Ag Leader Technology

On-the-go monitoring and controlled feedback in supplemental downforce applications. The system provides real-time monitoring of furrow depth via contact and non-contact approaches, some of which are combined with gauge wheel feedback to calibrate and otherwise control the application of supplemental downforce to the row unit. A combination of sensor types are employed in collecting furrow depth measurements, which can be used to adjust the supplemental downforce through a control system module. A gauge wheel load sensor may be used to modify the application of supplemental downforce.

Devices, systems, and methods for automatically shifting agricultural guidance lines are disclosed. A system receives a field boundary, a stored AB path with an associated first guidance width, and a target guidance width for a current operation. The system determines a shift vector comprising a direction and magnitude based at least in part on the relationship between the stored AB path and the field boundary, generates a first guidance path by applying the shift vector, generates a plurality of parallel guidance paths at spacings corresponding to the target guidance width, and commands an automatic steering system to traverse the guidance paths. The system can apply selective regional shifts based on terrain, enforce boundary clearances, reconcile prior line nudges or sensor-detected crop row positions, and synchronize datasets with cloud services to preserve consistency across operations and equipment widths.

An agricultural harvester comprising a plurality of rows divided by a plurality of snoots, a least one camera disposed on each of the plurality of snoots positioned such as to view gathering chains of each of the plurality of rows, a processor in communication with the at least one camera, wherein the processor is configured to determine fruit production per stalk, fruit size, kernel number per ear, loose kernels, and weed number.

The disclosure relates to the system and methods for generating a guidance path for automated navigation of large agricultural equipment. Vehicle path data from leading vehicles can be recorded, stored or inputted into the system for generation of guidance paths offset from the swaths traversed by the leading vehicle. Combines, planters sprayers and other vehicles utilizing guidance system can be used to record leading vehicle data for use by the following vehicle in real time or in subsequent cycles. Enterprise systems can manage multiple grain carts and/or combines or other vehicles to maximize efficiency.

An agricultural stalk sensor, having at least a first wand comprising a first rib extending longitudinally along a first side of the first wand. The stalk sensor optionally having a second wand comprising a second rib extending longitudinally along a first side of the second wand. A stalk sensor system wherein the first rib and the second rib at least partially overlap when the first wand and the second wand are in a resting position.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an electrically driven corn head and/or a corn head retrofitted with individual electric motor assemblies on each corn head. In various implementations, the corn head is configured for row-by-row control of harvesting operations. In certain implementations, the corn head and associated systems can count and estimate size of stalks and ears. Further the system is configured to measure yield.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a physical stalk sensing system comprising at least one resilient member. Sensors having the resilient member or members are able to estimate the size of the stalks of row crops as they pass through a field, such as a corn field. The sensors can be mounted on a corn head and the results can be analyzed and visualized. A system for predicting crop yields in real-time or near real-time. A system for adjusting a stripper plate gap.

A system and method for generating a guidance path for automated navigation of large agricultural equipment. Vehicle path data from leading vehicles can be recorded, stored or inputted into the system for generation of guidance paths offset from the swaths traversed by the leading vehicle. Combines, planters sprayers and other vehicles utilizing guidance system can be used to record leading vehicle data for use by the following vehicle in real time or in subsequent cycles. Enterprise systems can manage multiple grain carts and/or combines or other vehicles to maximize efficiency.

A method for determining cross track error, comprising calibrating a stalk sensor with two or more set points, detecting plant stalks by the stalk sensor, measuring a stalk angle for each plant stalk, and measuring presence and amount of cross track error based on the stalk angle.

Agricultural systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.