John Deere Announces Strategic Partnership with SpaceX

Deere & Company announced recently it has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) service to farmers. Utilizing the Starlink network, this solution will allow farmers facing rural connectivity challenges to fully leverage precision agriculture technologies. 

The SATCOM solution will connect both new and existing machines through satellite internet service and ruggedized satellite terminals. This will fully enable technologies such as autonomy, real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, enhanced self-repair solutions and machine-to-machine communication.

John Deere’s SATCOM solution will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation. To activate this solution, John Deere dealers will install a ruggedized Starlink terminal on compatible machines, along with a 4G LTE JDLink modem to connect the machine to the John Deere Operations Center. The SATCOM solution will initially be available through a limited release in the United States and Brazil starting in the second half of 2024.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Farm equipment is notoriously out of date with data and communication technology. Often, it is several generations behind other communication customers in the ability to share data and manipulate that data from a tractor, combine or even home. Hopefully this move will provide a much-needed boost to Deere customers. It should also allow Deere dealers to better track a machine’s performance in the field and keep them informed of maintenance or repair issues. Also remember that you can offer high-tech satellite communication services to your customers through AgPack®. Yes, VIASAT is a proud member of our AgPack® partner team. They can help with broadband in rural and remote areas. Be sure to check your Certified Ag Dealer mobile app for their generous offer!