Rudy Lai

AI @ Deere & Co.

Agricultural and construction equipment
Industry
Last updated
July 3, 2025 at 10:44 AM

Summary

  • John Deere has progressively embedded advanced AI technologies such as computer vision, machine learning, and autonomous systems into its agricultural machinery and operations from 2018 through 2025. Key products include 'See & Spray' technology that uses AI to identify and treat weeds precisely, reducing herbicide use by up to two-thirds and improving crop health.
  • Under the leadership of CTO Jahmy Hindman since at least 2025, Deere accelerated investment in AI with $300 million committed, incorporating edge computing and 5G-enabled industrial AI to connect 1.5 million machines via satellite, enabling real-time autonomous farming solutions. These AI advancements have positioned Deere as a global leader in AI-powered precision agriculture, boosting operational efficiency and farming yields significantly.
  • John Deere's AI-driven transformation has led to tangible business outcomes including substantial labor savings addressing agricultural workforce shortages, reduction in chemical costs, enhanced crop quality and yield, and a predicted 50% stock growth fueled by its AI innovations, with a strategic vision toward a fully autonomous farm by 2030.

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5 AI Use Cases at Deere & Co.

Factory Optimization
2025
Traditional
Generative
Agentic
Outcome
Costs
John Deere applies AI, including 5G connectivity and digital twins, at manufacturing sites for real-time quality control, predictive maintenance, and digital assistance to enhance factory efficiency and reduce downtime. [1][2]
Weed Control
2025
Customer Facing
Traditional
Generative
Agentic
Outcome
Costs
John Deere utilizes AI-driven computer vision and machine learning to precisely detect weeds in real-time and selectively apply herbicides or lasers to eliminate them, dramatically reducing chemical usage while improving crop health. [1][2][3]
Labor Shortages
2025
Customer Facing
Traditional
Generative
Agentic
Outcome
Costs
AI-enabled autonomous equipment helps mitigate agricultural labor shortages by automating complex farming tasks such as planting, spraying, and harvesting, increasing productivity without reliance on manual labor. [1][2][3]
Autonomous Farming
2025
Customer Facing
Traditional
Generative
Agentic
Outcome
Costs
By integrating AI, computer vision, and edge computing into farming machinery, Deere enables fully autonomous tractors and equipment that operate with minimal human intervention, enhancing efficiency, safety, and consistent field operations, particularly in remote areas connected via satellite. [1][2][3]
Crop Yield Optimization
2021
Customer Facing
Traditional
Generative
Agentic
Outcome
Revenue
Machine learning models analyze granular data such as grain quality and growth conditions to adjust farm equipment parameters automatically, improving harvest efficiency and maximizing crop yields based on real-time insights. [1][2]

Timeline

2026 Q1: no updates

2025 Q4

1 updates

Deere evolves from equipment maker to AI-driven agriculture leader by implementing private 5G networks, industrial AI for predictive maintenance, autonomous operations, and digital twins for factory productivity.

2025 Q3

1 updates

CTO Jahmy Hindman leads Deere’s AI push integrating 36 cameras and machine learning to boost crop yields and reduce chemical usage; plans to connect 1.5 million machines via satellite for real-time farming operations.

2025 Q2

1 updates

AI solutions address farm labor shortages, expand deployment of 'See & Spray' technology, highlighting enhanced farm productivity and resource optimization.

2025 Q1

1 updates

Introduction of second-generation autonomy kit featuring advanced computer vision and AI capabilities to enhance autonomous farming machinery performance, building on CES 2022 debut.

2024 Q4

1 updates

John Deere develops generative AI-based database solutions to streamline data access, supporting enhanced analytics and operating efficiencies.

2024 Q3

1 updates

Major $300 million AI and machine learning investment announced; collaboration with NVIDIA to boost edge computing power embedded in farm machinery; expanded 'See & Spray' adoption.

2024 Q2: no updates

2024 Q1

1 updates

John Deere leverages AI to address labor shortages with robotic and autonomous solutions and reduces herbicide application through precise AI-driven techniques.

2023 Q4

1 updates

John Deere prepares for a fully autonomous farm by 2030, leveraging computer vision and machine learning to help farmers tackle global challenges such as population growth.

2023 Q3

1 updates

The firm advanced AI-embedded farm machines along with flagship products like 'See & Spray' that precisely targets weeds to reduce herbicide use.

2023 Q2

1 updates

Deere applies AI and automation extensively to analyze data for insights helping farmers make better decisions and uses 'See & Spray' to optimize weed control.

2023 Q1: no updates

2022 Q4: no updates

2022 Q3: no updates

2022 Q2

1 updates

John Deere emerges as one of the largest AI firms globally, debuts a fully autonomous tractor at CES 2022, combining automation and autonomy AI approaches.

2022 Q1: no updates

2021 Q4: no updates

2021 Q3

1 updates

Machine learning applied to analyze grain quality allowing automatic adjustment of machine parameters, demonstrating AI's role in precision agriculture.

2021 Q2

1 updates

Substantial investments in AI made, resulting in cultural shifts within Deere and transformation of farming with AI automation and computer vision.

2021 Q1: no updates

2020 Q4: no updates

2020 Q3: no updates

2020 Q2

1 updates

Deere solidified its position with cutting-edge application of AI, machine learning, and computer vision in agriculture technology.

2020 Q1: no updates

2019 Q4

1 updates

John Deere unveils its 'Farm Forward' campaign from 2013 vision, pushing AI deployment in all machines aiming for an autonomous farm ecosystem.

2019 Q3: no updates

2019 Q2: no updates

2019 Q1: no updates

2018 Q4: no updates

2018 Q3: no updates

2018 Q2: no updates

2018 Q1

1 updates

Introduction of 'See and Spray' technology employing machine learning to identify weeds and remove them in real time, marking Deere's initial AI application in precision agriculture.