FarmWise and RDO’s partnership sparks interest in future collaborations with John Deere

Under this new partnership, RDO Equipment will serve as the exclusive sales and field support partner for Vulcan, expanding its reach to more growers across both existing and new regions. – Photos: FarmWise

The recent partnership between U.S.-based FarmWise, recognised for its precision weeding technology, and RDO Equipment, a prominent dealer for John Deere, is generating buzz in the agricultural industry. With RDO now exclusively selling and supporting FarmWise’s Vulcan weeder, speculation is growing about the potential for a joint venture or even an acquisition involving FarmWise and John Deere.

John Deere has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in agricultural innovation. RDO Equipment also represents GUSS Autonomous Sprayers and Ecorobotix, a leader in smart spraying technology. Ecorobotix recently partnered with Campbell Tractor Co., another longstanding John Deere dealer. In 2022, GUSS and John Deere announced a joint venture focused on enhancing GUSS’s vineyard spraying capabilities.

Previously, John Deere acquired robotics startups Blue River and Bear Flag Robotics, further emphasising its commitment to advancing agricultural technology. However, the exact implications of the FarmWise and RDO partnership for future collaborations with John Deere remain uncertain. “We are in regular contact with John Deere and see a lot of opportunity”, says Tjarko Leifer, CEO at FarmWise. “No further comment at this time.“

FarmWise has joined forces with RDO Equipment to provide FarmWise’s advanced Vulcan precision weeding and cultivation implement to vegetable growers in the Southwest regions of the United States.

Vulcan, the latest product of the company, is already in use by major produce companies such as Taylor Farms and Barkley Farms. RDO Equipment is a dealer of agricultural equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere. Under this new partnership, RDO Equipment will serve as the exclusive sales and field support partner for Vulcan, expanding its reach to more growers across both existing and new regions.

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Growers are increasingly seeking chemical-free weed control solutions due to stricter regulations, herbicide resistance, and evolving consumer preferences.

Reaching more farmers faster

CEO Leifer notes that FarmWise completed its first commercial Vulcan deliveries late last year. “Selling, servicing and supporting Vulcan for farmers across multiple growing regions takes experience, manpower and relationships. RDO Equipment has long-standing relationships and experience in customer support, product introduction, and distribution. We’re excited to be reaching more farmers faster, particularly those who are already customers of RDO for their machinery needs and are seeking precision farming solutions.”

“It’s not news that the Ag Robotics space has been crowded with established startups and newcomers alike”, explains Pauline Canteneur, Head of Partnerships & Marketing at FarmWise. “How these companies can scale and be turned into long-lasting profitable businesses is a central question in our industry. We see partnering with reputable dealer networks as a critical step in that direction and a vote of confidence for the farmers who seek our technology.”

Leifer emphasises that growers across the board are increasingly seeking chemical-free weed control solutions due to stricter regulations, herbicide resistance, and evolving consumer preferences. On August 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned Dacthal, an herbicide widely used in broccoli leaving no chemical options for chemical weed management for this crop. California is responsible for 90% of the U.S. broccoli production.

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An increasing need for new alternatives

“Every customer who grows conventional broccoli talked about this announcement with us”, Leifer notes. “In general, there are limited post-emergence herbicide options in vegetable production. The need for new alternatives for farmers continues to increase. Our Vulcan precision weeder is a chemical-free weed control solution for both conventional and organic acres.”

“We launched Vulcan last year and we are scaling Vulcan sales and deliveries to our existing customers and also selling to farmers who are new to FarmWise’s technology” Leifer says. FarmWise does not release metrics on the Vulcan fleet size or company growth targets.

The need for new alternatives for farmers continues to increase

Ted Taylor, president of agricultural operations at Taylor Farms, shares that his company purchased its first Vulcan last December and now operates two units. “We have weeded over 2,100 acres already this season. We are seeing strong value in our fields and expect Vulcan to be a significant part of our operations going forward because it helps address labour challenges in today’s agriculture.”

Richard Arias, RDO’s vice president of southwest agriculture, highlights the alignment of Vulcan with RDO’s commitment to helping growers maximise efficiency. “Our product specialists are excited to work alongside growers to mechanise weed management that reduces hand labour and costs to optimise weed control in their fields and improve crop uniformity and yield.”