Growers deal with more uncertainty and changes than any other profession. They have to be savvy, adaptable and dedicated to successfully manage everything from weather to farm technology. They often look to their partners in the industry to help them make the most of their time and resources.

Len Adams, President of Valmont_® Global Irrigation, says the team from Valley_® Irrigation spends a lot of time listening to the needs of farmers around the world as they develop new center pivot irrigation technology.

“We ask what features they need, how they’d use any new technology, and what would make their daily jobs better,” Adams explains. “These days, it’s all about what our current and future customers need when it comes to connectivity on their farms and facilitating the Internet of Things with our products.”

So, after many of these conversations, Valley developed a series of internet-connected “smart panels” that can bring all center pivot irrigation into one network and make life easier for growers. Introduced in January 2017, the four smart panels in the Valley ICON^TM series - the ICON10, ICON5, ICON1 and ICONX - come equipped with AgSense^® ICON Link, making them compatible with both AgSense and BaseStation3^TM remote monitoring solutions.

Higher Levels Of Control And Convenience

Each ICON panel is designed to use GPS and variable rate irrigation, and growers can manage these features at the pivot point or remotely via a PC, tablet or smartphone. .

The ICON10 and ICON1 panels introduce growers to Edge-of-Field WiFi, a revolutionary feature in irrigation control in which a localized WiFi signal is transmitted by the panel, allowing growers to connect to and control their pivot via a wireless connection on their mobile device. No internet or cellular connection is required to utilize this technology. 

“I don't have to run over the crop to get to the pivot to control it,” says Austin Warbington, a grower from Dooly County, Ga., who uses Edge-of-Field WiFi through his ICON10. “I don't even have to get out of the truck or tractor cab. It saves me time and money."  

By design, the ICON series keeps up with changing irrigation technology, providing easy upgradability and plenty of memory, as well as offers an easy-to-use solution for growers of any generation.

"My dad went out and started using the soft touch buttons of the ICON5, which he really liked,” says South Central, Neb., grower Michael Peterson. “However, I went straight to the touchscreen. We look at technology differently, but we could both use it easily.”

Growers who can’t easily access their pivot point asked for an easier way to manage their irrigation machines. The ICON1 panel was created with this in mind and provides complete remote irrigation control with AgSense capabilities or through Edge of Field WiFi, so farmers can gain total control of their pivots with a PC, tablet or smartphone..

Many growers use multiple pivot brands, which can be frustrating and at times all too consuming to manage. The ICONX takes control of any brand of panel to bring it into the AgSense or BaseStation3 network. It’s more cost-effective than installing a complete new panel, but still allows farmers to gain full remote control and management capabilities.

Growers may never be able to control the weather, but with Valley and the ICON line of smart panels, they can alleviate some unpredictability with complete and unified control over their pivot irrigation.

To experience the entire Valley ICON story, visit valleyICON.com.