Free Satellite Images Help Spot Field Problems

Kurt LawtonGeneral

NASA posted a recent story on how farmers are downloading free satellite images to gain field information. It highlights how one organic farmer spots weed problems, determines hail impact and even checks pasture rotation timing.

Noreen Thomas’ farm looks like a patchwork quilt. Fields change hue with the season and with the alternating plots of organic wheat, soybeans, corn, alfalfa, flax, or hay.

Thomas enjoys this view from hundreds of miles above Earth’s surface — not just for the beauty, but the utility. She is among a growing group of Midwest farmers who rely on satellite imagery from Landsat to maximize their harvest and minimize damage to their fields. It’s become another crucial tool like their tractors and sprinklers.

“Our farm is unconventional – we grow food and breed animals using all-natural approaches,” said Thomas of her certified organic farm in Moorhead, Minnesota, where they also grow heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, squash, and peas. “So we’re happy to use unconventional methods to solve problems and keep our crops healthy.”

For $25 and an hour’s drive to the Grand Forks campus of the University of North Dakota (UND), Noreen and Lee Thomas took a one-day class on how to download and interpret satellite images, like those provided by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Downloading the latest images takes mere minutes on the Digital Northern Great Plains system, a free Web-based tool developed by NASA-funded researchers in the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium. Thomas punches in GPS coordinates of the area she’d like to see, and moments later she has a bumper crop of information and images.

To the untrained eye, the false-color images appear a hodge-podge of colors without any apparent purpose. But Thomas is now trained to see yellows where crops are infested, shades of red indicating crop health, black where flooding occurs, and brown where unwanted pesticides land on her chemical-free crops.

The images help the Thomases root out problems caused by Canadian thistle and other weeds. They help confirm that their crops are growing at least 10 feet from the borders of a neighboring farm – required to maintain organic certification. They can also spot the telltale signs of bottlenecking in the fields — where flooding is over-saturating crops — and monitor the impact of hail storms.

“We’d have to walk our entire 1,200 hundred-plus acres on a regular basis to see the same things we can see by just downloading satellite images,” said Thomas, who recently began providing her farm’s coordinates to her buyers in Japan. “There’s no more ideal way I know to show how healthy our crops are to someone thousands of miles away.”

Crops are not the only beneficiaries of snapshots from space. Just as remote imagery informs Thomas when it’s best to rotate crops, she can also determine when her cows need a new pasture. When the large herd of cows chews its way through the landscape, satellite images show where the cows may be overgrazing.

Precision Makes Progress Possible

Cindy ZimmermanEquipment, Research

Pioneer Bill CurranResearchers are usually the first to use new technology and when it comes to agricultural crop research, precision technology has made the development of new and better genetic varieties move at a much more rapid pace than ever before.

“Everything is precision now,” Pioneer Research Scientist Bill Curran told us last week during a Forage Media Day at the Pioneer Livestock Nutrition Center in Johnston, IA. He says genetic advances in hybrid performance have been driven by continued advances in field experimentation and data analysis.

“We utilize as much technology as possible,” Curran says. “We deploy things like precision guided tractors to ensure that we reduce the variability of misplanting. We want to control the controllables.”

Pioneer NIROne significant advancement for developing new corn silage hybrids has been on-chopper NIR, or near-infrared spectroscopy. “On-chopper NIR is a tool that we use to measure quality and yield traits for a specific silage product that we are looking at,” Curran says. “That tool gives us an immediate answer. We know exactly what’s inside that corn hybrid within 20 seconds of chopping it.” The on-chopper NIR also allows the researchers to measure nearly all of the silage in a field faster and more efficiently than they could measure small samples.

Curran says the practicality of using on-chopper NIR is not yet on the grower level, but there are developments being made that will bring this technology to the grower scale in the future.

Listen to an interview with Bill Curran here:

Precision Farming: How To Grow Your Technology

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Dealers, Education, Equipment, Farmers, Fertilizer, Guidance, Insights Weekly, Planting, seed

Insights WeeklyAs an Iowa farm kid who grew up loving technology (I just chose to write about it and let my brother run it on the family farm), one of my passions is talking to farmers about their technology adoption—so I can learn and write stories that help others. And over the past 28 years of covering the incredible advances we’ve all seen, the stories I’ve heard are amazing, and sometimes funny.

