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| 2006 News Releases and Information |
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JOHN DEERE AGRI SERVICES OFFERS NEW OPTIGRO™ VARIABLE RATE IMAGING SYSTEM
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LENEXA, KS (February 24, 2006) —
Agricultural producers are continuously looking for solutions to bring more efficiency and productivity to their operations. John Deere Agri Services offers an array of products and informational services to help better manage cropping systems and operations.
| The OptiGro Variable Rate Imaging System uses an advanced digital camera to take high-resolution, aerial images which are georeferenced to make a map showing variations in crop.
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The OptiGro™ Variable Rate Imaging System is one such service combining advanced, high-resolution aerial imagery and spatial analysis with direction and scrutiny from local crop advisors to help growers make better in-season crop decisions.
"Your crop consultant orders an aerial image from John Deere Agri Services and a trained operator flies over your land to take digital images of the field," says Terry Brown, account manager, John Deere Agri Services. "By using global positioning satellites (GPS) to match images to specific areas in the field, the resulting processed images highlight areas that may indicate potential issues which could affect crops and impact yields."
These digital results are provided to a crop consultant who analyzes the images and makes a prescription recommendation for the grower. The consultant uses his or her local knowledge to prescribe optimal options for those areas which indicate plant variation or potential crop problems.
Working with the consultant, the grower then employs variable rate chemical application technology to have products applied only where needed according to the digital map. This system enhances efficiency by applying the right amount of inputs for reduced plant variability.
"This system can help to reduce input expense, improve environmental stewardship, and document where chemicals are applied," explains Brown. "The OptiGro System is among the first to integrate the new technologies of digital imaging, computer analysis, GPS, variable rate systems, and the Internet. Growers will truly appreciate the ability this innovation offers to reduce plant variability and optimize crop development."
Because of the speed and accuracy of this integrated system, the producer can get information fast enough to make in-season decisions to improve irrigation, efficiently apply chemicals, and even improve harvest.
This new OptiGro system is based on leading edge technology from GeoVantage, an aerial imagery company recently acquired by John Deere Agri Services. The system was developed by John Deere and is marketed through agricultural service providers.
John Deere (Deere & Company -NYSE:DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.
For More Information, Contact:
Barry E. Nelson
Manager, Public Relations
Deere & Company
Ph: 913-310-8324
Fax: 913-310-8394
E-mail: NelsonBarryE@JohnDeere.com
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