#Japan #Tokyo #AgriNote #SatelliteService #BayerCropScience

Launch of AgriNote Satellite Remote Sensing Service

In a significant advancement for precision agriculture, Bayer CropScience, WaterCell, Iseki & Co., and Yanmar Agri have joined forces to introduce the AgriNote Satellite Remote Sensing Service (trial version). This innovative service aims to visualize the growth conditions of crops based on satellite data, enabling farmers to optimize their agricultural practices and improve efficiency. Set to commence on March 5, 2026, this trial version is an essential tool for modern farmers facing challenges such as labor shortages and climate change.

Background

In recent years, the agricultural sector in Japan has faced multifaceted challenges, including a declining workforce and the impacts of climate change. These challenges have necessitated the urgent adoption of digital technologies and satellite data in precision farming. Remote sensing technology has become increasingly sought after, as it allows for the monitoring of extensive farmland without requiring physical presence, thus providing critical insights for effective management.

The AgriNote service will utilize satellite-image analysis to visualize the growth conditions of crops in a timely manner. This enables producers to establish plans for optimal timing in operations and harvests. The service will further support the design of fertilization strategies by visualizing growth variability both between and within fields, thereby allowing for the creation of variable fertilization maps.

These maps can seamlessly integrate with agricultural machinery from Iseki and Yanmar, facilitating real-world applications and enhancing productivity.

Comprehensive Management with AgriNote

The integration of the satellite remote sensing service into AgriNote strengthens its role as a comprehensive farm management tool. Farmers will be able to manage everything from planning tasks based on crop conditions to recording and reviewing operational results in one platform. This shift aims to significantly bolster farm management and productivity.

The trial version will not only promote the new service but also gather insights into user behavior and workload, contributing to labor-saving practices, yield stabilization, and effective growth management. The official launch for the season of 2027 is already in the works.

Services Overview

• - Service Name: AgriNote Satellite Remote Sensing Service (Trial Version)
• - Eligibility: Available to users who agree to the terms and conditions of the trial version. Both free and paying users of AgriNote can participate.
• - Service Provision Period: March 5, 2026 - December 31, 2026. Note that applications will close once the specified number is reached prior to the end date.
• - Cost: The trial version will be available free of charge throughout the provision period.

About AgriNote

AgriNote is a farming support application that creates field maps based on aerial photographs. It aids farm management and information sharing between staff members. Users can easily input and view agricultural records via a dedicated app on smartphones or tablets. As of January 2026, over 34,000 organizations have adopted AgriNote, showcasing its extensive utility among producers.

Partner Companies

• - WaterCell: Aiming to build an informative platform for producers, WaterCell is focused on digitalizing and sharing agricultural information. In addition to the AgriNote, its offerings include the AgriNote Manager for municipalities and businesses and the AgriNote Rice Market, linking producers to demand chains.

• - Iseki & Co.: Established with the mission to alleviate labor burdens on farmers, Iseki continues to innovate for enhanced agricultural productivity. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, upholding its commitment as an essential partner in creating nutritious and sustainable agriculture.

• - Yanmar: A pioneer in engine technology since 1912, Yanmar has expanded its operations globally, focusing on sustainable solutions that create customer value in agriculture and other fields.

• - Bayer: A global leader in life sciences, specifically in healthcare and food, Bayer is committed to solutions that support sustainable development while enhancing agricultural productivity.

As we look toward the future, these four companies are dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative solutions and business models to address the diverse challenges facing Japanese agriculture.