News Release

BASF launches xarvio® SCOUTING app for Australian growers, crop technicians and advisors

• Access to the world’s number one in-field agronomic problem identifier
• Instant image recognition of local weeds and diseases for key broadacre crops
• Supports better agronomic decision-making
   

Cologne, Germany / Melbourne, Australia – March 16, 2022 – BASF Digital Farming GmbH, part of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division, has officially launched its xarvio® SCOUTING smartphone application (app) to support Australian growers, crop technicians, and agronomists. The app, which is free to download and use, has been specifically configured to accurately identify significant local weeds and diseases impacting key broadacre crops such as wheat, barley, and canola.

Developed by agronomists and farmers, xarvio SCOUTING uses an advanced plant modelling platform powered by live algorithms that continually improve precision and functionality through machine learning and data sharing. It can instantly detect in-field stress and calculate leaf damage by simply taking a picture with a smartphone. A unique community-based radar function allows growers to see threats in surrounding fields and notifies them once a threat is close to their area, so they can act. 

“xarvio SCOUTING is developed for agronomists, crop technicians and farmers to easily identify and document problems in the field. You simply take a photo and instantly receive the result. Armed with this information in-field issues can be more accurately diagnosed and better decisions can be made on appropriate treatments and timing,” said Gavin Jackson, Head of Agricultural Solutions, BASF Australia and New Zealand. 

Saving time spent on scouting expeditions and increasing growers’ and advisors’ access to detailed and beneficial information, xarvio SCOUTING is widely recognised as the most comprehensive, automated, agronomic problem identifier available globally. The app can identify more than 400 weed types and recognise damages caused by more than 400 different diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies in over 60 different crops. It is currently used by over six million farmers and consultants across more than 100 countries, with these numbers growing daily. 

“We are confident that xarvio SCOUTING will be well-received and used in Australia. And as more and more growers and advisors use it and submit images of their crops, weeds and pests, the app’s accuracy will continually improve and deliver relevant results,” added Jackson.

To download the free xarvio SCOUTING app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

For further information, please contact:

Eike Croucher

BASF Australia Ltd.

Mobile: +61 438 503 431

Email: eike.croucher@basf.com

About xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions a brand by BASF Digital Farming GmbH 

xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions is at the forefront of the digital transformation of agriculture, optimising crop production. xarvio® offers digital products, based on a global leading crop model platform, which deliver independent, field-zone-specific agronomic advice that enables farmers to produce their crops most efficiently and sustainably. xarvio® products SCOUTING, FIELD MANAGER and HEALTHY FIELDS are being used by farmers in more than 100 countries. xarvio® FIELD MANAGER is used by more than 80,000 farmers (total area of more than 11 million ha) in 18 countries, and xarvio® SCOUTING is used by more than 6 million farmers and consultants. For more information, please visit xarvio.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2021, our division generated sales of €8.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF in Australia and New Zealand

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.