In August, ag equipment giant John Deere announced the acquisition of Kingsburg-based GUSS Automation, three years after beginning a partnership between the two companies, according to a news release.

GUSS roared onto the scene in 2018 with its autonomous sprayers built for California’s high-value crops. A few years later, the company rolled out the Mini GUSS, capable of spraying in tighter locations. Using GPS, LiDAR, and a variety of sensors, the machines can navigate in and out of orchards and vineyards.

GUSS Chief Operations Officer Gary Thompson said the acquisition will accelerate development for the company.

“Joining John Deere enables us to tap into their unmatched innovative capabilities in precision agriculture technologies to bring our solutions to more growers around the world,” Thompson said in the release. “Our team is passionate about helping high-value crop growers increase their efficiency and productivity in their operations, and together with John Deere, we will have the ability to have an even greater impact.”

John Deere Expands Footprint in California Ag

Julien Le Vely, director, Production Systems, High Value & Small Acre Crops, at John Deere, said the acquisition marks further investment into California’s specialty crops.

“Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less,” Le Vely said. “GUSS brings a proven solution to a fast-growing segment of agriculture, and its team has a deep understanding of customer needs in orchards and vineyards. We’re excited to have them fully part of the John Deere team.”

The acquisition comes three years after the two companies announced a joint venture. The partnership brought more resources to help the company scale and innovate.

Only days before the acquisition, John Deere also announced a strategic collaboration with Salinas-based nonprofit The Reservoir, an incubator for ag technology companies. The collaboration is part of an effort to help growers increase efficiency and address labor shortages.

The partnership makes Deere the exclusive original equipment manufacturer to the Reservoir, giving the company access to early stage startups.

“At the Reservoir, we’re focused on accelerating innovation for (high-value crops) and the long-term sustainability of California agriculture,” said Danny Bernstein, CEO of The Reservoir. “John Deere brings trusted technology, technical expertise, and a real commitment to grower support and strength.”