Yesterday I spoke with Tim Norris, owner of a successful central Ohio precision technology business called Agronomic Information Technology, based in Gambier. Norris has more than a dozen years experience installing and helping farmers and custom applicators adopt a complete range of precision farming products—from basic lightbars and excellent monitors like Ag Leader’s Insight, to complete auto steer and RTK-guided systems. Tim is an Ag Leader Master Service Dealer, and he also sells Trimble, Tru Count air clutches, Norac auto boom height controllers, Rawson controllers and Orthman strip-till systems.

I called him to talk about how he helps growers adopt the most cost-effective precision technology, especially for those just starting out. He quickly related two ‘rookie’ stories. “One individual, when I first met with him, told me flat out ‘if I ever have to have a machine drive my tractor, I’ll quit farming.’ A while later, he agreed to demo an EZ Steer. Well, needless to say, he’s still farming—only now he has four tractors that steer themselves,” he laughs.

“Another customer, who absolutely hates computers, didn’t want anything to do with this technology—except his son wanted a lightbar, so he bought one. After awhile, he borrowed the unit from his son and put it in his fertilizer spreader. Well now, the son is complaining because he can’t get the lightbar back from his dad. He liked it so well, and realized how much fertilizer he was saving by not overlapping, he kept it,” Norris says.

His advice to novices regarding tech adoption—get a plan and research the products. “I’ve seen too many growers who buy a piece of technology on price alone, use it for a year or two, then learn that they cannot upgrade the lightbar or the type of GPS signal. “The first step, figure out what tasks you want to do first, then write down what capabilities you might want in the future. And seek advice from a variety of experienced sources, like other farmers, dealers you trust, service providers and others,” he adds. “The main thing, find a dealer you can trust and feel comfortable with—one that has your best interest at heart. And talk to growers who have used their precision farming services.”

We talked through some examples of how different growers might think about their precision technology plan. “You have to think—where do I have the potential to save the most money? What practices will work best?

Example 1: Small farmer – “This person may make more money on investing in grid soil sampling to start out, because he may save a ton of money on lime, and save some on fertilizer input costs. His yields will go up in areas where they would not if he continues to blanket-apply nutrients.”

2: Strip-tiller – “Perhaps his money will best be spent on RTK signal, because auto steer and RTK will deliver the seed exactly where the fertilizer was placed, to ensure quick and even emergence.”

3: 2,500-acre planter guy – “He might get the most net return on money spent by adding individual point-row clutches. Especially for growers pushing higher populations of 34 to 36,000 and beyond. Not only do they save 3 to 4 percent in seed costs, they also eliminate the 50 percent yield loss in those double-planted areas.”

4: No-tiller – “Perhaps he doesn’t need an RTK signal as he doesn’t need to plant precisely in an exact spot (like strip-tillers need to do). If he’s in an area that gets the Omnistar signal, he can save money there.”

Check out Tim’s website for more information: http://www.aginfotech.net/

Trimble Adds Modem To Enhance RTK Signal

Kurt LawtonCompany Announcement, Equipment, GPS, Guidance, Satellite, Trimble

If constant RTK connection is an issue in some of your fields, Trimble has a new Ag3000 modem solution that works with their AgGPS Autopilot system. It allows farmers to improve machine guidance in areas where RTK (Real Time Kinematic) signal towers won’t reach.

Trimble designed the Ag3000 to easily interface with Trimble Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, lightbars and the FmX integrated display powered by Transcend technology, a proprietary Trimble positioning capability that provides users with high accuracy, flexible solutions for the most challenging agriculture applications and environments. With a rugged enclosure for easy in-cab installation, the Ag3000 also offers an external cell phone antenna for enhanced reception. Pricing for the modem, cabling and an external antenna is US$1,495 MSRP.

“Trimble VRS networks complement existing RTK base stations and allow us to provide more acres of sub-inch accuracy to the agricultural community,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “Using the Ag3000 modem, farmers located in areas with robust cell phone coverage and access to VRS networks have more choices available to improve machine guidance accuracy for their precision agricultural operations.”

