Technology

CultiWise is an advanced farm software from Czech startup Skymaps, which allows farmers to generate high-precision 'prescription maps' within hours using the entry-level CultiWise drone. (Image source: CultWise)

The new CultiWise software offers cost savings and yield benefits of upto 20%, along with a return on investment in the first season

In comparison to satellite images which are weather-dependant, drone images are more reliable, and offer precise maps for variable rate application of fertiliser, fungicide and growth regulator. Farmers often rely on satellite images to programme spraying equipment to apply the required amount of fertiliser, fungicide and plant growth regulator. This variable rate application targets particular crop zones, but cloudy conditions could delay critical decisions that could ultimately affect yield. This is where the new CultiWise drone comes handy.

CultiWise is an advanced farm software from Czech startup Skymaps, which allows farmers to generate high-precision 'prescription maps' within hours using the entry-level CultiWise drone. The software was developed by a team of 25 CultWise engineers by applying data from hundreds of European farms, ranging from small-scale to 30,000 ha. It enables farmers from anywhere in the world to upload drone images in preparation for imminent spraying or spreading. Prescription maps are produced within minutes to hours and help in pinpointing the zones that require different amounts of fertiliser, fungicide or plant growth regulator. The maps also inform the farmer of the expected volume savings.

Capable of mapping more than 200 ha per flight hour, the new compact CultiWise drone, which complements the software feature, offers not only speed but also centimeter-level accuracy, a requirement when targeting particular crop zones. Farmers cangenerate and upload images using either multispectral or RGB drone cameras. CultiWise offers a range of solutions, including prescription maps for spot spraying, crop monitoring, plant counting, and yield potential maps. 

In regard to spot-spraying, also known as variable rate application, the precise spraying process ideally depends on the accuracy of the prescription maps that apportion crop protection and pesticides. With access to detailed field data provided as maps, the spraying equipment automatically adjusts the nozzles to apply the right amount of fertiliser, fungicide, or plant growth regulator. The system supports all main crops, including corn, winter wheat, soybean, sugar beet, sunflower, rape seed, potatoes and onions.

“Our prescription maps derived from drones delivers reliable instructions and this will result in reduced pesticide and fertiliser use and therefore lower costs," stated Chief Technology Officer at Skymaps, Kornel Cziria. "Unlike conventional spraying, where all crops are sprayed with the same volume, with this method we change the amount in strong and weak crop zones. This results in cost savings and higher yields,” added Cziria.

What makes it unique is its use of a single cab-mounted, factory-fit SenseApply Camera unit unlike other smart apply technology which employ multiple boom-mounted cameras. (Image source: CNH)

New Holland has introduced the new IntelliSense Sprayer Automation, the newest edition to the New Holland machine automation portfolio

The system is the most comprehensive application automation solution on the market and can be used on a wide spectrum of crops — from corn, soybeans and cotton to pulse crops and small grains like wheat and canola — with an unprecedented list of full-season application functions, including herbicide, fungicide, plant growth regulator, nitrogen and harvest aid. It is also a factory offering for new Model Year 2026 Guardian series front boom sprayers: the SP310F, SP370F and SP410F. 

Uniqueness

What makes it unique is its use of a single cab-mounted, factory-fit SenseApply Camera unit unlike other smart apply technology which employ multiple boom-mounted cameras. The SenseApply camera unit is a forward-looking, multi-spectral vision system that enables IntelliSense Sprayer Automation to continuously scan upcoming field conditions (50 ft out in front of the sprayer) across the full width of the boom from a high vantage point atop the cab. This provides an expanded vision of the field that generates quicker and longer leading assessments, allowing the operator to drive and apply accurately at a faster speed than any other sense and act technology on the market today.

Applications

The leading aspect of the new IntelliSense Sprayer Automation is its Selective Spray function which offers operators the choice of two application types to enhance herbicide applications:

1. Spot Spraying: Utilises green-on-brown functionality and operates by detecting weeds smaller in stature (less than two inches in height) and activates nozzles on the boom that correspond to the location of the detected weed.

2. Base+Boost: This mode applies a uniform base rate across the entire coverage width and activates a localised boost rate from nozzles where weeds are detected. When the SenseApply camera identifies a weed, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation boosts the maximum application rate for that single weed within the herbicide's prescription rate range.  

Beyond Selective Spray, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation also offers a range of full-season live variable rate application functions that further elevate a sprayer’s productivity, utility and overall operating ROI. Functions include nitrogen variable rate application (VRA), plant growth regulator VRA, fungicide VRA, harvest aid VRA and burndown VRA. These functions operate by automatically adjusting the amount of each input applied (nitrogen, PGR, fungicide, harvest aid and burndown) based on detected biomass health levels.   

To further in-field productivity, a Guardian front boom sprayer actively engaging one of the VRA functions can operate at speeds up to 25 mph. If Selective Spray is in active use, the sprayer can run at speeds up to 19 mph. This is an industry-leading speed range that ensures sprayer operators can maintain a high level of in-field performance and quality of application to maximise every ounce of input running through the boom. Currently, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation can be used on a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, cotton, small grains, edible beans and other legumes.

“With this technology, we’re generating savings for the farmer across every type of application they’re making. It’s a full-season solution,” said cash crop segment lead for New Holland North America, Curtis Hillen. “IntelliSense Sprayer Automation is giving us better and faster application placement without compromising results to drive productivity and positive financial results, from maximizing yield to dialing in our application efficiency. It’s a tool unlike anything a farmer, custom applicator or ag retailer will find in broadacre crops.”

IntelliSense Sprayer Automation will be available factory-fit on Model Year 2026 Guardian series front boom sprayers — the SP310F, SP370F and SP410F. This technology will be on display in the New Holland booth #4503 for a first look at Commodity Classic 2025 taking place from 2-4 March in Denver.

The school will focus on teaching students sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques. (Image source: Salesian Missions)

Donor funding from Salesian Missions, the US development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco has enabled Salesian Missionaries in the Atede community in the Gulu district of Uganda to purchase land for a new agriculture school

Featuring areas for livestock as well as land for growing staple crops like maize, sweet potatoes and other vegetables, the new Salesian school will provide a source of education for poor youth while also growing food to address food security issues. 

The harvest from these crops will help bolster the school’s feeding programmes for its students, who will also learn how to run an agribusiness to sell the surplus.

“The school will focus on teaching students sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques. They will have practical and hands-on lessons that will also incorporate education on agribusiness,” a Salesian explained. “Salesians will also focus on agriculture research, experimentation and innovation. The bonds between the school and the local community will strengthen through these agriculture initiatives.”

The new Sunflower Processing Unit will give a business boost to 21,000 people. (Image source:

A new Sunflower Processing Unit launched in the eastern district of Uvinza in Tanzania, is providing farmers easy access to process their sunflower harvests 

The affordability of this unit located in a remote ward known as Basanza, enables farmers to grow more sunflowers, in turn contributing to the local economy. While farmers had to previously travel around 50 km to process their sunflower harvests in the town of Kasulu, the availability of the new unit significantly reduces travel costs, while also boosting the business of 21,000 people. 

The unit was financed with a grant from the International Trade Centre (ITC), with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN food agency is working with farmers to use sustainable agricultural techniques. Following the installation of the processing unit, the demand for sunflower seeds has skyrocketed. To meet this demand, the FAO in collaboration with other institutions is working towards producing high-quality sunflower seeds for future seasons.

Sunflower seeds can be processed into a number of products including sunflower oil and sunflower seed cake, a byproduct of oil extraction, which can be used as animal feed.