What are you offering?
For the 2021 growing season, we expect to offer growers a package of services focused on nitrogen management. We will be using a fleet of our next-gen machines and will handle all of the logistics required to keep machines running on the field and moving them field-to-field. Our team will work with you in the run up to the season to get your field(s) set up in our system. We expect that our grower customers will provide the necessary nitrogen fertilizer and cover crop seed, although we will work with you on a case-by-case basis as needed.
What is your service region?
We expect to be able to service growers in several areas during the 2021 season. From expressions of interest (using this form), we will narrow down the list. We plan to give growers the opportunity to secure their position on the list by pre-paying for a set acreage (see details below).
How will N application rates be decided?
We are developing a powerful set of Rowbot Data Solutions to help guide in-season N applications. These data simulation tools will leverage the industry-leading N modeling tool, Adapt-N. We’ll set up your field(s) in this system and share simulation results with you as we work collaboratively to set application rates and timing.
How will N be applied?
For the earlier application (around V6), we expect to have a solution for incorporating N to prevent losses through volatilization. Later in the season (V16-V18), we will spray N at the base of the stalks, in the region that is often moist as a result of overnight dew and/or rain running down the leaves. We expect to be able to apply up to 20 gallons of UAN (28 or 32%) per pass, although should be able to adjust the rate to suit your operational needs.
Will variable rate be possible?
Yes, we expect to be able to leverage a variable rate map your team produces. In addition, we are developing a powerful set of Data Solutions that will combine nitrogen modeling, simulation, and real time crop sensing to improve variable rate maps.
How will cover crops be seeded?
We have two methods for seeding. Our standard method is to blow seed onto the soil surface using an air seeder. We can also use the tracks from our next-gen machine to improve soil-seed contact. We will likely have the capability to carry two seed types (or two seed mixes), dropping one in front of the tracks and blowing the other out the back of the machine onto neighboring lanes—this would result in 1/3 of the field being seeded using the enhanced soil-seed contact method and 2/3 of the field being seeded with our standard air seeding method. We are open to adjusting this plan on a case-by-case basis.
What will it cost?
We plan to charge $35 per acre (full package price), including discounts for the 2021 season:
Rowbot’s Data Solutions (no charge; expected normal pricing $2-4 per acre)
Early (~V6) application of nitrogen fertilizer ($8 charge; normal pricing $10-12 per acre)
Late (~V16-V18) application of nitrogen fertilizer ($12/acre)
Cover crop seeding late summer (just before or soon after corn maturity; $15 per acre)
Do you need as-planted maps?
We will need some basic field information and will gather that when we formalize a contract for the 2020 season. In terms of GPS-based as-planted maps, these would be great but are not required. We’d use any of this data to help know roughly where our machines are on the field, but ultimately, on-board sensors are used to navigate between rows—GPS is not good enough for that. For the 2021 season, we expect to do more on-the-ground field mapping than will be needed in the future. This may include a drone flight and some basic surveying. In general, we expect that our machines will eventually generate actual as-planted maps on-the-fly during their first pass through your field.
What happens if you can’t deliver?
Earning your trust is paramount to us. The number of acres we can service in 2021 will depend on the capitalization of our company. Thus, all pre-sale funds will go into escrow and will be returned to you (with interest) should we fail to deliver Rowbot services to your farm.
Why are you offering discounts for 2021?
We are actively developing our Data Solutions and plan to prepare for a commercial launch in the 2021 season. Our innovative strategy depends on early and late in-season N applications, so we intend to shoulder some of the added cost of that extra application during the 2021 season. We fully expect that the results from the 2021 season will make you a true believer and future customer of our Data Solutions!