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Tony Kramer: Hi, I'm Tony Kramer, your host of the Agriculture Technology Podcast. I'm sitting down with agriculture, technology and equipment experts to help you enhance your operation for today, tomorrow and into the future.
In this episode, I talk with Bergen Nelson about some of the combine updates coming for model year 2026. With that, let's dive into the show.
Very excited to welcome back to the show, Bergen Nelson. So, Bergen, this is actually your second, maybe even third time on the show. I don't remember exactly, but definitely a repeat. So before we get started, why don't you remind our listeners who you are, what you do and how you got to where you are today?
Bergen Nelson: Thanks for having me again. I'm a Go-to-Market Manager at John Deere, covering a lot of our harvesting equipment, including combines, self-propelled forage harvesters and cotton pickers.
A Go-to-Market Manager is really about taking new products and bringing them to market, helping dealers and customers gain information about the new products. I'm excited to be here today to talk through what we introduced in model year 2025 and what's coming in 2026.
I've spent almost 10 years with John Deere in various roles, but much of my career has focused on harvesting equipment. It's definitely my passion — I love combines more than anything — so I'm super excited to talk about it today.
Tony Kramer: Awesome. Like you said, you and I had the opportunity to talk at Commodity Classic last year about the amazing launch of the S7 Series Combine. So let’s rewind a little and review what the S7 Series launch was and what John Deere did to bring that new combine to market.
Bergen Nelson: In model year 2025, we introduced the S7 Series Combine, which was a complete refresh of the S Series lineup. That included new cab styling, new engines on multiple models and new technology — a massive overhaul to the series.
The cab is very similar to what you’ll find on our X9 Combine. The styling also closely resembles the X9. We brought the 13.6-liter engine to the S7 800 and S7 900 and the 9.0-liter engine to the smaller models.
It’s packed with a ton of technology. We had numerous demo machines out this past fall, and customers really got the opportunity to experience not only the hard iron changes but also the new technology, including Predictive Ground Speed Automation.
Tony Kramer: Yeah, and we're going to build on Predictive Ground Speed a bit more when we get into model year 2026. But first, let’s review what Predictive Ground Speed is and why John Deere brought this technology to market.
Bergen Nelson: It was by far one of the most exciting features we launched with the new series and the X9 Combine in model year 2025.
Predictive Ground Speed Automation uses two cameras on the front of the machine that look out roughly 28 feet ahead while harvesting in real time. They measure crop height and crop density. At the same time, we feed in satellite imagery taken throughout the growing season using the Operations Center.
We compare what the cameras are seeing in real time with the satellite imagery, and that allows us to automatically control the speed of the combine — really maximizing throughput. That’s the name of the game: we want to keep the machine as full as possible because that’s when it does its best job harvesting.
These cameras allow us to proactively control speed, and we’re seeing nearly a 20% increase in productivity. We’re also burning about 10% less fuel, thanks to some of the hard iron changes we made — specifically on the S7 Combine. It’s really awesome technology with smooth speed control. It’s been great to see in the field.
Tony Kramer: You said it there — being predictive means we’re proactively making those changes. Compared to what we’ve had in the past, like HarvestSmart or automated speed control, those were more reactive systems, correct?
Bergen Nelson: Yeah, correct. Those systems were based on engine load and rotor pressure. They worked fine — nothing wrong with them — but they were more reactive, like you said.
By the time the crop reached the back of the rotor, we often weren’t making the correct speed change. Now, with proactive control, we’re matching the right speed at the right time for the volume of crop material — whether it’s corn, soybeans, or small grains — coming into the combine. That helps maximize throughput and keep the machine running at peak productivity, whether it’s an S7 600 or an S7 900.
Tony Kramer: Another thing we saw updates to in model year 2025 — many of those combines will be hitting the field this fall — was the automation features. Tell us a little about the automated control updates from model year 2024 to 2025.
Bergen Nelson: We updated the automatic settings adjustments on the new combine. It’s now called Harvest Settings Automation. It controls the five main combine settings: concave clearance, fan speed, feed rate, sieve and chaffer clearance and rotor speed.
