Precision farming manufacturers Ag Leader Technology, Inc., and AutoFarm announced today that they were joining in a collaboration that brings together the highly popular and successful precision ag products of Ag Leader with the latest embedded and integrated steering solutions from AutoFarm.

“This alliance is nothing but a win-win for the precision agriculture industry, and more importantly for our combined customers,” says Al Myers, Ag Leader founder and president. “Each company brings strengths to the table allowing us to develop better precision farming solutions quicker, ultimately furthering the industry.”

“We are extremely excited about this collaboration with Ag Leader. They have a great reputation for innovative, high-quality precision ag hardware and software,” says Herb Satterlee, CEO, Novariant-AutoFarm. “AutoFarm is well known for its high-accuracy steering systems.

"This alliance allows both companies to leverage our strengths and experience to offer the world’s most advanced and complete precision ag solutions to our dealers and customers.”

In addition to the recently released Integra display and ParaDyme steering system, the two companies plan to collaborate on future projects. They provided more details on several new products.

Calling ParaDyme the world’s first totally integrated precision farming system, AutoFarm says the product line offers the full suite of precision farming tools: planter control; application control; yield monitoring, data logging and mapping; GPS steering — WAAS to RTK; 100% factory-installed wireless communications; AutoCalibration; plus Remote Real-Time Service and Diagnostics.

With the dual-antenna roof module, ParaDyme uses Logic 7D technology
to track pitch, roll and yaw, as well as vehicle position and heading, at all times, even when the vehicle is not moving. This feature provides operators with very precise vehicle steering performance. The dual-antenna system also makes rapid line acquisition possible in forward or reverse.

Integra display features a large, full-color 12.1-inch high-definition touchscreen that Ag Leader officials say offers the most complete year-round operation control, guidance and steering solution in the marketplace today.

As part of the full-screen mapping package, the Integra display provides multiple map views that allow the operator to determine the level of detail needed to monitor applications; implement specific tabs can be minimized to view more mapping information if desired. The display also features four video camera inputs, providing operators a better view of equipment operation and safety.

Finally, the OptRx crop sensor provides mapping and data collection, as well as real-time, variable-rate application of nitrogen or chemicals. This new crop sensor technology allows operators to put the right amount of nitrogen where the crop needs it.

OptRx allows operators to take full advantage of ideal application conditions. The patented advanced light-sensing technology is not dependent on ambient light, so the system can be used day or night.

“We’re definitely excited about the possibilities of future projects with the strength this cooperation brings,” Myers adds.

Satterlee adds, “This is the beginning of a new era in precision ag that will bring our end-user customers more ways to reduce input costs, increase efficiency, improve their decision making and increase farm profitability.”