Iowa-based agricultural cooperative Landus has announced the statewide rollout of SkyScout, an aerial scouting platform designed to support Iowa farmers with advanced data insights. By integrating drone and fixed-wing aircraft technology with artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, SkyScout enables users to assess field conditions throughout the growing season and respond swiftly to agronomic challenges.
Consistent Aerial Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts
According to Landus, SkyScout delivers comprehensive visual and data-driven insights from emergence to harvest. Farmers receive consistent, high-resolution aerial imagery of their fields every 12 days, supported by instant alerts on a range of critical factors, including low emergence rates, weed infestation, crop stress, nutrient deficiencies, and signs of disease. The system’s thermal imaging capabilities are capable of forecasting disease outbreaks up to two weeks in advance, while identifying issues such as weed presence and plant stress with an accuracy rate of up to 95 percent.
Increased Predictive Accuracy and ROI
Sam Caton, interim CEO and Executive Vice President of Sales at Landus, explained that the platform’s analytical precision enables growers to reduce variability in yield predictions by up to 50 percent.
“Growers are generally within 10 percent when predicting their yield, SkyScout can reduce that variability by 50 percent. The ability to make informed, real-time decisions ensures they get the best ROI.”
Customized Recommendations from Agronomy Experts
In addition to its aerial data-gathering functionality, SkyScout stands out through its integration with Landus’ agronomic support system. Each set of aerial scans is reviewed by a team of agronomy experts, who translate the imagery into practical, customized recommendations. John Finneseth, Director of Technical Experts at Landus, emphasized the importance of simplifying complex data for growers.
“We understand that many growers may not have time to analyze complex data. Our agronomists can translate the drone imagery into specific action items, whether that’s targeted applications or addressing issues early before they spread.”
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Support for Smarter Resource Use and Sustainability
SkyScout also supports long-term agricultural strategy by offering insights that help refine decisions on seed selection, tillage methods, and fertilizer applications. By enabling early identification of hidden yield losses, the platform aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming operations.
Finneseth further commented on the tool’s alignment with the values of the cooperative’s farmer-owners. “As stewards of the land, our farmer-owners deserve tools that match their expertise,” he said. “SkyScout brings advanced drone scouting into the hands of every Iowa farmer, supporting sustainable practices, early detection of issues, and smarter resource use.”
SkyScout is now accessible to all farmers in Iowa, offering a mobile-first solution that combines high-frequency imaging, AI-powered diagnostics, and expert agronomic consultation, all aimed at helping producers make proactive, data-informed decisions throughout the growing cycle.
