John Deere makes its case to horticulture growers

John Deere has one important message to share with local horticulture growers – we’re here and we’re ready

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Production Systems Manager, Stephanie Gersekowski, said the John Deere team wants to demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting the producers of high-value crops had never been more of a priority. 

“The value of local horticulture production is forecast to reach a new record of $18.2 billion in 2023 to 2024, with fruit and nut production expected to drive much of these value gains, Stephanie Gersekowski explained. 

“Labour availability remains a challenge and we know there is an ever-growing need for the farm sector to do more with less. John Deere is committed to working with horticulture producers to deliver technology and equipment to help us meet these challenges and grasp the significant opportunities ahead. 

“We’re really looking forward to speaking with growers from across the country in Adelaide next week about the range of solutions we have available to support their needs and goals,” Stephanie Gersekowski reiterated.

GUSS readily available

John Deere’s focus on intelligent, semi-autonomous spraying to support high-value crop production is reflected by its joint venture with innovative California-based technology company GUSS.  

Using GUSS technology, multiple machines can be remotely controlled by a single operator and use a sophisticated combination of GPS and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology, vehicle sensors, and software, to move and navigate through orchards and vineyards. 

“Traditionally, using GPS guidance under orchards and vineyards canopies has been challenging, but GUSS has overcome this issue by developing several additional technologies, including vehicle sensors and software to supplement GPS and guide GUSS safely and efficiently through crops,” Stephanie Gersekowski outlined.   

“With the ability for operators to control up to eight sprayers at once, GUSS equipment provides enormous productivity gains to growers by reducing pressure to find skilled operators, while also using fewer resources and reducing costs by eliminating operator error and downtime.” 

5ML Tractors on the way 

One of the most significant new product releases for the high-value crop sector this year will be the John Deere 5ML Series of cab tractors, due to arrive here later in 2023, with Stephanie Gersekowski and the team are excited to speak to growers about how this tractor series will transform John Deere’s horticulture offering.  

With two front-axle configurations for working widths as narrow as 1800mm (71 inches) and down to 1550mm (61 inches) on the 5ML Narrow, the 5ML will make available a machine carrying premium features at a size suited to exacting applications.

Additionally, the 5ML Series is expected to deliver superior operator comfort as well as a level of precision agriculture technology not previously seen in this tractor class. 

“We are extremely excited to bring the 5ML Series to Australia to respond directly to the needs of growers looking for a low-profile cab, more power and industry-leading digital capabilities typically only available on machines in larger agriculture production systems, including JDLink^TM,” Stephanie Gersekowski added. 

Both the 5ML and 5ML narrow series of tractors come equipped with programmable LED lighting, a front hitch to ensure operators can use heavier implements such as almond harvesters, and a front PTO for added versatility.

There is also the choice of an easy-to-use PowrQuad™ PLUS or Powr8™ transmission. A new Limb Lifter kit can be added to gently move away low-hanging branches, reducing the potential for damage to the tree and tractor. 

Spraying smarter 

Stephanie Gersekowski said the John Deere team are on hand to discuss the Smart-Apply^® Intelligent Spray Control System^TM which provides horticulture producers with an add-on kit for tow-behind air-blast sprayers.

This will reduce the potential for chemical drift and decrease the amount of product applied by adjusting spray volume based on canopy density using liDAR technology. 

“Most sprayers today apply a blanket spray, even between trees. Smart Apply adjusts spray volume based on tree canopy density and shuts off completely between trees, providing an enormous chemical saving for producers,” Stephanie Gersekowski explained.  

“We’re delighted to be part of the local horticultural industry and really encourage growers to come and speak to us about the industry-leading solutions we now have available to our valued horticulture customers.” 

Contact your local John Deere dealer for more information on the availability of the expanded John Deere horticultural range at this link

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