BayWa Smart Farming Challenge: data from space

After two successful rounds, BayWa AG has extended its participation in the international Copernicus Masters innovation competition for a further three years.

Combine data from space with artificial intelligence and machine learning

Starting now, start-ups, research groups and students, as well as private individuals, can enter their ideas and technologies for sustainable satellite-based agriculture in the BayWa category Smart Farming Challenge at this year’s event. The focus is on applications that combine data from space with artificial intelligence and machine learning, along with satellite-based solutions specifically intended for pasture management and the early recognition of plant diseases in arable crops, as well as yield forecasting in gardening.

Resource-friendly approach to agriculture

“Smart farming is part of a modern, sustainable, resource-friendly approach to agriculture,” says Klaus Josef Lutz, Chief Executive Officer of BayWa. “It allows us to bring together conventional and organic agriculture, and fulfil consumers’ desire for more climate-friendly farming while also helping meet rising global demand for affordable, high-quality food.”

BayWa already offers its agricultural customers a range of data-based options to help them manage their land in line with their requirements, using optimised processes and in a climate-friendly manner. The Smart Farming Challenge is a way to constantly expand the range of applications, says Lutz. “Over the long term, that turns farmers into data farmers.”

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BayWa primarily uses data from the Sentinel satellites, which transmit current data to earth every three to five days as part of the EU’s Copernicus space programme. – Photo: AFP

Relevance of satellite data for agriculture

The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting social distancing guidelines clearly demonstrate the relevance of satellite data for agriculture. “Because of the limits to on-site advice on plant cultivation together with the farmer, our crop advisers are increasingly relying on satellite data,” says Jörg Migende, Head of Digital Farming.

The company primarily uses data from the Sentinel satellites, which transmit current data to earth every three to five days as part of the EU’s Copernicus space programme. The data is analysed by the BayWa Group company Vista GmbH, Munich. “That gives us the opportunity to offer our farmers the best possible support, even under difficult conditions, and thereby secure the supply of basic foodstuffs while also enabling environmentally friendly business practices,” says Migende.

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BayWa, Vista and FarmFacts to act as mentors

BayWa and its subsidiaries Vista and FarmFacts will act as mentors, helping the winner of the Smart Farming Challenge develop their innovation into a usable application for farmers. Access to the company’s knowledge, markets and customers, along with a prize of € 5,000, round out the rewards. Participants can enter the competition by visiting copernicus-masters.com. The closing date for submissions is 30 June.