The system does this automatically through operator-defined limits — based on grain loss, foreign material and broken grain. As the operator, you can set the system to focus on what matters most to you. If you want to minimize broken grain, the system will be more aggressive in making changes to achieve that.
We’ve had similar technology in the past — called Combine Advisor — and it worked well, but it wasn’t as intuitive or fast. The new system starts making changes as soon as you begin harvesting, based on those three key areas that most operators care about.
It’s been a great demo season, and like you mentioned, this fall we’ll have a slew of S7 Series Combines that can run both Harvest Settings Automation and Predictive Ground Speed. I believe operators are really going to love what they see.
Tony Kramer: Absolutely. It’s going to be a great fall. One last thing — you mentioned the redesign. Before model year 2025, it was easy to spot an X Series Combine like the X9 out in the field versus an S Series. Now, you really have to look at the decal. They all look the same — and they look great. Even on a truck going down the road, those combines look amazing. That’s probably the biggest visual change for model year 2025.
Bergen Nelson: Yeah, I drive quite a bit between Kansas and Wisconsin, and I often see either an X9 or an S7 going down the interstate. When it’s an S7, I really have to look closely — it’s easy to mistake it for an X9. The styling updates really do look fantastic, and there are a lot of changes underneath that styling that customers are really enjoying.
Cross-auger shutoffs come to mind, as well as the adjustable spout. We didn’t have those as options on S Series Combines for a long time. Customers have been asking for cross-auger shutoffs forever, and now we have that option available from the factory. You can also add those features through our Performance Upgrade Kits, which is really nice.
Tony Kramer: Absolutely. A lot of great updates and changes were made for model year 2025. We talked about that at Commodity Classic last year — in Episode 198, we spoke with a handful of John Deere experts about all the model year 2025 releases, and Bergen, you were one of those people.
Now, moving forward — John Deere was back at Commodity Classic talking about the latest releases and launches for some of the model year 2026 products. So let’s dive in. What kind of updates — because I’m trying to wrap my head around this, Bergen — we had such great updates and so much coming to market for this year’s combines. What could you possibly be adding to the model year 2026 combines? Where do we even start?
Bergen Nelson: That’s a good question. Model year 2025 was a big launch, and then we turned right around and started preparing for 2026 — figuring out what we were going to launch and what would make it. I kept looking at the list thinking, “Wow, this is going to be another big year at Commodity Classic,” especially for combines and front-end equipment.
It’s super exciting to be able to come back just a year later and bring out a bunch of new features for our customers. I’d say there are two big focus areas for this year’s launches:
1. Technology – improving on what we already introduced with Predictive Ground Speed Automation and Harvest Settings Automation.
2. Front-end equipment – launching a couple of new pieces that will really help customers in key areas.
Tony Kramer: Let’s talk about the updates you’re making to Predictive Ground Speed. It came to market in model year 2025, and now you’re really building on that and adding more capabilities. Tell our listeners a bit about what’s coming in model year 2026 for Predictive Ground Speed.
Bergen Nelson: Absolutely. For 2026, we’re bringing new automation performance to more conditions. One of the big additions is weed detection.
We already have those cameras on the front of the combine looking out about 28 feet. Now, they’ll be able to detect weed pressure in the field. As we’re combining, if we hit a weedy patch, we typically want to slow the machine down to avoid slugging the rotor. The system will now detect that and automatically adjust the speed.
Another cool part of weed detection is that once we’re done harvesting a field, the system will generate a weed pressure map that flows into the Operations Center. So at the end of harvest, customers can log into their Operations Center account and see weed pressure data for each field — and use that information however they choose.
We’re also adding terrain sensing to Predictive Ground Speed Automation. As the machine goes over bumps or dips in the field, the cameras will detect that and adjust speed accordingly. The goal is to provide better performance in more conditions and fine-tune the system to ensure a smooth experience while still prioritizing throughput and keeping the machine full and running at peak performance all day long.
Tony Kramer: Let’s pause on that weed detection for a second — that’s awesome technology. Not only are we getting weed pressure mapping from our sprayers with See & Spray technology, but now we’re bringing that into the combine.
