Rate control is the essence of precision technology. It enables product to be applied at a specified rate, where and when it is needed most. Although, the ability and functionality available through the controller grows when paired with other John Deere technology like a StarFire™ Receiver and MTG/Modem with JDLink™ Connectivity.
Documentation
Pair the John Deere Rate Controller 3 with a compatible display and receiver to enable mapping and reporting for practices that otherwise may not have data captured. That data will then be logged on the display and can be transferred to Operations Center. If using an MTG or modem with JDLink™ Connectivity, experience a seamless flow of data, along with near real-time monitoring and analysis. This expands visibility in-field and remotely to make on the fly decisions. For example, maybe an adjustment needs made to settings in order to optimize performance. This also provides accurate documentation of work completed in each field and the ability to make even more educated decisions in the future.
Target rate layer versus actual as-applied map
Having true documentation of what actual work occurred in each field is extremely beneficial. When that granularity is multiplied across all fields, it gives the operation a full record of work complete overtime and the ability to compare season to season and year to year.
NOTE: New with the Rate Controller 3, if a pressure sensor is installed on a liquid profile, a pressure map layer will also be available.
Section Control
Rate control is a foundational requirement to use Section Control. The John Deere Rate Controller 3 and Section Control work together with the receiver (global positioning system) to understand where product has already been applied, triggering section shut off and turn on, alleviating over or under application.
With the correct setup in the cab, this functionality can also be extremely beneficial when crossing in and out of headlands or crossing an interior boundary. Section Control further:
- Reduces input costs caused by overlap
- Reduces weed pressure or nutrient deficiency caused by missed sections
- Reduces operator fatigue from manual turn on/shut off
- Increases overall yield
- Enhances land stewardship
NOTE: A Section Control activation is required to use Section Control.
For many customer segments, the impact of environmental considerations and food production practices are becoming more and more driven by consumers. Purchasing decisions are changing immensely with the desire to know where food and textiles originated and how they were produced. The ability to track and report farming practices is becoming important not just at an operational level but also to the overall market. This makes adopting or upgrading rate control more important than ever before.