Computers and software are an essential element in a grower’s toolbox to achieve greater efficiency. Without advanced software, the coming explosion of variable-rate prescriptions and precise field management zones will not be possible. Even if you are not a power user of software yourself, it’s nice to know that those suppliers creating maps and prescriptions for your fields have the … Read More
New SeedStar Planter Monitor System From Deere
“Everything that customers said they wanted in a fully integrated monitoring system for planting operations went into the SeedStar XP system,” says Chris Savener, project manager, planters, for John Deere Seeding. “This includes an easy-to-read, at-a-glance screen with seed skip information and data on row-unit ride dynamics, which are critical to monitoring and maintaining overall planter performance at the row-unit … Read More
Of Farm Shows and Educating Consumers
As a agricultural journalist originally from a rural Iowa family farm, who now lives in suburbia close to Minneapolis, I’m always educating urban friends about farming and correcting their misconceptions. To this end, I applaud anyone in agriculture who takes time to listen and understand consumer thoughts and feelings–without getting defensive about farming practices. If you want to learn good … Read More
Plant Leaves Switch Irrigation On and Off
A system that turns irrigation water on and off automatically based on leaf temperature is being developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) soil scientist Steven Evett and colleagues in Texas. Evett, a soil scientist at Bushland, Texas, and cooperators are developing time-temperature threshold (TTT) technology that is based in part on a discovery by Evett’s colleagues at Lubbock, Texas, that … Read More
North Dakota Precision Ag Field Days Next Week
The North Dakota State University Extension Service has scheduled Precision Agriculture Expos in conjunction with the NDSU Research Extension Center Field Day tours on July 12 at Casselton and July 14 at Dickinson. The expos will include educational presentations, exhibits, field demonstrations, ride and drive demonstrations and user sharing sessions. Precision agriculture includes management practices that allow farmers to be … Read More
ParaDyme Offers Year-Round Benefits
Anytime I hear a grower mention best corn planting in 38 years, my ears perk up and the brain wonders why? Then you hear corn seed savings of 45 bags of seed, or $9,900. Wow. I’m beginning to understand this best year deal. Franksville, WI, grower Mike Borzynski attributes his personal best in the field due to his investment in … Read More
TeeJet Updates Matrix Guidance System
TeeJet launched its Matrix Guidance System with RealView Guidance Over Video earlier this year, and now it offers a software update, v1.04. The features being released are fully tested and bring significant improvement to the performance of this product. Updates include: Improved touch screen response Split Screen option is available in RealView Guidance mode on the Matrix 570G Improved touch … Read More
More Agriculture Crop Scientists Needed
Job opportunities in crop sciences are booming. Why? More than half of all crop scientists in industry and in government jobs will retire over the next decade. A recent report by Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture predicts more than 54,000 agriculture-related job openings annually between 2010 and 2015. “There isn’t a … Read More
Continue Your Precision Farming Equipment Knowledge
Almost every farmer I’ve interviewed about their precision agriculture investment over the years talks about technology complexity and the HUGE value they place on their retailer’s expertise. To that end, I like to hear about companies and their retailers continually offering product and software training to customers. Starting next week and running all summer, dealers for Ag Leader Technology will … Read More
Learn How To Tell Your Story To Consumers
Making your farm more efficient, more profitable, more sustainable are all critical precision goals. But what about your ultimate customer, the consumer? Do they believe you are as precise with your fertilizer, manure, herbicides, animal care as you believe you are? In this age of rural and consumer disconnect, isn’t communications with your ultimate customers just as important on your … Read More