Dealer Workflow in Italy: John Deere Ops Center - GeoPard - VRA Nitrogen - Trials - Profit Maps

In precision agriculture, accurate data and advanced analytics are key to smarter decisions and improved farm productivity. Last year, GeoPard Agriculture partnered with John Deere Dealer Sergio Bassan S.r.l. in Italy to support local farmers throughout the growing season. Here’s how our collaboration impacted a single field as an example.

1. Getting Started: Defining Productivity Zones & VRA Maps

To prepare for the season, we analyzed historical yield data and vegetation trends to assess the field's productivity profile. Since the topography was relatively flat and not a limiting factor, the focus was on yield and historical vegetation patterns. The yield data was seamlessly imported into GeoPard via John Deere Operations Center integration.

Using a multi-layer approach, we segmented each field into three productivity zones based on yield data and historical vegetation using the EVI2 index from satellite imagery. This allowed farmers to fine-tune their seeding and fertilization strategies, adjusting rates to match field variability.

To evaluate the impact of Variable Rate Application (VRA) seeding, we designated a trial line that crossed all productivity zones. This direct comparison helped measure the effectiveness of VRA seeding versus conventional uniform-rate planting.

2. Precision Execution: From Planting to Fertilizer Application

GeoPard facilitated the seamless execution of VRA maps and provided detailed tracking of applications throughout the season.

Seamless VRA Map Delivery & Execution

The VRA maps were sent directly to the John Deere Operations Center for execution by the machinery. GeoPard supports multiple export formats, including Shapefile, ISOXML, and direct integration with John Deere Ops Center, as Files, Map Layers, and Work Plans. Throughout the season, a combination of variable-rate applications (seeding, nitrogen fertilization) and flat-rate treatments (pre-plant phosphorus and potassium application, as well as several nitrogen side-dress applications) was implemented to optimize crop performance and nutrient management.

Tracking As-Applied Fertilizer Maps

GeoPard captured and analyzed all application data, comparing planned vs. executed operations to detect any discrepancies that might require adjustments or reapplication. Thus a comparison of target vs. applied seeding rates confirmed precise execution with no major discrepancies.

3. Delivering Actionable Insights

Post-harvest analysis plays a crucial role in learning from the season and planning for the next one.

Yield Data Cleaning and Calibration

Once harvesting is complete, yield maps automatically appear in GeoPard via the John Deere Operations Center integration or can be manually uploaded through the GeoPard interface. The platform calibrates and cleans harvester yield data, ensuring high-accuracy insights for better decision-making. Side-by-side comparisons below clearly show how data cleaning sharpens analytics and enhances reliability.

Nitrogen Management

Having access to all as-applied maps from the season enabled precise calculations of total nitrogen application by summing up all nitrogen-related operations.

Nitrogen Uptake Rate was determined using yield data and crop models. If harvesters are equipped with crude protein sensors, this data is incorporated into calculations for even more accurate insights.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency & Surplus were assessed by comparing total nitrogen input vs. crop nitrogen uptake, helping optimize fertilization strategies for future seasons.

VRA and Trials evaluation

With well-defined trial areas, in-depth analytics were generated to compare crop performance across different productivity zones.

These insights provided a clear understanding of how each zone responded to VRA seeding, helping validate best practices for future seasons.

The provided trial map and data table present a detailed analysis of crop performance across four distinct productivity zones, showcasing the impact of Variable Rate Application (VRA) seeding on yield and profitability.

Key Observations and Insights

• Profitability vs. Area: While Zone 2 achieved the highest total profit and average yield, Zone 3 demonstrated that smaller, highly productive areas (20.42 t/ha) can generate high profitability per hectare (€1808.14/ha).

• Zone Performance: The map shows that the highest-yielding areas align with lighter green productivity zones (Zone 3), indicating a strong response to VRA seeding.

• Profit Distribution: Zone 4 (Trial line), despite having a decent yield, underperformed in total profit due to its smaller area and possibly higher input costs or lower efficiency.

• Future Implications: These analytics provide a data-driven foundation for refining seeding strategies in future seasons, suggesting that higher investments in more responsive zones (like Zone 3) could boost overall farm performance.

Yield & Profitability Analysis

By analyzing yield data against actual input costs, farmers gained clear visibility into Spatial Profit Maps a powerful tool to assess profitability at a sub-field level. A comparison of Yield Income minus Expenses identified high-margin zones and pinpointed areas needing more targeted interventions.

4. Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Building on this year’s success, the collaboration with John Deere Dealer Sergio Bassan Italy continues into the 2025 season with additional features and enhanced operations:

Automated Soil Sampling Recommendations

GeoPard’s intelligent system proposes optimal points for zonal soil sampling. The GeoPard Mobile app is used for sampling and scouting.

Soil Sampling Data Analytics & VRA Recommendations

Once soil data is collected, GeoPard will translate that information into precision fertilizer application maps, guiding variable-rate prescriptions across different zones.

Automated Trial & VRA Analytics

Farmers will benefit from an automated process to evaluate the effectiveness of their VRA strategies and trial lines, enabling faster and more consistent reporting.

Automated Profit Map Generation

We plan to automate profitability maps using executed operations and other key data to optimize profitability and assist in planning for the next season

5. Partner Insights

According to our partner Sergio Bassan Italy,

“GeoPard’s analytics have made it easy for our team and farmers to use precision ag tools effectively. Reliable analytics and consistent support throughout the season have improved input planning and management. We are confident that the synergy between our department and GeoPard will bring significant changes and benefits to our customers.”

- Edoardo Pozzato, Precision Agriculture Agronomist.

Final Thoughts

From defining productivity zones to analyzing yield and profit maps, our collaboration with John Deere Dealer Sergio Bassan Italy shows the real benefits of precision agriculture. As we move forward with automated soil sampling recommendations and improved profitability analytics, we look forward to driving even greater efficiency and sustainability for farmers in the region.

About the Companies

Sergio Bassan srl: In its 10 locations, the company offers a selection of new and used agricultural machinery, tractors, combine harvesters, shredders, telescopic handlers, excavators, satellite guidance systems, equipment for working the land and haymaking, horticulture and vineyards, gardening machines and tractors, accessories and spare parts. Sergio Bassan's team consists of eight precision farming technicians dedicated to providing guidance on precision technology and helping farmers experience its benefits firsthand in the field. The Precision Ag department aims to test new solutions for their customers while maintaining a constant connection, even remotely, to offer continuous support.

GeoPard Agriculture: The company is at the forefront of precision agriculture technology. Specializing in geospatial analytics, GeoPard provides solutions that transform complex agricultural data into actionable insights. Their technology focuses on optimizing various aspects of farming, from soil analysis to VRA maps, remote sensing, and ag equipment data analytics, contributing significantly to the advancement of smart farming practices.