New Variable Rate and Vision Tech Lead the Upgrades
John Deere has announced exciting upgrades to its sprayers for model year 2026, offering better precision, smarter spraying, and broader accessibility.
Josh Ladd, market manager for application equipment at John Deere, recently shared the highlights with Farms.com.
At the top of the list is the variable rate technology for See and Spray Select.
Previously used mainly in fallow applications to detect green weeds against dark soil, this system can now be used for later season applications such as fungicides, desiccants, and plant growth regulators (PGRs).
Operators can set specific spray bands and target rates, while onboard cameras and processors adjust the application in real time, ensuring the right amount of product is applied across every acre.
This development helps small grain producers respond to varied field conditions without relying solely on prescription maps. Now, adjustments happen automatically during the pass.
Two new enhancements also come to John Deere and Hagie sprayers:
- AutoTrac Turn Automation, previously available on other John Deere equipment, now supports smooth automated turning.
- AutoTrac Vision 2.0 introduces a stereo and mono camera system that keeps sprayers perfectly aligned on crop rows—even at speeds up to 22 mph—reducing crop damage and improving yield potential.
These features will be standard on all model year 2026 sprayers.
For those not ready to invest in new machines, precision upgrade kits are available for 2018 and newer John Deere sprayers, offering access to See and Spray Select's advanced capabilities.
John Deere will release more details on software updates for existing machines later this year.
These upgrades show Deere’s continued commitment to smarter, more efficient spraying, and better results across every field.
Ladd explains more in the video below.