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Precision Planting announces progress toward sprayer technology products focusing on nozzle control, boom priming and vision-based guidance.

Sierra Day, Field editor

January 26, 2022

3 Min Read
Rows of corn at eye level
DOWN CORN: New Precision Planting projects could help farmers avoid running over corn during sprayer application. Tom J. Bechman

Have you been faced with spraying more than 50 gallons of product on the ground because of boom priming? Or maybe you’ve been the applicator who is physically and mentally dragging after avoiding running over emerging corn all day long.

Farmers everywhere deal with these struggles, which is why Precision Planting recently showcased projects focusing on sprayer technology.

It’s becoming more common for farmers to pencil out a sprayer purchase in the budget, says Justin McMenamy, Precision Planting product director. The company’s move into the sprayer market will help producers who invest in new sprayers have add-on options that increase sprayer productivity through data collection.

New features coming

So what products are coming and when will farmers be able to put them to use? Precision Planting staff share the following details:

ReClaim Boom Priming and Recirculation. Skip the product waste and flip on a rocker switch in the cab. ReClaim also includes a ReClaim elbow, helping sprayer applicators to circulate chemicals through the booms and back to the tank without ever spraying product on the ground. Once recirculation occurs, applicators can begin spraying the correct product. ReClaim is compatible with standard or electric nozzles. The product will be tested again this spring and is expected to launch in the second half of 2022.

Close up of a Precision Planting device with an on and off switch

Symphony Nozzle Control System. It’s easy to have an inconsistent ground speed when operating a sprayer. But varying speed means inconsistent spraying pressure, which can increase the risk of drift and reduce uniform spray coverage. Symphony allows applicators to set target pressure and rate to maintain a consistent spray pressure across the boom, even when operating speed isn’t so constant. The system is controlled by the Precision Planting 20/20 Gen3 system and will be tested in the field again this spring, but a launch time frame is unknown.

A marketing photo of a device used when spraying to control the nozzle

Vision module. Every wonder how data collection can be used during sprayer application? Cue the Vision Module, or a camera placed on the sprayer with vision-based technology. The vision module will help the sprayer operator guide the sprayer in the crop rows and not on them. Farmers can also use the module to scout and check emergence during postemergence spraying. Plus, this product combines machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine whether plants in the field are a crop, grass weed or broadleaf weed. And the vision module can pair with Symphony, identifying weeds and initiating an automatic target spray as needed. Precision Planting’s vision module and technologies work with the 20/20 Gen 3 system and will also be tested in-field this spring, with an unconfirmed launch date.

A marketing photo of a silver device with two viewing holes used for targeted spraying in crops

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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