John Deere See and Spray saves millions

Farmers cut herbicide use by half with precision spraying tech

John Deere’s See and Spray technology was used across more than five million acres of farmland during the 2025 growing season — an area larger than New Jersey. Farmers reduced non-residual herbicide use by almost 50 percent, saving nearly 31 million gallons of herbicide mix and proving the value of targeted application even in a challenging year of frequent rains and heavy weed pressure. 

“See & Spray continues to redefine what’s possible in crop protection,” said Joshua Ladd, Marketing Manager for Application at John Deere. “With See & Spray, farmers can save on input costs, improve weed control, boost yields, and increase their sustainability – all in one pass. Our customers’ results for 2025 show that these benefits are real.” 

Introduced in 2021, See and Spray uses boom-mounted cameras and onboard processors to scan over 2,500 square feet per second at up to 15 miles per hour. Deere’s ExactApply system then activates individual nozzles to spray only where needed. The result is less waste, healthier crops, and stronger economic returns. 

The system is available as a factory install or Precision Upgrade kit for model-year 2018 and newer R-series and 400/600 series John Deere and Hagie sprayers. 

Independent field studies in seven states found soybean fields treated with See and Spray averaged two extra bushels per acre — with some trials showing up to 4.8 bushels more — compared to traditional broadcast spraying. Researchers also noted lower crop injury and better overall field health. A separate Beck’s Hybrids study confirmed similar yield gains, reinforcing that precision pays off for farmers. 

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic