Farming has always been a profession built on precision, yet when it comes to spraying chemicals, many farmers admit they’ve often been working with guesswork. Are the chemicals hitting the right spots? Is the coverage enough to protect the crops effectively? This is where the innovative AgZen spray-tracking technology is making waves. By providing real-time insights into droplet size, adhesion, and leaf coverage, this system is helping farmers gain control like never before.
AgZen Spray-Tracking Technology: A Game-Changer in Agriculture
The AgZen spray-tracking technology, equipped with boom-mounted cameras, allows farmers to monitor their chemical applications in real time. This advanced system observes exactly what is being sprayed and how well it adheres to the plants. According to Josh Karshen, director of business development at Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), “They are looking at what you are spraying, and if it is actually efficient and effective, with a camera and computer system on the boom of your sprayer.”
Though not yet widely available, WHIN has introduced AgZen to several Indiana farmers to test its performance on real farms. Among those early adopters are Bryan Brost from Oxford and Nick Frey from Crawfordsville, who shared their firsthand experiences.
Why Farmers Tried AgZen Spray-Tracking Technology
For Bryan Brost, the decision to try AgZen was driven by curiosity and the need for better insights. “We didn’t know what kind of coverage we were getting,” he explained. Once AgZen began testing adjuvants on his farm, it became clear that some products were not as effective as others. With the help of the system’s data, Brost managed to reduce his spray carrier volume from 20 gallons per acre to 15 gallons without compromising on coverage.
Nick Frey echoed this sentiment, comparing the technology to how Precision Planting transformed his approach to seeding. “If you would have asked me before what percentage of coverage we were getting on our spraying pass, I would have guessed 50% to 70%, or a high number. And obviously, that wasn’t the case,” Frey said.
How AgZen Technology Performed in the 2025 Season
Both farmers reported significant improvements during the 2025 season using AgZen spray-tracking technology. Brost shared, “We probably had the best spray coverage of corn that we’ve ever had. We nailed it and cut our spray carrier volume with the same coverage. On fungicide, we cut the product and carrier in half on certain acres.”
Frey also highlighted the system’s adaptability during a challenging season marked by heavy rains. “We’d planned to do a two-pass postemergence application and ended up combining that into one on about half of the farms because of timing. And we got excellent control and excellent coverage,” he said, noting that it made him consider reducing volume or switching to a one-pass program in the future.
Advantages of Using AgZen Spray-Tracking Technology
- Real-time insights: Farmers can instantly see droplet size, adhesion, and leaf coverage.
- Cost savings: Reduced chemical and carrier usage without sacrificing coverage.
- Better decision-making: Data-driven insights help select the best adjuvants and spraying practices.
- Sustainability benefits: Using fewer chemicals reduces environmental impact.
Areas for Improvement in AgZen Technology
As with any emerging technology, AgZen spray-tracking still has room to grow. Brost noted that previous versions had a bulky modem above the batteries, which has since been removed. Frey added that the system still needs to become more compact. “I have written on my windshield the word ‘camera’ with an arrow just so I don’t forget that it’s sticking out there. To get that thing smaller and folded up would be handy,” he said.
The Future of Spray-Tracking Technology in Farming
Spray-tracking technologies like AgZen are set to transform how farmers manage their chemical applications. With better data comes better efficiency, reduced costs, and improved crop protection. As the technology evolves, it is likely to become smaller, smarter, and even more user-friendly.
Why Farmers Are Excited About Spray-Tracking Technology
Farmers like Brost and Frey see AgZen as the next step toward smarter farming. It offers them visibility they never had before and helps them save both money and resources while maintaining or even improving results.
FAQs about AgZen Spray-Tracking Technology
- What is AgZen spray-tracking technology?
AgZen is an advanced system with boom-mounted cameras that monitors droplet size, adhesion, and leaf coverage during spraying. - How does it help farmers?
It provides real-time data to improve spraying accuracy, reduce chemical usage, and ensure optimal crop protection. - Is the technology widely available?
Not yet. It is currently being tested with select farmers in Indiana and is expected to expand. - What cost savings can it offer?
Farmers reported reducing spray carrier volume and chemical usage by up to 25% or more without losing effectiveness. - Does it require special equipment?
AgZen integrates with standard sprayers, but some adjustments and installations are needed.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Smarter, Sustainable Farming
The feedback from Indiana farmers highlights that AgZen spray-tracking technology is more than just a tool, it is a step toward precision, sustainability, and profitability in agriculture. While it still has room to improve in size and design, its potential to transform spraying practices is undeniable. As the technology becomes more accessible, more farmers may soon move from guesswork to data-driven spraying.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared by participating farmers and AgZen representatives. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional agricultural advice.
