Satellite imaging is transforming agriculture by providing farmers, agribusinesses, and governments with real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, moisture levels, and field productivity. This technology enables precision farming, optimized input usage, early detection of crop stress, and improved yield forecasting. For investors, companies offering satellite-based agricultural solutions represent a growing opportunity at the intersection of space tech and agri-tech.
Why satellite imaging matters in agriculture
- Precision farming: High-resolution images enable targeted application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing waste and improving margins.
- Climate resilience: Remote sensing helps monitor weather impact, detect drought stress, and manage disaster response.
- Global food security: National and international agencies use satellite data to monitor food supply and crop conditions in real time.
- Scalability: Imaging solutions can cover millions of hectares with low incremental cost, making them essential for both smallholders and large agribusinesses.
Business models in agricultural satellite imaging
- Direct imaging providers: Companies that own and operate satellites, offering raw or processed data to clients.
- Analytics platforms: Firms that build proprietary algorithms to interpret imagery and deliver insights via SaaS platforms.
- Vertical integrators: Companies combining imaging with equipment, seed genetics, or farm management tools.
- Government and commercial clients: Revenue from agriculture ministries, insurance providers, commodity traders, and farm tech platforms.
Publicly traded companies with exposure to agricultural satellite imaging
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL)
- Business: Operates the largest fleet of Earth observation satellites (over 200)
- Agriculture focus: Offers daily imagery and vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI) to agri-tech platforms, insurers, and governments
- Edge: High revisit rate and global coverage make it ideal for crop monitoring at scale
- Growth driver: Expanding partnerships with precision agriculture firms and satellite data resellers
BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY)
- Business: High-frequency, real-time imaging platform
- Application: While defense is its main customer base, it provides data for commodity crop tracking and environmental monitoring
- Advantage: AI-powered platform for rapid analytics and tasking flexibility
Maxar Technologies (Acquired by private equity, previously NYSE: MAXR)
- Relevance: Prior to its acquisition, Maxar provided high-resolution satellite data used in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure
- Public exposure: Currently not publicly traded, but its technology is still in use through partnerships with geospatial analytics firms
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMB)
- Primary focus: Precision agriculture hardware and software
- Satellite role: Uses satellite data (including GNSS and imaging) for automated tractors, yield mapping, and farm analytics
- Integrated offering: Combines satellite inputs with equipment guidance and variable rate application systems
Topcon Corporation (TYO: 7732)
- Industry: Agriculture, construction, and geospatial tech
- Satellite relevance: Integrates satellite imagery and GPS data into precision farming systems
- Growth driver: Strong demand for automation in farming equipment, especially in Asia and North America
Hexagon AB (STO: HEXA-B)
- Segment: Geospatial and sensor technologies
- Agriculture exposure: Via its subsidiary Leica Geosystems and precision agriculture software
- AI integration: Uses satellite and drone imagery to feed machine learning platforms for crop analysis
Indirect exposure through agricultural tech platforms
- Corteva Agriscience (NYSE: CTVA): Uses satellite data for seed performance and precision recommendations
- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE): Integrates satellite and drone data into its digital farming platforms (Operations Center)
- BASF (ETR: BAS): Partners with imaging firms for digital agriculture insights via xarvio®
How to invest
Direct stock purchases
Invest in companies like Planet Labs or Trimble that offer direct or integrated satellite imaging capabilities for agriculture.
Thematic ETFs
- ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) – includes Planet Labs and geospatial analytics firms
- Global X AgTech & Food Innovation ETF (KROP) – holds companies using imaging and AI in agriculture
- iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) – includes precision ag and input providers
Venture-backed exposure (indirect)
- Firms like Descartes Labs, EOSDA, and SatSure offer high-quality agri-focused imaging analytics but are not yet public. Investors can monitor SPAC or IPO activity for access.
Risks and considerations
- Customer concentration: Many imaging firms rely heavily on government contracts; agricultural revenues may still be a small share
- Data commoditization: As more satellites are launched, imaging data prices may fall, pressuring margins
- Weather limitations: Cloud cover and low-light conditions can reduce image usability; radar imaging is gaining relevance but is less widespread
- Adoption pace: Smallholder farms and less-developed regions may adopt imaging tech more slowly due to cost or infrastructure
Satellite imaging is becoming indispensable in modern agriculture. Investors looking for scalable, data-driven agri-tech exposure should consider companies integrating Earth observation with actionable insights for farmers, insurers, and supply chains.