Evergreen FS recently achieved a big win for the entire FS System when they achieved their first patent. To be exact, U.S. patent no. 12,029,147 - Crop Disease Prediction and Associated Methods and Systems directed to machine learning systems that predict crop diseases.
Let’s break down what this really means for the FS System and the farmers they serve.
The patent leverages data science and artificial intelligence to predict and manage plant diseases. The technology collects and analyzes various data points, such as weather conditions, soil, and pathogen pressure, to develop predictive models. These models can then forecast potential disease outbreaks, enabling farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops sooner. If fewer crops are damaged from disease, this can translate to a positive financial impact.
The tool uses data and machine learning to advise agronomists and farmers on the best window of time to apply treatments based on the risk level of disease. The machine learning component can compile data and extrapolate insights that would otherwise go unseen by relying only on our human scouts to detect.
Image 1. Screenshot of a disease map in the tool showing the presence of different disease spores.
For example, when pathogen levels are high, and weather conditions reach certain levels, the tool knows when the best window of time is to apply treatments like fungicide, which can lead to a higher ROI on the farm.
Until now, fungicide applications have predominantly been scheduled based on human observations and crop growth stages, but sometimes, the treatments are applied too late to achieve maximum ROI.
For example, the data shows that in 2024, pathogens like Tar Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight have been trending higher than in previous years. This is a critical insight we wouldn’t have known so early in the growing season in previous years, making it more challenging to identify when farmers should apply an earlier-season fungicide. With the help of artificial intelligence technology in the patent, agronomists are equipped with insights based on science and data that can help them accurately identify which fields will have a higher fungicide response.
It is exciting to be at the cutting edge of the latest AI technologies in the agriculture industry. This patented machine learning system will help bring transparency to growers, help maximize their investment in crop protection, optimize logistics, produce better yields, create better environmental stewardship, and increase profitability.