Precision Farming Investment Tool for Cotton Growers

Kurt LawtonCotton, Equipment, Financing, University

Cotton growers looking at precision farming investments should check out the Cotton Precision Agriculture Investment Decision Aid (CPAIDA), created by University of Tennessee Production Economics Analysis Group. The Cotton Precision Agriculture Investment Decision Aid (CPAIDA) is a stand alone, computerized decision tool for analyzing investments in precision agriculture technologies. It was developed to meet the need for better educational information … Read More

Precision Profits By The Field

Kurt LawtonEducation, Financing

Gregg Carlson, South Dakota State University agronomist and precision farming math whiz, has written extensively about numerous precision topics. “A Field is a Profit Center,” is an amazing spreadsheet look at the agronomic-economic building blocks that make fields profitable. Very few farmers conduct profitability analysis of their fields. As producers expand beyond their operator owned acreage, it becomes increasingly necessary … Read More

Benefits of Leasing Precision Farming Equipment

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Equipment, Financing, Insights Weekly

You’ve read, perhaps talked to neighbors, or maybe you’ve learned first hand that many tools of precision agriculture pay for themselves—maybe in one year, maybe three. But perhaps you’re thinking you can’t swing that $5,000 or $15,000 payment right now in order to start saving input costs with this technology. To that end, some companies are making it simple and … Read More

5-Year Farm Equipment Depreciation Ends in 2009

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Equipment, Financing, sustainability

There’s still time to earn quicker depreciation—as well as a 50% first year deduction—by investing in tools of precision farming if you buy and take possession of the equipment by December 31, 2009. “Machinery is normally depreciated over 7 years, but a one-year legislative change for 2009 allows for 5 year depreciation,” says Rob Holcomb, University of Minnesota Extension Educator … Read More

Farm Program Pays For Smart Nitrogen

Kurt LawtonCompany Announcement, Conservation, Fertilizer, Financing, sustainability

Speaking of precision fertilization, if you’re thinking about trying Agrium’s ESN controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer product, check with your local NRCS office to see if you qualify for a $12-$24/acre payment in the CSP program. Deadline to apply is September 30. “Growers are already dedicated stewards of the land and we are very pleased to see the government rewarding them for … Read More

Biotech and Precision Pay

Laura McNamaraFinancing

Since hybrid seed technology works so seamlessly with precision technology, I figured it would be more than relevant to mention that farmers who use Monsanto Advanced Technology are eligible for lower risk insurance premiums in seven additional states. The attractive insurance premiums are offered through a revised risk management biotechnology endorsement. Farmers in 11 states who plant a majority of … Read More

John Deere Credit to Assist Precision Ag Purchases

Chuck ZimmermanAudio, Financing, National Farm Machinery Show

For farmers who need a little assistance when making equipment purchases John Deere Credit is there to help. I spoke with Scotty Shipp, pictured on the right, at the National Farm Machinery Show about what the company offers to assist producers. He says that John Deere Credit’s primary responsibility is to help dealers facilitate the sale of John Deere equipment. … Read More