With machine learning, sensors and cameras on today’s equipment, we’re collecting more usable data to make better decisions year over year. That’s fantastic.
And terrain sensing — another great addition. Not everyone is farming in the Red River Valley, like here in the Fargo area, where it’s super flat. There’s rolling terrain throughout the region. You’re down in Kansas — totally different terrain down there.
Tony Kramer: So bringing terrain sensing into the mix is a big deal. Now, the other piece — you’re also launching more compatible crop offerings, right?
Bergen Nelson: Correct. I was just going to mention that. For Predictive Ground Speed Automation, we’re adding peas and lentils to the mix, which is a great addition for our small grains customers.
Hopefully, for those listening, you’re starting to see a trend: we’re able to iterate and bring out new features quickly by leveraging the hardware already on the machine. We already have the cameras, and now we’re adding weed detection, terrain sensing and expanding crop types as we continue research and field testing.
Tony Kramer: That’s just a little bit — well, not a little bit — those are amazing updates you’re bringing just one year after Predictive Ground Speed came to market. You’re already pushing the envelope with more crops, more technology and more agronomic layers.
So whether you’re getting into a model year 2025 machine or looking ahead to model year 2026 — or when the early order program opens at the end of the season — these technologies are going to continue to grow and evolve.
Now, the other thing you’re bringing out in model year 2026 is some new features related to grain carts. Let’s talk a bit about Auto Unload.
Bergen Nelson: Weight sharing — yeah, that was a very popular topic at Commodity Classic. In the booth, we had our combine, an RX tractor and a grain cart to showcase Auto Unload, which is a system that builds upon Machine Sync.
We’ve added a camera to the unloading auger that can scan and calibrate itself to various grain carts. Once the operator pulls under the unloading auger and engages Machine Sync, Auto Unload takes over. It automatically moves the cart forward and backward to fill it completely. Once that’s done, the operator can take back control of the tractor and go unload into a semi.
It really automates the unloading and filling of the grain cart. It’s a slick system.
Building on that, we also talked about Grain Harvest Weight Sharing. This allows us to partner with various grain cart manufacturers and their scale heads — like Scale-Tec, for example. We can bring the grain cart’s weight data into the G5 or Gen 4 display in the tractor, and that information is also shared with the combine operator.
Everyone can see how much weight is currently in the grain cart. You can also view that weight live in Operations Center Mobile. While we’re not yet recording and storing those weights in Operations Center, you can still see them in real time.
So, two new technologies — Auto Unload and Grain Harvest Weight Sharing — are really helping with the logistics side of harvesting.
Tony Kramer: Yeah, and to me, this really builds off what we’ve had for the last several years — whether it was called Machine Sync or Harvest Automation — where the combine could control the grain cart. Now, we’re taking it to the next level with Auto Unload.
Bergen Nelson: Exactly — further automation within the harvesting process. Like before, the combine operator could pull the cart underneath and use a programmable button on the joystick or hydro handle to move the cart forward, backward, or side to side with nudging.
Now, the camera system does that automatically.
Tony Kramer: That’s a big step forward. A lot of people love the current system, and I think they’re going to love Auto Unload even more. And to your point, the older system — where the combine operator controls the grain cart — is still available. But moving forward, we’ll have more capabilities with Auto Unload and Grain Weight Sharing.
Bergen Nelson: Yes, and the exciting part is that while Auto Unload will be available from the factory on model year 2026 machines, if you already have a combine today, you can add it on top of Machine Sync through Precision Upgrades. So we have two different options depending on your situation.
Tony Kramer: That’s a great point, Bergen. If you’ve listened to some of our recent podcast episodes, you know John Deere is really doubling down on upgrade capabilities for a lot of this technology.
You don’t necessarily need a brand-new combine to get access to advanced features. Some of it is available through upgrades — not all of it, but as we discussed today, Auto Unload is one of those features you can add.
Now, the last thing I want to touch on — it’s been talked about for a while, but now you’re bringing it full-scale to market — is the ability to put a HarvestLab 3000 sensor on a combine.