The Ag3000 can access RTK signals from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) networks in states where they exist, such as Ohio and others. A partial directory of Trimble VRS installations can be found at: http://www.trimble.com/infrastructure/vrs-installations.aspx. In addition to public and private networks that use Trimble VRS technology, Trimble also owns and operates Trimble VRS Now(TM) service, a subscription-based service, in select locations around the world and is constantly adding more locations. For more information about subscribing to Trimble’s VRS Now service, visit:http://www.trimble.com/infrastructure/services.aspx.

The Ag3000 modem is expected to be available in September 2009 through Trimble’s Agriculture reseller network. For more information, call 1-800-874-6253 or visit www.trimble.com/agriculture to find a Trimble reseller.

Check out this Sept. 2008 story on RTK networks in Farm Industry News magazine.

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 doing the right things to keep farm and rural lands healthy. We are also proud that our products assist them in achieving these goals,” says Jeff Novak, Director of Marketing, Agrium Advanced Technologies (AAT).

The first enrollment period is open now and runs to the end of September. To begin the process, growers can complete a check-list available on the NRCS Web site. NRCS will determine the payment rate at the end of the initial sign-up but it is estimated to be between $12 and $22 per acre of cropland. More information on the program can be found at AgriumAT.com/nrcs.

One of the environmental issues addressed through CSP is water quality, including fertilizer used on crop and pasture lands. To improve water quality, CSP offers an enhancement – or payment program – for farmers who use controlled release or slow-release nitrogen.

ESN, a controlled release nitrogen fertilizer manufactured by AAT, has been proven to minimize nitrogen run-off by coating urea, a traditional nitrogen fertilizer, with a material that breaks down over time. “Agrium’s 4R nutrient stewardship – using the right product at the right rate, right time and right place – is a best management practice that leads to long-term economic, environmental and social sustainability which is consistent with the NRCS program and the use of ESN,” says Paul Poister, Government and Community Relations Manager, Agrium U.S., Inc.

CSP, a voluntary program, was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and replaces the old Conservation Security Program familiar to many farmers and landowners. CSP is offering a continuous enrollment, with an annual acreage cap of 12,769,000 acres nationwide, and the deadline for the first round of applications is September 30, 2009.

Prep Your Yield Monitor Webinar Tomorrow

Kurt LawtonEducation, Equipment, Harvesting

The Iowa Soybean Association On-Farm Network is hosting a yield monitor webinar tomorrow morning (Wednesday Sept. 16) from 7:30 to 8:30 am CDT.

This webinar will focus on pre-harvest yield monitor preparation. Tips will be provided to help growers and agronomists avoid common problems that often result in yield data loss. The webinar will also help increase the accuracy of the data collected using yield monitor systems. Pat Reeg will be the presenter.

CEU’s are available for Certified Crop Advisors.

Click here to register for the program streamed to your PC.

And if you can’t make it, ISA says they will record the event and post it by friday on their website so you can view it anytime.

Take Command of Planting With SureStop

Chuck ZimmermanAg Group, Audio, seed

Ag Leader Technology SureStop Electric Row ClutchAnother Ag Leader Technology helpful representative I met at the Farm Progress Show was Chad Huedepohl. He was showing growers their new SureStop Electric Row Clutch.

The product was in limited release a year ago but now they’ve done a full release and Chad says the product has generated a lot of interest. He says the SureStop basically shuts down individual seed meters on each row based on yield maps. You can hear him describe how it works in my interview with him. He says this will save on seed and provide a better yield. Looking ahead Chad says growers should order early and not wait until next March. This will assure availability.

You can listen to my interview with Chad below:

Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Precision.AgWired.com coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by: Ag Leader Technology.

Farmer Uses Insight To Start Precision Farming

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Corn, Equipment, Farmers, Fertilizer, Guidance, Insights Weekly, Planting, wheat

Insights WeeklyYoung farmers often have a drive for efficiency, and technology. North Plate, Neb., grower Nathan Kramer is no different. He knows the tools of precision agriculture can get him there. But data holds the key.

