Sentera is launching an early access programme for its Aerial WeedScout precision weed management solution. In partnership with major agribusinesses and farmers, the programme aims to gather feedback and build momentum for a 2025 commercial launch.

The Aerial WeedScout platform enables farmers to detect weeds as small as 0.25 inches across their fields. The platform provides detailed, plant-level insights via precise weed maps prior to making weed management decisions. This allows for optimised chemistries and volumes in spraying and supports more effective and targeted herbicide use.

Aerial WeedScout is designed to deliver plant-level data and herbicide prescriptions within 24 hours that can be executed through any precision sprayer. Farmers can optimise their chemistry choice and volume for maximum savings.

The early access programme prioritises collaboration with a large cross-section of leading multinational companies, equipment providers, retailers, and farmers. The group represents more than two-thirds of the US corn and soybean seed market and more than half of the US agricultural equipment market. In 2024, the programme will cover over 10,000 acres across Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

“At Sentera, we’ve invested significantly in precision georeferencing technology, high-resolution imagery, and deep learning algorithms to build and commercialise a remote-sensing platform that will redefine weed management and achieve rapid ROI for farmers,” said Brian Wenngatz, CEO of Sentera. “We want to empower farmers and their advisors to take action based on timely, detailed field-level insights, not assumptions. With Aerial WeedScout, we’re able to cover acres at a rate comparable to a full-speed sprayer while pinpointing weed size and locations with incredible precision — quickly helping farmers with weed management decisions based on field data, optimising sprayer logistics and maximising non-residual herbicide cost savings.”

“As we evaluate channel strategies for Aerial WeedScout, collaborations with experienced industry leaders who already recognise the transformative impact of our technology on the economics and sustainability of weed management are helping us better understand how to deliver maximum grower benefit,” said Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera. “The overwhelming response from our partners demonstrates broad industry interest and demand for more accessible precision solutions for farmers to help address challenges like herbicide resistance and more stringent regulatory controls.”