Digital farming: BayWa acquires majority interest in service developer of satellite-based applications

BayWa AG, Munich, Germany, has acquired a majority interest in Vista GmbH, Munich, Germany. Vista specialises in satellite-based remote sensing services and applications for agriculture, water management and the environment. The company uses satellite data to develop digital solutions, such as accurate local forecasts of nutrient and water requirements or harvest forecasts for research and commercial application. BayWa has already been working with Vista GmbH since 2008 through the Group subsidiary FarmFacts.

By acquiring 51 percent of the shares in Vista, the BayWa Group has secured valuable expertise for the development of digital solutions. 'When it comes to digital farming, our focus is on the practical benefits for our customers, regardless of the size of their farms,' said Klaus Josef Lutz, Chief Executive Officer of BayWa AG. 'Satellite data linked with intelligent algorithms offers effective approaches for introducing digital farming on a widespread basis more rapidly,' Lutz added.

'We look forward to further expanding our successful partnership with BayWa,' said Dr Heike Bach, Managing Director of Vista GmbH. 'Our goal is to create even more attractive solutions for our customers that make a noticeable contribution to added value and conserving resources. For us, innovation and sustainability are intrinsically linked.' The BayWa Group's current portfolio already includes Vista's 'TalkingFields' solutions. The system uses satellite data combined with weather and soil information. A software program developed by Vista uses algorithms to simulate realistic plant growth. TalkingFields maps provide precise digital guidance for site-specific crop management tailored to individual needs, allowing farms to improve yields per unit of land while also saving resources.

In addition to the established solutions for agriculture, Vista develops applications and methods as part of research contracts for the public sector and in collaboration with research institutes and space agencies like DLR and ESA. The company's customers also include utilities in water management and financial service providers, such as insurers. Vista GmbH currently employs 17 people.

More information can be found at:

www.7560-digital.com/en/markets/talking-fields/

www.vista-geo.de/en

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