Boulder, Colorado, USA
January 12, 2016
Agribotix LLC and Hawkins® Manufacturing Inc. have partnered to make turnkey drone-enabled agricultural intelligence technologies and services widely available across the US. Hawkins' nationwide dealer network will offer the fully supported, efficient, agricultural analytics solution to 567 dealers in 33 states. The turnkey package combines Agribotix's FarmLens™ cloud-based data platform with their purpose-built Enduro™ quad copter.
Agribotix provides the platform, service and support. Users can scout and record aerial field data across up to 160 acres in a single flight. The long-range quad agricultural drone can simultaneously capture plant health (NIR) and standard visual (RGB) images. The data collected is uploaded to the FarmLens™ platform, where it is processed to produce high-resolution Field Health Reports (NDVI), essential for early identification of yield-limiting problems, and shapefiles used to inform variable application prescriptions. Agribotix reports are designed for precision agricultural use and can be used to identify and address issues, optimize inputs and monitor crop health throughout the growing season. With early issue identification and prompt intervention, growers can improve crop yields and increase profits. It is widely anticipated that the FAA will enact regulations in 2016 that make it easier to fly drones for agriculture and that will accelerate adoption of the technology.
This is the first foray into drones and analytics for Hawkins, which will soon introduce additional products that leverage FarmLens reporting to increase the efficiency and profitability of farmers' operations.
"Demand for our best-in-class ag intelligence solution keeps growing," said Agribotix CEO, Lou Faust. "Our relationship with Hawkins significantly expands our US distribution and gives their dealers a fully supported, all-in-one product to offer their customers. We are 100% focused on agriculture, and we have a deep understanding of what farmers need to better manage their crops and increase their bottom lines. It's got to be easy, it's got to be actionable, and it's got to be backed with superb customer support."
"Hawkins is excited to be involved in this blossoming industry of drones and the capabilities that they can offer to our farmers. Agribotix drones are easy to use, and the "simplicity by design" fits well with our own approach. The enthusiasm and integrity of their people is exactly what we look for in our partners," said Hawkins General Manager, Karen Aldama.
About Agribotix
Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2013, Agribotix LLC delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. All Agribotix solutions include FarmLens,™ a leading cloud-based data analysis and reporting solution for people using drones in agriculture. Outputs include agricultural intelligence maps for in-season fertilization, georeferenced reports that can be used to identify resistant weed patches and estimate coverage, and specialized reporting that supports precision ag programs. The FarmLens solution is bundled with the Enduro turnkey ag drone system, which includes a long-range agricultural quad copter. For more information, visit www.agribotix.com or call (720) 295-3625.
About Hawkins Manufacturing
Hawkins Mfg., Inc. started in Pierce, Colorado in the 1960's, with their main product, the Hawkins Row Crop Ditcher. The company moved to its present location in Holdrege, Nebraska in 1981. Hawkins manufactures row crop tools, gauge wheels, shank clamps of all sizes, crust breakers, tool bars for row-crops, and NH3 fertilizer applicators. Liquid fertilizer applicators, including the Planter "N" Forcer and Coulter "N" Forcer, have become a staple in the industry. Recent introductions include the Down Corn Reel. Hawkins products are marketed nationally through distributors and a network of dealers. www.hawkinsmfg.com/
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