John Deere is developing and testing an “innovative” new cotton harvesting system that will feature a picker and an on-board module builder, company officials said in a press statement.

“This new picker and its on-board module builder create a harvest system that reduces harvest time, labor and related machinery costs while improving productivity,” the statement said.

It said the on-board module builder produces poly-wrapped round modules that are consistent in size and density and are designed to help protect overall cotton quality.

“The company has been testing several prototypes of these cotton pickers with producers and ginners across the Cotton Belt,” the statement said. “In addition, the company is collaborating with leading universities and industry partners to ensure that this new harvest solution meets the reliability and performance needs of the cotton industry.”