“Machine & Agronomic Data Management: Maximizing Your Productivity” is the title of a Commodity Classic WIN session sponsored by John Deere. One of the presenters was Kathy Michael, Senior Product Manager, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group. The way that John Deere is helping farmers maximize their machine and agronomic data is with JD Link, their telematic platform, which is based … Read More
Balance GT Press Conference
We published the announcement of the new Balance Gt soybean varieties that will available in 2015 just prior to the recent Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, FL. After that announcement MS Technologies and Bayer CropScience held a press conference for ag media to discuss the product launch and new name. On the stage are Lauren August, MS Technologies Brand Manager, and … Read More
Dupont Pioneer Introduces Field360 Services
Dupont Pioneer held a news conference at the recent Commodity Classic to introduce a new set of services. The focus of the press conference was the new Pioneer Field360 services. These new services are meant to help farmers increase productivity and profitability by providing more control of field-by-field data without having to become a technical expert. The Pioneer Field360 Services … Read More
Trimble Connects Farms, Regardless of Brand
Technology allows farmers to do what they do and do it well. Commodity Classic is the place to share what’s new in the technology world and Trimble was there to do just that. During the event I spoke with Southern Region Distribution Manager for Trimble, Brad Rouse. He pointed out that Trimble’s early technology was in steering, but has evolved … Read More
XL Solutions at Raven Industries
Experts in Raven Industries’ applied sciences division have been busy bringing new and innovative technologies to the door step of growers across the country. The 2013 Commodity Classic was the place to display these new products and Raven Industries was there to do so. I spoke with Paul Welbig who oversees a lot of the product management issues at Raven. … Read More
Aerial Precision Ag Helicopters
Helicopters are just plain cool, especially if you can operate them by remote control. The Aerial Precision Ag booth at AG CONNECT Expo sold out of their new Multi Ready to Fly units! Using mini hand controlled helicopters for precision ag field imaging work got a lot of attention. These four rotor units were also being demonstrated right on the … Read More
Being a Good Steward of Treated Seeds
A guide to seed treatment stewardship is a new project by the American Seed Trade Association along with a collaboration of seed companies, researchers and organizations like CropLife America, National Corn Growers Association and Farm Bureau. Growers will soon find “The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship” online. I spoke with Andy Lavigne, ASTA President/CEO, during Commodity Classic about this project … Read More
Propane Pays on the Farm
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) booth at last week’s Commodity Classic was the hot place for growers to learn more about how propane pays on the farm. One way to make it pay is through PERC’s Propane Farm Incentive Program. “A farmer can actually get a rebate from us,” explained Mark Leitman, Director of Business Development and Marketing. … Read More
Six Secrets of Soybean Success
University of Illinois Crop Physiologist Dr. Fred Below of Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World fame revealed his Six Secrets of Soybean Success to growers for the first time last week at the 2013 Commodity Classic, thanks to BASF Crop Protection products. Dr. Below was joined by BASF Technical Crop Production Specialist AJ Woodyard for the educational session that … Read More
Commodity Group Presidents Talk Sustainability
A highlight of the general session of Commodity Classic is moderator Mark Mayfield’s “visit with the Presidents.” Left to right are Mayfield, Terry Swanson, National Sorghum Producers; Erik Younggren, National Association of Wheat Growers; Pam Johnson, National Corn Growers Association and Danny Murphy, American Soybean Association. Mayfield kicked off the session by asking each of the presidents what “sustainability” means … Read More