New Holland ForageCam Uses AI to Monitor Kernel Processing Quality

New Holland is adding AI-powered machine vision to its FR Forage Cruiser lineup with ForageCam, a system that measures kernel processing scores (KPS) in real time as chopped corn leaves the harvester. A spout-mounted camera analyzes the material and displays the resulting score on the IntelliView IV Plus display. At the same time, the system can automatically adjust the kernel processor to maintain an operator-selected target. Available for the 2027 season, ForageCam also records KPS and mapping data for later review through FieldOps, giving operators a way to monitor and manage forage quality without relying on manual inspection or laboratory testing.

New Holland’s ForageCam uses a spout-mounted camera and AI-based vision to monitor kernel processing. Images used courtesy of CNH

Instead of relying on a visual estimate or waiting for a sample to be analyzed, operators can see KPS while harvesting. ForageCam compares the measured score against a target selected by the operator and uses that information to adjust the kernel processor automatically. The goal is to maintain the required forage quality without running the processor more aggressively than necessary.

Measuring Kernel Processing During Harvest

Kernel processing is an important part of harvesting corn for silage because the kernels need to be sufficiently cracked for livestock to access the nutrients inside. The problem for an operator is knowing how well the processor is actually doing while the machine is running. Traditionally, operators may inspect the crop themselves or send samples out for testing. As Patrick Weitzel, forage harvester marketing manager for New Holland North America, explained, “In the past, we had to guess from the cab what the score was or send samples to the lab to determine the KPS. Now, we instantly know the forage score and quality.”

ForageCam kernel processing scores and harvest data can be monitored in real time on the IntelliView IV Plus display. Image used courtesy of CNH

ForageCam moves that measurement onto the machine. The camera is mounted on the spout, where it continuously views chopped material as it leaves the harvester. AI-based vision determines the percentage of fully processed kernels and compares the result with the operator's target KPS. The operator can view that score in the cab on New Holland's IntelliView IV Plus display. At the same time, ForageCam records KPS and mapping information that can later be reviewed in FieldOps through reports and map layers.

Using KPS to Adjust the Processor

The other part of ForageCam is what the machine can do with the measurement. Rather than simply displaying the KPS for the operator, the system can use the data to adjust the kernel processor to maintain the selected target continuously.

Operators can view ForageCam data from the cab while harvesting and make adjustments based on current kernel processing conditions. Image used courtesy of CNH

ForageCam moves that measurement onto the machine. The spout-mounted camera continuously views chopped material as it leaves the harvester, using AI-based vision to determine the percentage of fully processed kernels and compare it with the operator's target KPS. The score can be viewed in the cab on New Holland's IntelliView IV Plus display, while KPS and mapping data can also be reviewed later through FieldOps using reports and map layers.

Adding Machine Vision to the FR Forage Cruiser

ForageCam is another example of machine vision moving into agricultural equipment beyond guidance or obstacle detection. In this case, the camera serves as an onboard quality sensor. It monitors the material being processed and provides information the machine's control system can use directly. The ForageCam measures the result of the harvesting process, the software compares it with the target, and the processor adjusts accordingly. The operator still chooses the desired result, but no longer has to judge processing quality throughout the field manually.

ForageCam will be available for New Holland FR Forage Cruisers for the 2027 season, with ordering already open. By combining real-time KPS measurement with automatic kernel processor adjustment, the system gives operators a more direct way to control forage quality while also avoiding unnecessary processor load, fuel consumption, and wear.