Showcasing the power of precision ag technology in specialty crops
Joe DeBrock from Monroe Tractor Canandaigua recently played a key role in an exciting precision thinning trial in Western New York, partnering with Orchard Dale Fruit Company, Lamont Fruit Farm, Outfield Technologies, and Cornell University. The goal? To bring the power of precision application long used in field crops into orchards, helping growers target blossom thinning sprays more accurately and efficiently.
This collaborative project proved that with the right technology and know-how, adapting field-proven solutions for orchards is not only possible but also effective.
Bridging technologies from field crops to fruit trees
The concept started during winter planning conversations between our team and Quinton and Bobby from Orchard Dale Fruit. Joe shared his experience with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) systems, which he’s used on field crop sprayers since 2009, and how they could adapt that same precision to orchard sprayers. Once on board to move forward with the trial, Orchard Dale brought Jason from Lamont Fruit Farm in as well.
Together with representatives from Outfield Technologies and Cornell, the team met to align on goals:
- Enable the sprayer to quickly and accurately apply variable rate applications using variable rate scripts that Outfield writes based on the drone information
- The sprayer was easy to use, could vary the spray rate fast, and could accept Outfield’s VRA scripts
After the trial, the orchards were impressed. “I was skeptical at the beginning, but now I’m a believer,” one manager shared. “I can’t believe how well that worked.”
The tech behind the trial
Using a Turbo-Mist sprayer retrofitted with Raven Industries’ Viper 4 monitor and the CapstanAG PinPoint system, the team integrated Outfield’s variable rate application (VRA) scripts directly into the equipment.
Capstan’s system allowed for precise control, using PWM coils on each nozzle to individually adjust duty cycle, delivering consistent pressure and spray rate across every tree panel. The installation process was seamless, thanks to the Turbo-Mist sprayer’s user-friendly layout and Capstan’s compatibility with Raven’s Universal Terminal.
Jim from Outfield captured blossom imagery with a drone-mounted camera, and based on those images, Jason from Lamont assigned zones for low, medium, and high application rates. Outfield then generated a custom VRA map, which was uploaded into the Raven Viper 4 monitor, automatically controlling spray output throughout the orchard.
Results that matter
The trial successfully demonstrated a true variable rate spray application across the orchard—adjusting rates panel by panel based on actual tree needs. This meant avoiding over-application on trees that didn’t require full-rate thinning, helping to optimize crop load and improve overall yield.
“We were able to apply the right rate to the right area,” said Application Specialist Joe Debrock. “And next year, I think we’ll be able to take it a step further by varying the rate at the individual tree level.”
Looking ahead
This project shows just how impactful precision agriculture can be when applied creatively. Bringing field crop technology into orchard systems opens the door for smarter spraying, less waste, and more consistent fruit production.
With the support of innovative partners and open-minded growers, Monroe Tractor is proud to help lead the charge in advancing orchard technology one panel at a time.
Want to learn how precision tech can work in your orchard or specialty crop operation?
Reach out to your local Monroe Tractor team—we’re ready to help you grow smarter.