Ag Leader InSight monitor shows Trimble's AgGPS Autopilot screen

Ag Leader InSight monitor shows Trimble's AgGPS Autopilot screen

“If you don’t know where you’re at, it’s hard to tell where you’re going,” Nathan says, with regard to their lack of baseline yield data. So last fall, he and his dad Randy talked about needs with their local equipment dealer. After checking out Ag Leader and John Deere, they opted for the Ag Leader InSight system to start measuring and mapping yields last fall.

“We chose the InSight for several reasons. My dad’s not a big computer guy, so we really liked how easy it is to use, yet it can handle the complex future jobs I want to try such as variable rate seeding and fertilizer application. And, even though we run mostly Deere equipment, we went with Ag Leader due to its versatility to work easily in different equipment brands, just in case we switch combine or tractors,” Kramer says

Since half of their 2,200 combined acres (they farm their own ground and share equipment) are dryland, Nathan believes he can find added efficiency in varying his seeding and fertilizer rates on fields where soils and topography are most variable. “We feel that perhaps variable-rate seeding will pay off faster in dryland than on our irrigated acres. And we hope for a similar payoff with fertilizer. We may not use less of either one, but we’ll hopefully increase efficiency across the field.”

The Kramer’s next step into precision farming is drilling wheat next week using their newly purchased auto steer with RTK accuracy. “We’re looking forward to planting more acres per day due to less fatigue,” Nathan says.

Once fall harvest is in the books, and yields on maps, Nathan plans to spend some time this winter talking to neighbors experienced in precision farming, and working with a consultant to develop some prescription maps and test protocols for next spring. “We expect a lot of trial and error with different practices we want to try—everything from planting populations, fertilizer rates, hybrids and irrigation rates. It’s difficult to keep up with all this technology, that’s why it’s important to have good local service and expertise,” he adds.

New SMS Software From Ag Leader Technology

Chuck ZimmermanAg Leader, Audio, Farm Progress Show

Jess Ahrens - Ag Leader TechnologyWhen you visit a farm show the first question I hear asked is, “What’s new?” In the Ag Leader Technology exhibit at the Farm Progress Show Jess Ahrens answered that by telling me about the latest version of their SMS software. She says they’ve just released Version 9.5 which supports more monitor types including the Hemishpere and AutoFarm GPS displays.

Jess says that this allows more customers to read data into the SMS software and then make better harvest decisions. She says it’s really important for farmers to not only collect the data but pull it into a system like the SMS software so they have the information they need to maximize their yields.

Training in how to use the software is important and Jess says Ag Leader Technology offers support and training sessions around the country that growers can participate in.

You can listen to my interview with Jess below:

Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Precision.AgWired.com coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by: Ag Leader Technology.

Deere Adds New AutoTrac Guidance Products

Kurt LawtonCompany Announcement, Displays, Equipment, GPS, Guidance, John Deere

John Deere’s machine guidance portfolio expands by two products, which can also be used on select non-John Deere platforms.

New AutoTrac Controller expands its AutoTrac SF1, SF2 and RTK compatibility on more vehicles such as select Case IH Magnum and MX Series tractors. AutoTrac Controller provides similar performance levels to competitive systems and enhanced performance compared to our current AutoTrac Universal (ATU) system,” says Mark Theuerkauf, factory-marketing manager for John Deere Ag Management Solutions.

Combine guidance for older John Deere combines and non-John Deere machines and corn heads is now possible with the new AutoTrac RowSense Universal. Theuerkauf says this unique guidance system expands on our current offering of AutoTrac RowSense as it similarly utilizes both GPS-based and mechanical-feeler data to accurately guide the combine on the corn row; however it now supports a more universal appeal. This system reduces operator fatigue and allows operators to more efficiently harvest downed corn or harvest in curve pass conditions while it helps the machine operate at peak efficiency throughout the day.

“For customers who grow corn and operate the AutoTrac Universal Steering Kit on John Deere and non-John Deere combines – this is the system you most definitely want. And, if you harvest corn in varying crop conditions, or on varying terrain, AutoTrac RowSense Universal has shown to boost productivity. Plus, you get a higher return on your investment by being able to utilize AutoTrac throughout the growing season,” explains Theuerkauf.