A California-based precise positioning products maker is buying a pioneer in the use of ultrasonic sensing in the agricultural industry. Topcon Positioning Group has acquired NORAC Systems International in a move that looks to build efficiencies in the precision field. “For more than 40 years NORAC has created innovative solutions to improve efficiency on the farm. Its automated boom height … Read More
Grand Opening for John Deere Museum on June 13
It opened its doors last December, but next month, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum will celebrate its official grand opening. This company news release says the museum in Waterloo, Iowa, will have various activities including a ribbon cutting ceremony, demonstrations, food vendors and a temporary outdoor display of more than 60 tractors Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. … Read More
Monsanto Herbicides for Soybean, Cotton Approved
Governmental approval of some Monsanto herbicides will give cotton and soybean growers some important new tools for weed management. This news release from the company says the new, first-of-its-kind option in 2016 comes in the form of Warrant Ultra Herbicide, a premix of acetochlor and fomesafen approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month. Warrant® Herbicide – with … Read More
USFRA to Talk Water During Toledo Food Dialogues
Last year’s toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio, that left half a million people without clean water, underscored the delicate balance that exists between farming and drinking supplies. So it’s no wonder the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) chose Toldeo as the site for the next Food Dialogues on Thursday, May 28, starting at 9 a.m. … Read More
St. Louis Fed: Farm Income, Land Values Down
A new report says farm incomes and land values continue their downward slide in the Midwest and Mid-South, and those trends are expected to continue. In its first quarter of 2015 survey, the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis blames the slump on declining grain prices worldwide. Bankers noted a continued decline in farm income compared with the same period … Read More
USDA Debuts ‘Hope in Healthy Soil’ Ad
A new 90-second ad on YouTube looks to bring new respect and admiration for the soil beneath our feet. As part of its “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil” campaign, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a new, 90-second public service announcement that encapsulates “The hope in healthy soil.” According to Ron Nichols, the campaign’s communications coordinator, the … Read More
Conservation Compliance Deadline June 1
Farmers are being reminded the deadline is near to certify their conservation compliance. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the new Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible or to … Read More
National Ag Leaders Elected to AFT Board
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) has elected a pair of nationally recognized leaders of agriculture to its board. This news release from the group says Jim Moseley and Greg Watson will join the board this fall. John Hardin, vice chair of the AFT board said, “Jim Moseley and Greg Watson bring a wealth of agriculture and conservation experience, expertise and … Read More
Corn Planting Almost Done, Long Summer Ahead
Corn planting is almost done, well ahead of schedule, but there’s a long summer ahead for farmers. This news release from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says planting progress advanced 10 more points since the previous week to a total of 85 percent planted, but NCGA offered cautious optimism with the report. “Despite some areas where persistent rains have … Read More
New Nutrient Management Certification Offered
A new nutrient management certification has been offered. The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) program announced the new specialty certification in 4R Nutrient Management Planning (NMP). Environmental and resource management concerns require farmers have access to advanced knowledge in improved water quality and environmental stewardship. The ICCA Program 4R Nutrient Management Planning (4R … Read More