WESTMINSTER, CO, Mar 26, 2025 – Trimble and PTx Trimble announced the availability of Trimble IonoGuard for the agriculture industry. IonoGuard is a next-gen technology engineered to enhance RTK GNSS signal tracking and hardware positioning performance. IonoGuard improves positioning stability by minimizing signal disruptions and maintaining signal quality during difficult ionospheric conditions.
Every 11 years, solar activity peaks, causing ionospheric disturbances such as scintillation and signal noise that can result in unreliable positioning. Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2024 and is expected to last through 2026, could pose significant challenges with the potential for global disruptions. While solar cycle disturbances are a phenomenon noticed by few in most occurrences, RTK GNSS users in equatorial regions are impacted by solar activity year-round, inflicting interruptions on agricultural operations.
Customer Testing and Validation
“There was no question when asked if we wanted to test IonoGuard,” said Michael Munro, general manager, sales and marketing of Vantage Australia. “Knowing we can better weather the next major solar storm with less risk for signal loss and improved signal availability and precision during such a disturbance provides peace of mind knowing we can still get the work done.”
“The solar storm experienced in May 2024 put IonoGuard to the test and, based on feedback from our beta testers like Vantage Australia, demonstrated the value of this technology to enable uninterrupted work in the midst of significant solar activity,” said Andrew Sunderman, vice president, product & customer experience at PTx Trimble. “When a solar storm hits, work might be stopped due to signal loss, resulting in downtime, increased labor costs, and potentially wasted inputs during planting and spraying. We’re extremely proud to offer a solution that truly minimizes this risk by decreasing downtime, reducing costs for the farmer, and keeping the agriculture industry up and running all day, every day.”
Source: Trimble
About Trimble
Trimble Inc., established in 1978, is a technology company focused on creating tools that bridge the physical and digital worlds. Based in Westminster, CO, the company serves industries like agriculture, construction, geospatial technology, and transportation. Its products include GNSS receivers, optical devices, machine control systems, and widely used software and services. Trimble’s construction technology helps improve project efficiency by ensuring data is used throughout each stage of a build. As of 2023, the company employs around 12,700 people worldwide. In 2022, Trimble reported $3.80 billion in revenue, reflecting its strong presence in the market. The company prioritizes innovation and sustainability, working to make industries more productive, safer, and environmentally friendly. Trimble has become a trusted name for improving workflows across various sectors by focusing on practical solutions and better processes.
About PTx Trimble
PTx Trimble is a joint venture formed on April 1, 2024, between AGCO Corporation and Trimble Inc., combining Trimble’s agriculture business with AGCO’s JCA Technologies. Headquartered in Westminster, CO, PTx Trimble specializes in precision agriculture solutions, offering hardware, software, and cloud-based platforms to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability. The company serves the global farming industry, providing technologies such as guidance and steering systems, flow and application control, water management, data management, and positioning services. As of early 2025, PTx Trimble employs approximately 5,000 to 10,000 individuals worldwide. AGCO Corporation, which holds an 85% stake in the joint venture, reported net sales of $11.7 billion for 2024. This strategic partnership aims to deliver advanced, mixed-fleet precision agriculture technologies to farmers globally, enhancing productivity and profitability.