AMVAC and Simplot Introduce SIMPAS3 Product Prescriptive Technology
AMVAC Chemical Corporation collaborated with the J. R. Simplot Company to field test the proprietary Smart Integrated Multi-product Prescriptive Application System (SIMPAS).
SIMPAS is integrated on the planter to precisely and variable-rate apply products including nematicides, insecticides, fungicides and micronutrients with a three hopper system. The system uses new SmartCartridge container technology and on-the-row RFID-tagged containers for application.
The system uses software to control the application rate of each product on every row at every location in the field with an accuracy of +/- 1%. Each SmartCartridge is a self-contained closed-delivery container that is equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that confirms each cartridge is authorized for use, properly installed, and in the correct position on the planter. The RFID tag also “links” individual cartridges with the purchaser, enabling farmers to receive credit for unused SmartCartridge contents when returned to the original place of purchase.
Simplot Grower Solutions (a division of the J. R. Simplot Company) will test this prescriptive platform as part of their SGS comprehensive services.
The collaboration allows AMVAC to install hardware and software at select SGS retail locations in order for those retailers to handle and process the SmartCartridges used by SIMPAS equipment to prescriptively apply products. SGS will then be able to pre-commercially test SIMPAS SmartCartridge hardware and software at multiple SGS locations during the 2018 crop cycle in anticipation of the soft launch of the technology in 2019 by AMVAC.
Dave Dufault, Vice President and General Manager, J. R. Simplot Company says, “We’ve been big and early supporters of 4R Nutrient Stewardship to ensure growers use the right fertilizer in the right amounts at the right time and in the right place and this technology expands these services to a total solution. Combining SmartFarm® data-driven agronomy solutions from Simplot and SIMPAS technology from AMVAC, we can enable farmers to apply crop protection, nutrition and specialty products to only those areas of their fields where they’re needed. That’s good stewardship and it helps farmers maximize their return on investment.”
Bob Trogele, AMVAC COO, says, “Simplot Grower Solutions is one of the premier precision Ag organizations in the world so we’re thrilled with the opportunity to make pre-commercial SIMPAS systems available to their leading-edge, innovative farmers. Simplot crop advisors, utilizing the Simplot SMARTFARM program, know where and at what rate each product should be applied.
