The Future of Farming: Embracing Technology to Feed the World

If you still hold the belief that farming is a quaint, low-tech industry, you couldn't be more mistaken. Agriculture has become a hotbed for innovation, fueling its progress with artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, sensor technology, and robotics. This paradigm shift towards tech-driven farming efficiency is precisely why John May, CEO of agricultural equipment giant Deere, will be delivering a keynote address at this year's prestigious CES trade show in Las Vegas.

May's vision is clear: "Our goal is to empower our customers, enhance their productivity, and enable them to perform their jobs in a more sustainable manner," he declared last year when he announced his participation in the show. "To achieve this, we are harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies. CES has a long-standing tradition of showcasing how technology and innovation can remedy some of the world's most pressing issues, and this aligns perfectly with agriculture's mission of feeding the global population."

During his compelling keynote speech on Thursday, May introduced two groundbreaking technologies that target Deere's core markets—agriculture and construction.

Introducing "ExactShot," a revolutionary technology that allows farmers to reduce fertilizer usage during planting by a staggering 60%. This announcement echoes the underlying theme of this year's trade show, as outlined by its organizer—the Consumer Technology Association—to focus not only on fancy gadgets but also on how technology is being leveraged to solve the planet's most urgent problems.

The future of farming is here, and it is bold, innovative, and dedicated to ensuring global sustainability. With AI, data analytics, sensor technology, and robotics at its side, agriculture is well-equipped to overcome any obstacles it encounters in its mission to feed the world.

The Future of Farming: Deere's Innovations at CES 2022

ExactShot System: Precision Farming at its Best

The ExactShot system stands out as a prime example of revolutionary farming technology. This advanced system leverages sensors and robotics to deliver "starter" fertilizer directly onto seeds during the planting process. By targeting individual seeds instead of applying fertilizer to the entire row, ExactShot drastically reduces waste and prevents weed growth fueled by excess fertilizer. In fact, if implemented across the entire U.S. corn crop, this cutting-edge solution could save an incredible 93 million gallons of starter fertilizer annually while also minimizing the risk of runoff into waterways.

Introducing the Electric Excavator: A Game Changer for Construction

Deere isn't just focused on reshaping the world of agriculture; they're also making waves in the construction industry. Their latest innovation is a new electric excavator designed specifically for use on construction sites. This groundbreaking excavator offers construction workers and road builders numerous benefits, including lower daily operating costs, reduced noise levels on the jobsite, enhanced machine reliability, and, perhaps most impressively, zero emissions. Remarkably, the new electric excavator manages to deliver all these advantages without compromising on power and performance. It's the perfect blend of efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration with Kreisel Electric: Pioneering Battery Technology

To power their innovative electric excavator, Deere has partnered with Kreisel Electric, a leading battery manufacturer based in Austria. Deere's majority stake acquisition in Kreisel in early 2022 demonstrates their commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the cutting-edge battery technology provided by Kreisel, Deere ensures that their electric excavator is equipped with reliable and high-performance batteries, further solidifying their position as industry trailblazers.

Deere's Continued Presence at CES

Over the years, Deere has been steadily increasing their presence at CES, showcasing their relentless drive for innovation. At the previous full-scale conference in January 2020, Deere captivated audiences with their gigantic crop sprayer, featuring impressively extendable arms that reached an astounding 120 feet. Even at the scaled-down version of CES in January 2022, Deere made a substantial impact. One of their standout offerings was a self-driving tractor, which stole the spotlight in a massive tent set up in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Conclusion

Deere's advancements at CES 2022 are a testament to their unwavering commitment to driving progress in both the agricultural and construction sectors. With innovative solutions like the ExactShot system and the electric excavator, Deere is spearheading positive change, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and performance. Their collaboration with Kreisel Electric further solidifies their dedication to pioneering technologies that will shape the future of farming and construction.