John Deere Tests Starlink-Powered Connectivity for Farming Equipment in U.S. and Brazil

John Deere is testing Starlink's satellite internet technology in an early access program aimed at enhancing agricultural connectivity. The trials, conducted in the U.S. and Brazil, explore how Starlink can improve machine communication and farm management, with production expected to start in November.

John Deere Pioneers Starlink-Powered Connectivity in Early Trials Across U.S. and Brazil

American machinery manufacturer John Deere is conducting an early access program to evaluate agricultural connectivity solutions that utilize Starlink's satellite internet technology. Customers in Brazil and the United States are purportedly conducting the experiments.

According to a report by Via Satellite, John Deere is anticipated to sell an aftermarket solution that includes a ruggedized Starlink terminal and cellular modem. This solution will facilitate the connection of agricultural machines to the company's farm management system. The publication noted that many paying customers in the United States and Brazil who purchased Starlink kits are enrolled in the early access program.

John Deere Sees Success with Starlink in Brazil, Plans November Launch for Optimized Agricultural Connectivity

Michael Kool, the senior product manager of Connectivity at John Deere, observed that Starlink has surpassed expectations in Brazil thus far. Some customers are utilizing the satellite internet system for activities such as logistics monitoring and in-field data sharing. Kool also observed that Starlink could be a valuable resource for John Deere dealers.

“If you’re in the state of Mato Grosso, which is the largest producing state in Brazil, a dealer could be seven hours away from that machine and quickly remote display into that machine. (This allows dealers to) troubleshoot the issue they’re having, to get them back up and running without a visit or any downtime. It’s impactful,” Kool said.

According to reports, John Deere is collaborating with Starlink to develop modifications to the satellite internet system to optimize it for agricultural applications. SpaceX is expected to manufacture the ruggedized Starlink system for agricultural equipment, as with other Starlink kits. John Deere is anticipated to commence production of the solution in November.

“It’s been a really cool experience seeing how our two teams blend together and ultimately deliver a solution that is a first of its kind in our vertical. We’re going to make that (hardware) a lean price that really sets the market and helps us to proliferate that solution with our customers. We want them to get on the machines. We want them to adapt and fully utilize connectivity,” the John Deere senior product manager noted.