Agribotix LLC and Hawkins Manufacturing Inc. have partnered to make turnkey drone-enabled agricultural intelligence technologies and services widely available across the US, the companies said.
Hawkins´ nationwide dealer network will offer the fully supported, efficient, agricultural analytics solution to 567 dealers in 33 states. The turnkey package combines Agribotix´s FarmLensâ„¢ cloud-based data platform with its purpose-built Enduroâ„¢ quad copter.
Agribotix provides the platform, service and support. Users can scout and record aerial field data across up to 160 acres in a single flight. The long-range quad agricultural drone can simultaneously capture plant health (NIR) and standard visual (RGB) images. The data collected is uploaded to the FarmLensâ„¢ platform, where it is processed to produce high-resolution Field Health Reports (NDVI), essential for early identification of yield-limiting problems, and shapefiles used to inform variable application prescriptions.
Agribotix reports are designed for precision agricultural use and can be used to identify and address issues, optimize inputs and monitor crop health throughout the growing season. With early issue identification and prompt intervention, growers can improve crop yields and increase profits. It is widely anticipated that the FAA will enact regulations in 2016 that make it easier to fly drones for agriculture and that will accelerate adoption of the technology.
Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2013, Agribotix LLC delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies.
Hawkins started in Pierce, Colorado in the 1960´s, with the Hawkins Row Crop Ditcher. The company moved to its present location in Holdrege, Nebraska in 1981. Hawkins manufactures row crop tools, gauge wheels, shank clamps of all sizes, crust breakers, tool bars for row-crops, and NH3 fertilizer applicators.
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