Director of Agronomy, Industry Relationships, and Regulatory Affairs at Verdant Robotics
Precision agriculture is entering a new era, and Verdant Robotics is at the center of that transformation. On Ag Meter, host Nick sat down with Chad Yagow, Director of Agronomy, Industry Relationships, and Regulatory Affairs at Verdant Robotics, to discuss how advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and ultra-precise application are changing the way farmers manage weeds, inputs, and profitability.
Verdant Robotics was founded by leaders from both the self-driving vehicle industry and commercial agriculture, supported by engineers with backgrounds at NASA, aerospace programs, and military aviation. Their goal was clear: bring high-level automation and precision into everyday farming operations—especially areas still dependent on manual labor and broadcast spraying.
That vision became reality with the Sharpshooter, Verdant’s flagship implement. Using machine learning and AI, the Sharpshooter identifies crops and weeds in real time while creating a three-dimensional digital map of the field. Instead of traditional spray nozzles, the system delivers a microliter-sized stream directly onto the weed—accurate down to a millimeter—without contacting the crop.
The results are dramatic. Compared to broadcast spraying, the Sharpshooter reduces liquid application volumes by 96 to 99 percent, significantly lowering chemical use, water, and adjuvants. Just as importantly, this precision minimizes off-target exposure, helping protect beneficial insects, soil microbes, and surrounding ecosystems.
Originally developed for apple blossom pollination and thinning, the technology was later adapted for in-field weed control. That evolution allows growers to control weeds beneath the crop canopy and right next to plants—areas where conventional tools often fail.
The Sharpshooter is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing operations. It mounts on standard Category I or II three-point hitches, requires no PTO, operates at low tractor RPMs, and weighs just over 2,100 pounds unloaded. This lightweight design allows growers to enter fields earlier without rutting or compaction.
Return on investment varies by crop, but the economics are compelling. Vegetable growers often see ROI through reduced hand labor, while specialty and row-crop producers benefit from yield protection where in-season weed control options are limited. In many cases, growers are seeing payback in six to eighteen months.
Despite its advanced technology, the system is intentionally “walk-up easy.” Operators typically become comfortable in a day and proficient within a week, supported by a simple, intuitive interface that provides real-time visual confirmation of crop detection, weed targeting, and application.
Looking ahead, Yagow expressed cautious optimism for the 2026 season, emphasizing agriculture’s resilience and Verdant’s commitment to helping farmers remain profitable, sustainable, and prepared for increasing pressure on crop inputs.
👉 To truly understand the precision and impact of this technology, listeners are encouraged to hear the full interview and watch the Sharpshooter in action. Seeing it work makes all the difference.