Hummingbird Technologies has signed an agreement with Agrovista to provide a digital platform and remote sensing offering that compliments existing agronomic services. Charlotte Cunningham reports.
Using satellite data captured from arable fields, Hummingbird Technologies will create advanced crop analytics, powered by artificial intelligence.
Agrovista agronomists will then use this to target crop walking and inform management decisions, by building a library of information on a per-field basis. The data will also be used to produce precise recommendations and application maps for fertiliser and plant protection products, targeting inputs and improving efficiency whilst minimising environmental impact.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Agrovista and their team of agronomists on the front line,” says Will Wells, chief executive officer of Hummingbird Technologies. “The combination of our remote sensing and data analytics skills with Agrovista’s agronomic knowledge provides a high-quality service and robust support tool for farmers. Selling through the agronomy channel at scale is now our preferred route to market.”
Point of difference
Hummingbird has also developed an in-house cloud detection and coverage tool. This feature identifies and masks cloud cover from satellite imagery, facilitating the use of partially cloudy satellite images. This is achieved by allowing the user to set a flat rate to be applied to the areas of the field under cloud, whilst maintaining the VR across the remaining field.
This tool is a point of difference for Hummingbird, significantly increasing the amount of usable surveys available to Agrovista and their customers so key application timings are not missed, says the firm.
Head of soil health at Agrovista, Chris Martin, said: “Our agreement with Hummingbird is part of a wider business commitment to targeted agronomy, working alongside our customers to help them make fully-informed data-driven decisions that not only offer a good return on investment, but also accommodate wider environmental factors.
“Agrovista aims to be abreast of the latest technological advancements so that our farmers can support UK food production in the most sustainable way possible, by using available tools effectively.
“As a business, we believe in being open to partnerships that give our customers added value, that contribute to Agrovista’s ability to be a total solutions provider.”
