LandScan, a Davis, California-based agrotech company, has been granted a patent for its farm simulation tool, called a “digital twin.” This technology creates virtual models of farms, enabling farmers to better understand their land, test different strategies, and make smarter decisions in real-time.
The patent, titled “Precision Site Characterization Using Digital Twin,” is the first of its kind in agriculture. It will allow farmers to closely monitor their fields, predict how crops will grow under different conditions, and improve farming practices to increase productivity.
What is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is like a virtual map or model that mirrors what’s happening in the real world on a farm. It uses data collected from satellites, drones, and sensors in the field to give farmers a clear and detailed view of their land. This includes things like soil quality, moisture levels, and crop health. Farmers can use this information to:
Key features of the patent include:
High-Resolution Data Analysis: The digital twin uses data from sources like satellites, drones, and ground sensors to give a detailed view of the farm. This helps monitor soil conditions, moisture levels, and crop health more accurately.
Predictive Modeling: The digital twin can simulate different farming methods, like planting, watering, and fertilizing. This helps farmers choose the best strategies to increase crop yield and save resources.
Dynamic Adaptation: As weather and other factors change, the digital twin updates to show the latest conditions and gives recommendations for managing the farm.
Integration with Precision Tools: The technology works with existing farming tools, like GPS-guided machines, to help farmers manage specific areas of their fields more easily.
Sustainability and Resource Management: By using water, fertilizer, and other resources more efficiently, the digital twin supports eco-friendly farming and helps reduce environmental impact.
“We are thrilled to have secured this patent, which solidifies our position as the pioneer in agricultural digital twin technology. Our technology for precision site characterization and analysis will provide unprecedented insights into agricultural environments, helping farmers make more informed decisions, reduce resource use, increase productivity, and provide objective metrics for soil health and sustainability baselining and monitoring.”
With this new technology, farmers don’t need to rely on old methods like taking soil samples by hand. The digital twin provides constant updates and a clearer picture of what’s happening in the field. As a result, farmers can act more quickly and accurately when managing their crops.
Early Success Stories
Major agricultural companies are already using LandScan’s digital twin technology. Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), a large nut supplier, has used the system on its almond farms in the US. It plans to expand its use in its Australian operations next year.
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“LandScan’s digital twin technology has had a significant and practical impact on our almond production in the US with immediate and measurable ROI, and we are excited about its expansion into our Australian operations in 2025,” said Zac Ellis, Senior Director of Agronomy, OFI.
Mars, the company behind brands like M&M’s, is also using the technology to improve cocoa production. It helps Mars monitor soil health and ensure that its crops are grown sustainably.
“Mars is excited to begin working with LandScan’s digital twin technology for the purpose of optimizing international cocoa production and providing important soil health sustainability metrics for our supply chain,” said Greg Hocking, VP Global R&D New Innovation Territories at Mars Wrigley.
The Future of Farming
LandScan’s farm simulation technology could be used in many other areas of farming in the future. Beyond helping with crop growth, it could also track where food comes from and how crops are grown. As this technology develops, LandScan hopes to help farmers create smarter, more sustainable farming systems.
“We see this patent as just the beginning,” added Dan Rooney. “Our goal is to further develop and integrate digital twin technology across all aspects of farming, creating a fully connected and intelligent agricultural ecosystem.”
