# Collaboration In Ag Technology

Author: Jim.Robinson
Published: 2010-02-11
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/crop-inputs/precision-agriculture/collaboration-in-ag-technology/

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In three short years, manufacturers of precision technology have moved to acquire, partner, an ally themselves with companies that serve to strengthen their market positions and gain a competitive edge. The accompanying graphics serve to illustrate the drastic changes, especially amongst the more entrepreneurial companies.

– **Trimble and Ag Leader**, whose decade-long partnership had become strained in recent years, was finally severed in November when Ag Leader announced a new partnership with **AutoFarm**.

– **Ag Leader** also struck an agreement with sensor manufacturer **Holland Scientific**, which will yield its first product for the 2010 season.

– **Trimble** spent 2009 and late 2008 making acquisitions to diversify its product offerings, including software manufacturer **FarmWorks**, seed controller company **Rawson Control Systems**, planter clutch maker **TruCount**, and on-the-go sensor manufacturer **NTech Industries**. Trimble also struck a strategic partnership with **Dickey-john**.

- **Raven Industries** partnered with **Auto­Farm** on developing new technology. It also acquired Canadian technology company **Ranchview** (an unknown player in the US Precision Agriculture market) which was a key component in the development of Raven’s Slingshot brand. Raven also bought a minority stake in **SST Software.**

– **Pioneer Hi-Bred** acquired software manufacturer **MapShots Inc.**

– **SST and Raven** worked closely with **Monsanto**, as the biotech giant began developing its own proprietary agronomic recommendation software.

– **Leica and TeeJet** struck up a strategic alliance

– **Topcon and AGCO** kicked off a strategic alliance that will bring Topcon’s technology resea.rch and development power to the equipment giant.

– **CDMS** launched a new agronomic decision making program called Adviser

All this means that 2010 will be a year of challenging transition, as dealers settle in on an evolving product line and growers try to figure out their next move with their precision technology. Stay tuned to PrecisionAg.com for the lastest news on the precision front!