During the Wyffels Corn Strategies in Malcom, Iowa, this week, Ag Leader Technology held a drawing for an INTEGRA™ Display. Our young farmer in the photo did the name drawing. The winner is Jeff Peterson of Port Byron, IL. He’s flanked by Rick Hofer, Iowa Territory Manager (left) and Travis Goedken, Minnesota Territory Manager. That’s a nice prize to go … Read More
Your Pre-Harvest Checklist
Seems like just yesterday we discussed the benefits of pre-season planting preparation, and now we find ourselves staring a pre-harvest checklist straight in the eye. But keep in mind that servicing your precision ag equipment prior to harvest is equally as important as in the spring. Ag Leader Technology is helping to give growers a few tips on where to … Read More
Ag Leader Looking Ahead To Harvest
Our coverage of the InfoAg Conference would not be complete without a visit to our sponsor, Ag Leader Technology. Although the crew as often busy when I stopped by I finally found a quiet moment with Jeff Bentley, GPS Guidance/Steering Sales Manager. Jeff told me the conference is attended more by consultants and others involved in the precision industry than … Read More
Precision Earth on an iPad
The fast pace of new technology was very evident at the InfoAg Conference. Everywhere you looked you could see someone with a smartphone and there were lots of tablets being used. Speaking of tablets, how about iPads doing some precision ag duties? How about something called Precision Earth? Pictured are Chris Tucker (left), Precision Earth and Aaron Hutchinson, Cogent3D, Inc. … Read More
Wireless Connections Helping Precision Ag
I shared the stage for a session at the InfoAg Conference with Jeremy Wilson, Technology Specialist, Crop IMS. We talked social media and wireless connections. I also did a short interview with him afterward. Jeremy says that wireless connectivity has become very important to precision ag service and support as well as communicating with customers. He says “Our biggest investment … Read More
Promoting Precision Ag
To get an InfoAg Conference wrap-up I spoke with Paul Schrimpf, Group Editor, CropLife Media Group. Paul says there were over 700 people in attendance and a record number of booths in the trade show. He says the energy was highly positive across the board. He saw more examples of companies reaching across the aisle to collaborate in finding ways … Read More
GPS Under Seige Session
Closing out the InfoAg Conference this year was a session on a very important topic. Titled, “GPS Under Seige: Lightsquared and the Threat to High-End Global Positioning,” this presentation was conducted by Kevin Kobb, Topcon (right) and Doug Schmuland, NovAtel. I spoke with them after their presentation. The threat comes from a plan to allow high-speed internet service to utilize … Read More
Precision Gadgets and Gizmos
The InfoAg Conference session titled, “Gadgets and Gizmos for Precision Agriculture” got my attention. One of the presenters was Dr. “No-Till Phil” Rasmussen. He had a collection of gadgets and gizmos on display to show and tell. I interviewed him after his presentation. This soil physicist has a love for gadgets. They’ve been a big part of his career. He … Read More
Precision Technology Could Provide Data for USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative Project (ACRSIP) may well be the “most important thing that USDA has ever done,” according to Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse. Scuse talked about the initiative as the keynote speaker at the opening of InfoAg 2011 in Springfield, Illinois on Tuesday. The concept is … Read More
Doing Precision Conservation In Illinois
This week I participated in the Conservation Technology Information Center’s Indian Creek Watershed Project field tour. Several bus loads of participants visited Livingston County, IL area farms to see and hear how they are implementing best management practices for things like nutrient management. One of the people working on the project with CTIC and a presenter is Harold Reetz. I … Read More