DLG Silver for real-time analysis of corn grain processing with the Fendt Katana
DLG Silver for real-time analysis of Fendt Katana corn grain processing
The ForageQualityCam in the Fendt Katana continuously measures the grain preparation process and thus enables the highest quality corn silage. DLG is presenting this pioneering technology solution with the “Innovation Award” in silver at Agritechnica 2025.
In recent years, scientific studies have shown that a “Corn Silage Processing Score” (CSPS) or grain shredding – of 70 percent or more has a particularly positive influence on milk yield. The forage processing of the corn silage in the cow works measurably better at CSPS values of this amount. The new hardware and software function ForageQualityCam is a combination of high-speed camera and AI-supported image analysis in the separate terminal, which determines the quality of grain processing in real time.
The camera captures 13 images per second of the crop flow in the discharge chute and transmits it to a computing unit in the forage cabin. A specially trained algorithm evaluates the grain processing in real time, the results of which are displayed directly on a separate monitor. When falling below individually defined values, a warning is given. Quality control is therefore continuous and optimisations, especially at the cracker, can be adjusted. Elaborate sampling with delayed analysis is no longer necessary, which creates transparency, especially in the contract business, and ensures an optimal work result. At the same time, fuel consumption can be optimised. Since significantly higher CSPS values do not automatically lead to a correspondingly higher milk yield, excessive crushing by the cracker can be dispensed with. This avoids unnecessary energy expenditure and is used more efficiently with the forage.
In recent years, scientific studies have shown that a “Corn Silage Processing Score” (CSPS) or grain shredding – of 70 percent or more has a particularly positive influence on milk yield. The forage processing of the corn silage in the cow works measurably better at CSPS values of this amount. The new hardware and software function ForageQualityCam is a combination of high-speed camera and AI-supported image analysis in the separate terminal, which determines the quality of grain processing in real time.
The camera captures 13 images per second of the crop flow in the discharge chute and transmits it to a computing unit in the forage cabin. A specially trained algorithm evaluates the grain processing in real time, the results of which are displayed directly on a separate monitor. When falling below individually defined values, a warning is given. Quality control is therefore continuous and optimisations, especially at the cracker, can be adjusted. Elaborate sampling with delayed analysis is no longer necessary, which creates transparency, especially in the contract business, and ensures an optimal work result. At the same time, fuel consumption can be optimised. Since significantly higher CSPS values do not automatically lead to a correspondingly higher milk yield, excessive crushing by the cracker can be dispensed with. This avoids unnecessary energy expenditure and is used more efficiently with the forage.
New ideas are developed in our Innovation Center in close collaboration with our customers. The film gives a glimpse behind the scenes of how the ForageQualityCam was crafted, tested and improved together - Farmer first!