific farming tool.

Tom J. Bechman, Midwest Crops Editor

January 21, 2025

3 Min Read
A close up of cameras mounted on a crop sprayer
SYMPHONYVISION IN ACTION: Cameras mounted on the spray boom sending signals to the 20/20 monitor are the heart of Precision Planting’s SymphonyVision system. Precision Planting

Want to control weeds better and perhaps save money too? The folks at Precision Planting believe their upgrades for sprayers can help achieve those goals. SymphonyVision is a new product family that upgrades the currently available SymphonyNozzle PWM system. There are two different options: SymphonyVision Rate and SymphonyVision Spot.

“Either one enables spraying optimum recommended label rates matched to weed density and size,” says Jason Stoller, director of product engineering for Precision Planting, Tremont, Ill. “That should help you achieve better weed control, minimize crop injury and perhaps even apply less total herbicide.”

Both upgrades are available for order in limited quantities for 2025. You first need the SymphonyNozzle pulse-width modulation spray control system and a 20/20 Gen 3 monitor.

Here are key details:

SymphonyVision Rate. This option places cameras capturing weed density and size every 10 feet across the boom. Using artificial intelligence and algorithms, the system can vary herbicide rate.

“Select the rate in advance for low, medium or high weed pressure,” Stoller explains. “Calculations are made on the go based on weed size and density.

“Herbicide labels recommend spraying maximum labeled rate on large weeds, but in a normal situation, you must select an intermediate, one-size-fits-all rate. Now, the SymphonyVision system automatically adjusts between preset rate ranges that you determined based on the labeled rate which is most efficient for each situation across the field.

Related:Understand reduced rate vs. lower labeled rate

“That should increase effectiveness. Plus, you may save on chemical costs if most of the field only needs the lower labeled rate. Crops won’t be exposed to as much chemical either.”

SymphonyVision Spot. Cameras are spaced every 5 feet with this option. “You can still set it to spray high, medium and low labeled rates, but now the system will automatically shut off nozzles and not spray if there are no weeds,” Stoller explains. “That allows it to function as a true targeted spraying system.”

Panorama. You don’t need the Panorama app to use either upgrade. But with the app, you can do more, Stoller says. Even without Panorama, you can see an as-applied map as you spray. With Panorama, you can save maps and import them into other systems to be combined with other data management layers. Through Panorama, as-applied data can automatically transfer to other systems, including Climate Fieldview and John Deere Operations Center.

Scouting features. Cameras couple with Panorama, allowing you to scout and record weed issues. Plus, the Scouting Photos feature allows you to take pictures of problematic spots. Or you can set the system to record photos of spots that meet certain preset criteria, Stoller explains. He notes that it’s like having a crop scout on board.

Model specifications. Currently, SymphonyVision upgrades are available for John Deere 4700, 4800, 400, 600 and R Series sprayers; many Case IH Patriot models; and Hagie sprayers, with availability for more models, including pull-type sprayers, coming soon.

Pricing. Cost for the SymphonyVision Rate upgrade for sprayers with 120-foot booms will be about $40,000, assuming you already have the SymphonyNozzle System and 20/20 Gen 3 monitor. List price for the SymphonyVision Spot upgrade will be around $80,000, and less for shorter boom lengths. There is no subscription or per-acre fee beyond purchase price for either upgrade. The subscription fee for Panorama to take scouting photos is $500 per year. Visit precisionplanting.com.

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About the Author

Tom J. Bechman

Midwest Crops Editor, Farm Progress

Tom J. Bechman became the Midwest Crops editor at Farm Progress in 2024 after serving as editor of Indiana Prairie Farmer for 23 years. He joined Farm Progress in 1981 as a field editor, first writing stories to help farmers adjust to a difficult harvest after a tough weather year. His goal today is the same — writing stories that help farmers adjust to a changing environment in a profitable manner.

Bechman knows about Indiana agriculture because he grew up on a small dairy farm and worked with young farmers as a vocational agriculture teacher and FFA advisor before joining Farm Progress. He works closely with Purdue University specialists, Indiana Farm Bureau and commodity groups to cover cutting-edge issues affecting farmers. He specializes in writing crop stories with a focus on obtaining the highest and most economical yields possible.

Tom and his wife, Carla, have four children: Allison, Ashley, Daniel and Kayla, plus eight grandchildren. They raise produce for the food pantry and house 4-H animals for the grandkids on their small acreage near Franklin, Ind.

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