John Deere Announces Exciting Updates
John Deere Announces Exciting Updates: John Deere has announced an impressive lineup of machine updates and innovations for the 2026 model year. These updates cover a wide range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, planters, sprayers and tillage tools. Whether you’re looking for better automation, increased precision or increased efficiency, John Deere’s latest developments are designed to make farming easier and more productive.
Autonomous Cultivation Using Next-Generation Identification System
John Deere is introducing new Precision Upgrade Kits that bring autonomous capabilities to farming operations. This kit is available for the following models:
9R and 9RX tractors (2022 models and later)
8R and 8RX tractors (2020.5 models and later)
Some 2025 model year tractors are equipped with autonomous features from the factory.
To make your tillage implements autonomous, John Deere offers retrofit kits and new tillage implements for 2017. These kits include lighting upgrades, Starfire receiver masts and wiring harnesses. Starting in 2025, some tillage implements will have factory-installed autonomous-enabled features.
Major Combine Upgrade
John Deere has introduced several enhancements for the 2026 model year that improve efficiency and maneuverability.
New CAM hinged draper reel with dense pack fingers for improved crop flow.
The CF 18 30 Cone Head is the industry’s first collapsible cone head with 18” rows and 30” spacing.
Harvest Settings Automation now includes off-crop settings to increase efficiency when passing through pre-harvest areas. Supports wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, corn and rice.
Predictive Ground Speed Automation allows operators to manage rough terrain, channels, ditches and terraces.
Weed detection sensors improve field monitoring and weed management.
AutoTrack Turn Automation automates raising and lowering the combine head for smooth turns.
Automatic Unload Camera allows you to optimize grain cart filling and reduce spills.
JD Link Boost Satellite Connectivity improves your combine’s connectivity during harvest.
Physical upgrades for the 2026 model include a new instructor seat, dual USB-C fast chargers and enhanced automation features to improve crop performance.
Advanced Sprayer Features for Cleaner Fields
John Deere has introduced new sprayer technology aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing competition with weeds.
The See & Spray Variable Rate allows farmers to apply the exact amount of product, saving money and improving application accuracy.
The See & Spray Select is now standard equipment on 2026 400 and 600 Series sprayers and is also available as a Precision Upgrade Kit for 2018 and newer sprayers.
See & Spray Premium expands compatibility with Hagie STS20 sprayers to accommodate 90-foot, 100-foot and 120-foot booms.
AutoTrack Turn Automation (ATTA) is compatible with John Deere 400 and 600 Series sprayers, 800R floaters, Hagie STS12, STS16 and STS20 sprayers.
AutoTrack Vision 2.0 keeps sprayer wheels in the crop row on slopes up to 6 degrees and at speeds up to 22 mph.
ExactApply Variable Rate allows you to set multiple product application rates for different sections of the boom, increasing accuracy and efficiency. This feature will be standard in 2026 and available as a software upgrade for 2023-2025 models.
New Planter Innovations for Precision Farming
John Deere is increasing planting efficiency with four major updates.
The John Deere Rate Controller 3 now applies two liquid or anhydrous ammonia (NH3) products simultaneously, reducing the number of passes required.
Seed Level Sensing Technology accurately measures and displays the amount of seed remaining in the tank to the John Deere Operations Center.
Fertilizer Level Sensing uses advanced sensors to improve accuracy and provide real-time data about remaining fertilizer levels.
Active Vacuum Automation automatically adjusts vacuum in real time to prevent seed skipping and duplication, improving planting accuracy.
These planter upgrades are available as precision upgrade kits for select planters starting with the 2022 model year and will be factory installed through the 2026 model year.
The Future of Agriculture with John Deere
John Deere continues to innovate with cutting-edge technology to help farmers increase productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading your existing machinery or investing in new machinery, Pet