Focus: Agriculture

Can Space Data be the Catalyst for a Revolution in Food Production?
LONDON — Satellites have the capability to play a huge role in the sustainable agricultural revolution. This was a key theme during the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, which took place in London this week. NASA Harvest Director Inbal Becker-Reshef said that food security is one of the most “critical issues of our time,” as the...
Sustainability
Case IH Previews Intelsat Terminal for Satcom Tractor Solution
Agriculture manufacturer Case IH recently showcased its upcoming satellite terminal for tractors, combines, and more at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, as it prepares to roll out a satcom solution with Intelsat.    Via Satellite spoke with Case IH during Farm Progress to hear about why the manufacturer chose to work with Intelsat, and...
Connectivity
John Deere Details Early Access Program for Starlink Solution 
John Deere is going through an early access program for certain customers to test the company’s new agriculture connectivity solution with Starlink. Via Satellite spoke with Michael Kool, John Deere senior product manager of Connectivity, at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, this week to get an update on the Starlink rollout. Announced in...
Connectivity
Planet Extends its Digital Farming Contract with Germany's BASF
German smart agriculture company BASF Digital Farming GmbH will expand the scope of its existing contract with Planet Labs in order to access more data from Planet’s Crop Biomass Planetary Variable analysis feed. In an announcement published Tuesday, BASF Digital Farming said it will increase its use of Planet’s satellite data products to power its...
Imagery and Sensing
Malaysia's Musang Valley Plantation Looks to EO Data
Musang Valley Plantation (MVP) is to use space-based technology to drive and implement sustainable practices and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The Malaysian integrated plantation company will use advanced Earth observation (EO) data and analytics solutions provided by SC Solutions. It announced the deal, Jan. 29. Under the agreement, SC Solutions will work closely...
Sustainability
John Deere Selects Starlink for Agriculture Connectivity Solution 
John Deere selected SpaceX’s Starlink for its agricultural connectivity solution, the company announced Tuesday, after a long RFP process with the satellite industry.  The satcom solution will connect both new and existing machines through satellite internet service and terminals. The company said Jan. 16 that John Deere dealers will install a ruggedized Starlink terminal on...
Connectivity
India-based EO Startup SatSure Raises $15M Series A Round
SatSure, an Earth observation startup based in India and focused on using satellite data for agricultural insurance use cases, raised $15 million in a Series A round. Baring Private Equity Partners, India (BPEP India) and Promus Ventures led the round, with participation from Omidyar Network India, xto10X, Force Ventures, Luckbox Ventures, and IndigoEdge Advisors. SatSure,...
Connectivity
Screenshot via SatSure
FCC Calls for Diverse Involvement in Precision Agriculture Task Force 
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel put out a call for representatives from diverse and underrepresented communities to apply for membership on the FCC’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force, including socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The FCC issued a release on Aug. 21 announcing its intent to charter the task force for a third and final term....
Connectivity
Wheat harvest on the Palouse in the Northwest U.S. Photo: USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Aspia Space Launches New Satellite Based AgriTech Solution
Aspia Space has developed a new tool harnessing AI and satellite data to enable grassland farmers to remotely measure the height of their grass from space. The company announced the new tool, July 18. Aspia Space is partnering with Origin Digital to launch the service with farmers in Ireland this summer. By accurately measuring the...
Connectivity