Deere's Embracing AI Advancements, Aims Full Autonomy for Corn and Soybean Farmers by 2030

By Moon Harper

Dec 18, 2023 12:00 AM EST

John Deere — (Photo : Unsplash/Randy Fath)

Deere & Co., well known for its green and yellow tractors, bulldozers, and lawnmowers for 185 years, has invested nearly two decades in technology and robotics and aims to create a fully autonomous production cycle for corn and soybean farmers by 2030.

Jahmy Hindman's Vision

In an interview with CNBC on December 6, Jahmy Hindman, the Chief Technology Officer of John Deere, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) advancements will lead to the development of more innovative, more efficient, and highly automated machines, whose primary goal is to enhance farming practices by enabling precise care for each plant throughout every square foot of the field to boost productivity and profitability for farmers significantly.

Hindman further explained that the integration of AI, robotics, sensors, data, and connectivity is crucial for achieving a fully autonomous production cycle for corn and soybean farmers by 2030. The envisioned outcome is a seamless process where crops are planted, sprayed, and harvested using autonomous technology, which aligns with the company's commitment to addressing the most urgent needs of its customers through the strategic deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

Being the Chief Technology Officer at Deere & Co. since July 2020, Hindman oversees the development of a comprehensive technology system, including hardware, software, connectivity, data platforms, and applications. Hindman is in charge of the Intelligent Solutions Group, the global technology/innovations centers, and the shared engineering function within the company.

Hindman recently shared insights on how the agriculture giant approaches AI, leading to the CNBC Work Summit.

How Have AI And Machine Learning Changed

In an interview about the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning in today's context, Hindman stated that the company's goal has been to assist farmers in achieving greater productivity with fewer resources to address the essential needs of their expanding population, particularly crucial as farmers contend with challenges such as unpredictable weather, scarcity of suitable farming land, and persistent workforce shortages.

John Deere has a long history of automation efforts, focusing on enhancing efficiency dating back to the introduction of the steel plow by John Deere in 1837. Since then, AI has been crucial in assisting farmers with these challenges. Computer vision enables farmers to perceive beyond human capacity, while machine learning helps them make highly accurate decisions on a large scale.

See & Spray Technology

Deer's See & Spray technology is an example of farmers needing to eliminate weeds, which compete for essential nutrients to maintain plant health. In the past, farmers had to spray the entire field to address this issue. However, with AI, See & Spray can identify the precise location of each weed in the area and apply herbicide only where necessary. Moreover, the machine continually learns from collected images, enhancing its accuracy in various situations, including new field conditions, diverse plant growth stages, and instances of plant diseases.

Global Implications of Technological Advancements

Hindman says the global population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, requiring farmers to double crop production to meet increased food demand. However, with changing environmental conditions and declining global agriculture employment, farmers face challenges relying solely on past knowledge. Over the last decade, global agriculture employment has decreased, comprising 26% of total work in 2021, down from 43% in 1991. As a result, farmers face increased workload with reduced predictability and assistance.

Technology, like the See & Spray system, allows precise weed spraying, reducing herbicide use by approximately 66%. This technology also enables a 60% reduction in starter fertilizer use when combined with sensing during planting. Considering the significant greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer in corn production, integrating technology with agriculture machines has an immediate and measurable positive environmental impact.

What Sets Deere Apart from Big Tech Companies?

At Deere, technology such as AI and autonomy has long been actively used by farmers today. According to Hindman, it is possible due to the significant investment in innovation and dedication to recruiting top tech talent. Deere's focus on building diverse and skilled teams aligns with its strategy and values, making it an engineering and data-centric organization. For those in tech-related roles considering their next career move, exploring opportunities in agricultural technology, particularly at Deere, is a chance to contribute to something globally beneficial.