Solinftec Automatic Sprayers Update from Premier Ag

As the 2024 agricultural season unfolds, Premier Ag is thrilled to share updates on our innovative partnership with Solinftec and the deployment of their cutting-edge automatic sprayers. This season, we are operating twelve robots, making a significant step forward in our mission to enhance our members’ farming efficiency and sustainability.

Early Benefits & Learning Curves

Although we are still in the early stages of implementing this technology, we are already witnessing promising results. The most notable is the reduced chemical application, which not only lowers our farmer members’ costs but also minimizes environmental impact. Continuous scouting provided by these robots also helps in early detection of issues, allowing for more timely interventions.

While the 2024 season has been particularly challenging due to rough weather conditions, the robots have shown resilience, proving their potential to handle varying conditions effectively.

Additionally, the potential for increased efficiency is evident as the AI technology in these sprayers continues to learn and evolve. One exciting future development is the capability for self-loading, which will further enhance operational efficiency.

Handling Terrain & Weather Conditions

The lightweight design and smaller payload of the Solinftec sprayers allow for quicker re-entry into fields, which is particularly beneficial in wet conditions. Even through a very rainy spring season, the robots demonstrated their ability to perform well under challenging circumstances. We will continue to test the sprayers on varying terrains to gather valuable insights into their current capabilities.

Data Collection & Maintenance

Data collection from the sprayers has focused on plant population and weed control. This information is crucial for refining our practices and improving crop management strategies.

The maintenance requirements for the Solinftec sprayers are relatively low. The main tasks involve refilling crop protection tanks due to their limited payload capacity and manually adjusting the spray bottoms according to crop height. This ease of maintenance for our farmer members ensures that we can rely on these robots with minimal downtime.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we evaluate the performance of the Solinftec sprayers through this season, we plan to gather feedback from participating growers to refine and improve the program. Farmers interested in joining the initiative for the 2025 season should stay in touch with their local account manager. We aim to start the signup process in mid to late winter.

Premier Companies is excited about the future of automated farming and the role Solinftec sprayers will play in it. Together, we are paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and profitable farming practices.

To read more about this technology, please read our full interview with Solinftec Rep, Taylor Wetli.