PAG | March 2022

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All created path plans remain stored within Launch
Pad, allowing users to make year-to-year comparisons
so that adjustments for each stage of the production
cycle can be analyzed, and cost savings to be
monitored.
“Additional benefits include the analytical tools inside
the app,” said Barch. “Farmers can compare equipment
types to understand what the best fit for their farm
would be. We also allow farmers to compare various
scenarios and associate cost savings of using each
unique path plan.”
For ROI, Barch is even more enthusiastic: “Path
planning reduces in-field decision making. This
helps farmers and operators save time to complete
operations, focus on increasing machine utilization
rate, reduce fuel use —different for each farm based
on what kind of equipment they are running—and
how complex their fields are in terms of shape and
terrain. We can calculate ROI for single- or multi-fleet
operations—we have a subscription-based model, and
results would be seen instantly on the first plan they
run. This is compounded across all fields for the entire
farming season.
“Our price is affordable for any farmer of any farm size.”
See
For future endeavors, Barch said that as ag equipment
becomes autonomous—such as the new John Deere
tractor introduced in January of 2022–Launch Pad
will be used as a complementary tool to path plan for
autonomous farm equipment.
“We have one version of Launch Pad, but are working
to develop more and more features,” summed up
Barch. “With new features will come self-service
pricing bundles based on each individual farmer’s
needs. Each user has a custom experience as the fields
they see in Launch Pad are their own. We are fully
integrated with John Deere Operations Centre but, as
mentioned, also work with all machine types/brands.”
Case studies employed by Verge have shown that
customers are happy with Launch Pad, seeing
tremendous results after a single farming season.
“You can find testimonials on our website,” said Barch.
“Customers working off Launch Pad path plans are
expressing how easy it is to navigate and are very
satisfied.
“They also enjoy how easy the product is for planning
and implementing,” she continued. “We offer an on-
farm service as part of our Professional Services
package (customer consultation and seasonal service),
or for those farmers who are eager and understand
tech, they can easily figure it out on their own.”
Verge offers Launch Pad worldwide, selling to farmers
and dealers via partnerships in key ag regions.
“We are a unique product solving a real-world problem
in agriculture—reducing the carbon footprint,” said
Barch. “Customers are seeing value in Launch Pad no
matter where they are located.” | pag
“OUR PRICE IS AFFORDABLE FOR ANY
FARMER OF ANY FARM SIZE.”
“ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE THE
ANALYTICAL TOOLS INSIDE THE APP.”
“WE ARE A UNIQUE PRODUCT
SOLVING A REAL-WORLD PROBLEM
IN AGRICULTURE—REDUCING THE
CARBON FOOTPRINT.”
PHOTO: zhaojiankang/iStock/Getty Images Plus 18