The HarvestLab 3000 has always been on our forage harvesters, collecting different types of measurements. Why are we putting this on a combine, Bergen?
Bergen Nelson: Yeah, that’s a great question. I’ve spent a lot of time with the HarvestLab 3000 over the years — especially when I was in Wisconsin working with manure application rigs like drag hoses and tankers, and of course with forage harvesters like the 8000 and 9000 Series. It’s a very popular product.
Now, we have the ability to mount it on either S7 or X9 Combines. It mounts on the clean grain elevator, allowing clean grain to flow through it.
This enables us to measure various crop attributes — protein is a popular one for small grains. If you can measure protein and potentially get a premium for higher levels, you could segregate your grain into different bins and capture that premium.
We’re also working on other readouts for the HarvestLab 3000. It was a surprisingly popular topic at Commodity Classic, and it’s definitely gaining traction.
It’s also a nice feature for customers who already own a HarvestLab 3000 — maybe for their dairy operation. They can quickly switch it over and mount it on their combine.
Tony Kramer: Yeah, I think adding the HarvestLab 3000 to combines gives us that next level of data. We’re no longer just looking at total yield — we’re now able to measure protein and potentially other attributes in the future.
That helps with logistics — like segregating grain by protein level into different bins. It’s another layer of measurement and documentation that enhances the value of the data coming from the combine.
So, as we head into Harvest 2025, what are some things customers should be thinking about or preparing for?
Bergen Nelson: There’s a lot to consider — both on the technology side and in terms of getting the machine ready.
One of the first things I’d recommend is leveraging Operations Center and Work Planner to plan out your harvest. Know where you’re going, build your setup files, and include the satellite imagery and files needed to enable Predictive Ground Speed Automation.
A lot of that can be done before the season starts, which saves time in the field. When you cross the field boundary, your work plan pops up with the right field, the right variety, and Predictive Automation ready to go.
Also, take advantage of Equipment Mobile and other John Deere apps to go through your machine settings. Make sure your chopper is in high or low, your pre-cleaner and accelerator speeds are correct — all the little adjustments that ensure your combine is ready to hit the field and run smoothly.
Tony Kramer: Yeah, there are a lot of great resources out there — things we can do to make sure we’re prepared to dive into the field for Harvest 2025. I encourage you to think about those things. Take a look at them.
Bergen mentioned the Equipment Mobile app — download that if you haven’t already, and just make sure you’re prepared and ready to go when it’s time to hit the field.
So, if someone wants to learn more about any of the model year 2026 updates — or maybe they want to learn more about their model year 2025 combine that’s already ready to go — who can they talk to, and where can they go?
Bergen Nelson: Good question. There are a lot of great resources out there.
Your local John Deere dealer is definitely well-equipped to help with anything related to combines and technology.
Another great resource is JohnDeere.com, and specifically JohnDeere.com/Technology for more on automation and precision ag tools.
And don’t forget about YouTube — we’ve created some helpful support videos this year that walk customers through how to correctly use technologies like Predictive Ground Speed Automation and Harvest Settings Automation.
These are quick 5–7 minute videos that guide you through setting up your combine for success. We just talked about some of those pre-season steps, and these videos are a great way to get started.
So between your dealer, JohnDeere.com and YouTube, any of those three are great places to start if you need help with model year 2025, 2026, or even earlier machines.
Tony Kramer: Absolutely. Whether it’s model year 2025, 2026, or even before that — I just want to thank you, Bergen, for taking the time once again to chat with us about some of the combine updates.
We covered what we saw in model year 2025 and what’s coming for model year 2026. Thanks again for doing this.
Bergen Nelson: You’re welcome. It’s great to be here — thanks for having me back.
Tony Kramer: Please take a moment to subscribe to this podcast if you haven’t already. You can find the show on many podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and many others.
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Tony Kramer
Tony Kramer is the Product Manager of Planting Technology and a Certified Crop Advisor at RDO Equipment Co. He is also the host of the Agriculture Technology podcast. If you have any questions for Tony or would like to be a guest on the podcast, email agtechpodcast@rdoequipment.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
