Key Takeaways
- Croptimistic Technology Inc. introduces the SWAT CAM, an innovative automated plant stand counting tool.
- This technology significantly improves data collection efficiency and accuracy in agriculture.
- SWAT CAM’s advanced features promise substantial savings in time and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
SWAT CAM: A Game-Changer in Crop Monitoring
Revolutionary Technology
- The SWAT CAM technology, developed by Croptimistic, automates the traditional manual process of plant counting. This tool represents a significant leap in crop monitoring, offering a more efficient and objective approach to assessing plant stands in fields​.
Functional Capabilities
- Mounted on sprayer booms, SWAT CAM autonomously captures images every 60 feet without requiring manual operation. The images are processed through machine learning models in Croptimistic’s SWAT RECORDS software, distinguishing crop from weed data and generating a detailed map by SWAT zone. This system enables farmers and agronomists to optimize crop establishment and plan precise variable-rate strategies for seed planting, fertilization, and herbicide application​.
Impact and Benefits
Enhanced Resolution and Objectivity
- According to Derek Rude, VP of Research and Development at Croptimistic, SWAT CAM offers a 1000x higher resolution in plant counting and eliminates subjective biases associated with human involvement. The technology constantly improves machine learning models for accurate field assessments​.
Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
- Cory Willness, CEO of Croptimistic, highlights the technology’s capacity to collect more extensive plant stand data with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, all at a cost comparable to traditional methods. This advancement aligns with the contemporary agricultural focus on data-driven decisions and environmental sustainability​.
SWAT CAM Availability and Pricing
Pre-Order and Pricing Details
- SWAT CAM is available for pre-order for 2024 with a 10% discount if ordered before December 14, 2023. The discounted price is $3,555 CDN per system plus a monthly subscription fee of $0.50/acre. Orders must be made through SWAT MAPS service providers and are exclusively available to farmers who have mapped or plan to map their entire farms by spring 2024​.
Image provided by Croptimistic
