In our recent webinar with FarmQA, we explored how high-frequency satellite imagery is revolutionizing digital agronomy. From directed scouting to variable rate prescriptions, the integration of Planet’s data into the FarmQA platform allows agronomists and growers to make more informed, timely decisions.
If you missed the live session or want to revisit the demonstrations, you can watch the full recording here.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the spatial resolution of the Planet data provided through FarmQA?
A: Planet’s high-frequency imagery (PlanetScope) provides a resolution of approximately 3.7 meters per pixel. This level of detail is significantly higher than free options like Sentinel-2 (10 m), making it ideal for managing small plots and identifying sub-field variability.
Q: How frequently is Planet’s data collected?
A: The data is collected nearly every day. This daily cadence is a major advantage in cloudy regions, while other satellites might only pass every 7–10 days (and risk being obscured by clouds), Planet’s near-daily captures increase the likelihood of getting clear, actionable images during critical growth windows.
Q: Can the imagery be used to determine the exact date a field was seeded or planted?
A: Satellite imagery primarily detects "emergence" (or "green-up") rather than the physical act of planting. However, by using high-frequency data, users can backtrack from the emergence date using growing degree days to estimate the planting date. In certain "no-till" scenarios, the change in soil texture visible in high-frequency imagery can also indicate when a planter has passed over a field.
Q: If I am already a customer of FarmQA, can I still access historical imagery?
A: Yes. When you subscribe a field to Planet imagery within FarmQA, the system backfills up to five years of historical data. Combined with your current subscription, this provides a total of six years of data for trend analysis and historical benchmarking.
Q: Can I download the Planet images for my own records?
A: Yes, the FarmQA platform includes a download feature within the imagery viewing screens, allowing you to keep records for further analysis.
Q: How does the system handle fields with multiple crops?
A: FarmQA does not automatically distinguish between different crop types (e.g., corn vs. canola). Instead, users define their own field boundaries and crop types. You can then subscribe those specific "sub-field" segments to receive imagery.
Q: Which crops are supported in the FarmQA platform?
A: The platform is highly customizable and currently supports over 50 different crops.
Q: What indices do you recommend for tracking harvest progression?
A: FarmQA uses a proprietary approach that monitors the "greenness" of the field and calculates the derivative of that value over time to track how quickly a crop is maturing or being harvested.
Resources & Next Steps
- Special Offer: Get started with Planet and FarmQA today for $0.85/acre/year + 160 free acres (offer valid until October 31, 2026).
- Learn more about FarmQA Website: Fact sheet and prescriptions overview.
- Contact the Planet team: Reach out and we'll help you find the right product and pricing for your needs.
- Dive deeper: Watch the full webinar.
Do you have more questions about using FarmQA and Planet together? Drop them in the comments below!
