Deere & Company has entered into a joint venture with GUSS Automation, announced Deere on April 21.
GUSS, which stands for Global Unmanned Spray System, specializes in sprayers for high-value crops (HVC) such as semi-autonomous orchards and vineyards. HVCs generate higher value per acre than grains or oilseeds, according to the release.
“As demand for high-value crops grows, we see significant opportunities to help growers be more productive while addressing the challenges of increasing labor costs and finding skilled labor to operate equipment,” said Chris Davison, director of small tractor & HVC production systems at John Deere, in a statement. “The GUSS team has a deep understanding of the high-value crop production system, as well as strong relationships with customers and a proven track record of deploying innovative technology.”
Multiple GUSS sprayers can be remotely supervised by a single operator, allowing growers to spray orchards and vineyards more quickly and consistently, using fewer resources and reducing costs by eliminating operator error and downtime. The machines also control application rates and sprayer speeds across entire fields and in variable terrain with adjustable software parameters.
Through the joint venture, Deere & Company will help GUSS further collaborate with the Deere sales channel and GUSS will continue its innovation and product development to best serve customers, Mr. Davison said.
GUSS will retain its employees, brand name, and trademark, and continue to operate from its current location. GUSS employees, customers and business partners are not expected to notice a change in daily operations.
