Season 1, Episode 12
Precision Farming in 2026: How Precision Spraying and Planting
Can Cut Costs and Save Time
Precision technology in agriculture is rapidly changing how growers manage inputs, labor, and efficiency on every acre. In this episode, Max Renk sits down with Matt Greenough and Holden Cauffman, two farmers in the Midwest, to discuss their experience with adding precision tools to their own operations.
Matt brings us along as he recaps his first full season using John Deere’s See & Spray™ technology, including how camera-based weed detection, individual nozzle control, and automation features delivered an average 68% reduction in chemical usage on his farm. Holden dives into how his Precision Planting SymphonyNozzle™ setup, turn compensation, and boundary mapping helped him reduce overlap, increase accuracy, and save time in the field.
Together, Max, Matt, and Holden break down several aspects of precision farming. From how camera-guided spot spraying works in corn and soybeans to the ROI potential of precision spraying systems, they uncover the realities of how modern technology is applied on real farms. At Renk Seed, we’re passionate about finding innovations that deliver real, measurable value in the field. This conversation highlights how precision technology helps farmers reduce input costs and operate more confidently in today’s agricultural landscape.
At Renk Seed, we’re passionate about finding innovations that deliver real, measurable value in the field.
Real-World Results
On both farms, the impact is clear: big chemical savings and major time savings. Matt is seeing around 68% less chemical use on post-emerge passes while still keeping fields clean, plus far fewer refills and less labor. Holden has almost eliminated overlap, applies more consistent rates on curves and hills, and knows that if he mixes for 50 acres, he actually sprays 50 acres—this really pays off in odd-shaped and challenging fields.
Unforeseen Benefits
The benefits go well beyond spraying. With mapped boundaries and waterways, autosteer, and turn automation, both farms are running more efficiently across planting, spraying, and harvest. They’re seeing less crop damage, less operator stress, and even yield bumps—Matt’s checks showed about 3 extra bushels per acre where See & Spray™ was used, likely because crops aren’t stressed by unnecessary herbicide.
...precision spraying and automation help them cover more acres, in less time, with fewer people—while keeping fields cleaner and crops healthier.
Economics: Do the Numbers Pencil Out?
While subscription and hardware costs are real, both growers say the technology pays for itself through chemical savings, reduced labor, and potential yield increases. Looking ahead, they’re excited about what’s coming next—like AI cameras that can handle stand counts, rock mapping, variable-rate herbicide, and dual-boom systems that combine residual and targeted sprays. Their bottom line: precision spraying and automation help them cover more acres, in less time, with fewer people—while keeping fields cleaner and crops healthier.
Already using precision technology on your fields? Considering adopting these tools? We’d love to hear from you to share experiences and find answers to questions. You can contact us on one of our social media channels: FB, Insta, X or LinkedIn. Listen to the full episode on whichever streaming platform you prefer or right here on our website.
