Cameras on Pivots Collect Scouting Data
Michigan Valley Irrigation Partners with Valmont & Prospera to Gather Field Data
Three years ago, Michigan Valley Irrigation was approached to assist in proof of concept for a new technology, intending to use cameras on pivots to identify weeds, insects, and nutrient deficiencies. Partnering with Prospera Technologies and Valmont, we installed and supported camera systems with the mission of gathering data for machine learning.
Today I am amazed by what this technology has evolved into. Plant Insights by Prospera is a game changing, cutting edge technology that is still in the infancy of its potential. What does the cutting edge of field scouting technology involve today? It includes robust artificial intelligence, high speed remote connectivity, and ultra-high resolution cameras. A team of PhDs, agronomists, engineers, and support staff have invested countless hours working with farmers to attain a truly remarkable product.
Insect photo from camera
Plant Insights is capable of identifying a single insect crawling over a leaf. Lesions forming in corn due to nutritional deficiencies are located, and geo referenced high resolution photos are pushed to the grower. We even identify which areas in the field have a greater concentration of Colorado Potato beetles than other sections. With full scouting reports available within days of a pass, growers can proactively adjust field treatments to include fungicide or insecticide as needed, where needed.
The intention of this technology is not to replace field scouts. It does optimize a scout’s ability to know which fields need attention and which sections of those fields need ground inspection. As some growers have stated, “It brings peace of mind to see the reports provided by my agronomist, and see that data affirmed by Plant Insights.”
With two of our greatest challenges today being reliable personnel and the price of diesel fuel, a product that provides peace of mind and saves fuel and time is worth looking into.
Welcome to the new world of field scouting.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pete is the marketing manager for Michigan Valley Irrigation, having joined the company in 2016. He was raised on a dairy farm in western New York and graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in agricultural economics. His entire working career of over 37 years has been involved in agriculture. A farmer helping farmers. When away from Michigan Valley he operates, Joyful Noise Farm, a small livestock and produce farm and spends time with his family.
