Top technology innovation awards were recently announced by an expert commission of the German Agricultural Society that organizes the largest international farm show, Agritechnica. Of the 300 innovations submitted, the committee selected five Gold Medals and 28 innovations for Silver Medals. Gold Medal winners include forage harvesting auto fill from Claas and New Holland, a Claas interactive combine-setting assistant for … Read More
Data Analysis Using Precision Farming Software
As harvest begins cranking up across the Midwest, growers are headed to the field with a combine and yield monitor that’s primed and ready to capture another year of valuable data. And this process often sets their minds to thinking about how they’ll use this data during the winter months ahead. Napoleon, Ohio grower Todd Hesterman consults with other farmers … Read More
Variable Rate Precision Farming — The Next Big Thing
My friend and former colleague, Farm Industry News senior editor Jodie Wehrspann, pegs variable-rate (VR) technology as the biggest overlooked story in precision agriculture in a recent piece she wrote. I couldn’t agree with her more. I’ve written many stories of progressive farmers who have been using this VR technology for years, and are making it pay, while learning its … Read More
Precision Ag Testing Of Biomass Crops
Biomass crops slated for ethanol production are gaining research dollars as scientists use precision agriculture remote sensing to study the issues and logistics of getting crops from field production to the biorefinery gate. A lot has to happen to a plant from the time it first captures sunlight in a field to being dispensed as fuel at the pump. For … Read More
Free Satellite Images Help Spot Field Problems
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, … Read More
Precision Farming: How To Grow Your Technology
As 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 … Read More
Trimble Adds Modem To Enhance RTK Signal
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 … Read More
Farm Program Pays For Smart Nitrogen
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
Prep Your Yield Monitor Webinar Tomorrow
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 … Read More
Farmer Uses Insight To Start Precision Farming
Young 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. “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. … Read More